Horace McEwen
Horace McEwen, farmer, P. O. Centerville. Horace McEwen, son of Robert G. and Elizabeth McEwen, was born March 7, 1840, on a farm three quarters of a mile south of Centerville; has always lived on a farm and in his native township. His boyhood was all spent with his parents on the farm which was carried out extensively by his father. Horace was married March, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth E. Norris; from this union have been born two sons and one daughter. Mrs. McEwen was born in Centerville, Ohio, February 14, 1848. After marriage, the moved onto the McEwen homestead, and have continued to reside there ever since. Horace is now the owner of ninety-three acres of the farm as a legacy, with the exception of about $2,000.
Received his education in the common district school. Robert G. McEwen, born in Williamsport, Penn., January 25, 1806; came with his parents to Centerville, Montgomery Co., Ohio, about the fall of 1817; he then had more of an education than the majority of boys at that time, yet he was kept in the neighborhood schools as long as it was thought he could be advance any. About this time Noah and Aun Leeds, of Philadelphia, moved to Springboro, Warren Co., Ohio, and opened a select school. The principals being fine scholars, they prepared their pupils for college. Robert was one of their scholars, and, after attending the school awhile, was sent to Oxford College, where he finished up his education. Losing his father about this time, he went into the harness and saddle shop with his brother, William, who also died pretty soon. The family was then reduced to three in number, viz., the mother, one sister and Robert. Notwithstanding he had received a liberal education, more than was then given boys, unless they were intended for some of the learned professions, he made choice of manual labor for his profession, or, as he used to call himself, a plow boy. He pretty soon started a team on the road, doing considerable amount of hauling; it proving more profitable than the shop, he closed it up, purchased another team and went driving it himself; he was prosperous. His first trade for real estate he turned two calves in as part payment. In his real estate transactions, was very successful; he sued to say it was his intention to leave a farm to each of his children; at his death, he owned 440 acres of land. In his farming operations he kept things moving; his boys were not allowed to go fishing every Saturday. He delighted in dealing in stock, always had some on hand for sale or trade, and, if a bargain was offered, he was prepared to buy. He serve some time as Township Clerk. In 1838, was elected County Assessor; filled that office one term. In 1859, was elected to the Legislature, served one term, and declined a re-nomination. In the Military Peace Establishment, he rose from the ranks to a Lieutenancy, then Captain, then Adjutant of the regiment, which office he held at the final break-up of militia training. In early life he took quite an interest in debating societies, which were formed in almost every school district; this early habit lasted him through life. In manhood after doing a hard day’s work teaming, he would ride any reasonable distance to participate in a debate. Blessed with a good memory, he retained his reading. Was Jacksonian Democrat an quite a politician. Married February 28, 1833, to Miss Elizabeth Morris. Died September 2, 1877.
From History of Montgomery County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1882