Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1891
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 697
JOHN W. MCVEY

John W. MCVEY, of St. John's Township, ranks among the pioneers of 1857. He first looked upon this fair domain that year and in the autumn effected a settlement where he now lives, section 2, township 78, range 44.

Mr. McVey was born March 7, 1829, in Fayette County, W. Va. He is the son of Alexander and Jane (MOREHEAD) McVey, who were natives of West Virginia, and of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was a farmer, and also master of the tanner's trade. He died in 1868. His wife died in 1875. In 1852, Mr. McVey came to Stark County, Ill., remained one year, then returned to Virginia and was married. He remained four years, and then came to Harrison County. His early education was received at the common schools of West Virginia. In his father's family there were four sisters and three brothers, all now (1891) deceased but one sister and one brother, who still reside in Fayette County, W. Va.

Our subject was united in marriage June 26, 1854, in Fayette County, W. Va., to Miss Roxana ERVIN, who was a native of Monroe County, W. Va. She is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (MOREHEAD) ERVIN. As a result of their union, ten children were born, five of whom still survive. Elizabeth J., wife of Orlando SHINN, a resident of Calhoun Township; J. A. McVey, of the same township; Rosana, at home; Mary A., wife of Amos NORTON, of Wichita County, Kan.; Charles H., assisting his father at home.

Mrs. McVey is a member of the Christian church. Politically, our subject affiliates with the Democratic party, and has held the office of Road Supervisor and school director for several years. He started out in life to battle for himself, when twenty-two years of age. He had to borrow money with which to come West. From the original one hundred and thirty-two acres of wild land which was his first purchase, he has year by year made improvements and added thereto, until he now has a most excellent farm home of two hundred and sixty-eight acres, with an orchard of twenty acres, three-fourths of which is in bearing trees. His town property consists of three lots, two of which at this time rent for $6 and $10 per month. All in all, the man whose name heads this notice may count life a success.

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