Pg 208

         MATTHEW S. McGREW, one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of Louisa County, now residing on section 12, Port Louisa Township, was born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1842, and is a son of Archibald and Hester (Pifer) McGrew. In 1851, when a young lad, he came to this county with his parents, and was here reared on a farm, receiving his education in the district schools. At the age of twenty-three years he enlisted in the 184th Ohio Infantry, and served until the close of the war as a private. After his discharge he returned to Louisa County, where he engaged in farming.

In 1866 the marriage of Matthew S. McGrew and Sarah Hurst was celebrated in Louisa County. Mrs. McGrew was born in this county, and is a daughter of A. Hurst, one of the early pioneers, who is now living in Holton, Kan. The young couple began their domestic life upon a rented farm, where they lived for twelve years, but in 1878 he purchased 120 acres of land on section 12, Port . . .

Pg 209

. . . Louisa Township, where they have since resided, and now have a well-improved farm. Twelve children have been born to this worthy couple, only one of whom is dead. Grant, who died at the age of nine months: Hilton, Willis, Harry, John, Edwin, Archibald, Charles, Oliver P., Katie, Ruby and Clarence Logan, are all at home.

Mr. McGrew is one of the leading citizens of Port Louisa Township. At present he is serving his third term as Trustee, and in all public affairs takes an active part. He is well posted on both State and National questions of the day, and in politics is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, doing all in his power to advance its interest. Socially, he is a member of the G. A. R. Post.