Washington Post Gives Account of Muscatine Man

MEGREW, CROW

Posted By: Judy Kelley, volunteer (email)
Date: 8/28/2010 at 17:49:09

An interesting article appeared in a copy of the Washington (D.C.) Post of recent date regarding Capt. John W. Megrew of the police force of that city, which will be of considerable interest to people of this vicinity, as Capt. Megrew is an Iowa boy. He is a brother of Mrs. H.A. Crow, of South Muscatine and a son of the late Rev. Megrew, of Lettsville. It said in part, "Since the present captain of the force, John W. Megrew began his term a little over two years ago, a number of innovations have been introduced in the methods of patrolling the buildings and in the general conduct of the service. Capt. Megrew is a native of Ohio, middle aged and strikingly military in appearance. He served in the civil war as a captain, and prior to his arrival in Washington was commandant of the Soldier's home at Lafayette, Ind. Naturally imbued with military ideas and methods, he reorganized the police force on a soldierly basis. The uniforms were changed within a coparatively short time after he succeeded to the office. Formerly the men wore long Prince Albert coats, covered with large brass buttons. These were exceedingly distasteful to the men and they often declared that they felt like English lackeys. The change to the present "regulation army frock coats," as they are described officially, entirely devoid of any trimmings, was hailed with delight. The uniforms are dark navy blue, natty and snug fitting. A handsome overcoat, like that used in the regular army, and a small visored cap complete the sartorial outfit."