- JAMES McEWAN, who is now living a retired life in Milton,
is a native of Scotland, born at
- Comrie, Perthshire, May 8, 1823, and is the fourth son of
William and Elizabeth (DOW) McEWAN. His education was received
in the parish schools of his native land. In June 1838, in company
with his mother, four sisters and his brother, William, he left
Scotland for the new world. They sailed from Greenock in the
"Lady of the Lake," commanded by Capt. MUNN, and after
a journey of seven weeks and four days landed at New York. Thence
they came by rail, canal and the chain of great lakes to Milwaukee,
the trip occupying about ten days. At Milwaukee they were met
by his brother Peter, who conveyed them to their new home with
an ox team, over new and rough roads, a part of which was corduroy.
The journey was somewhat tedious, and a delay of several hours
was caused on the way by the breaking of the wagon, and while
the repairs were being made our subject and some other members
of the family regaled themselves on blackberries picked by the
wayside. They arrived at Milton Sept. 11. For a short time
after his arrival he worked at farming and then went to Milwaukee
and engaged at carpentering, and remained there four years, but
continued in that business for about twenty years in all. In
1853 he purchased 160 acres of land from his brother Peter, and
improved it from time to time and since that time has been more
or less interested in farming in connection with his various
other pursuits.
- On the 20th of Oct. 1861, Mr. McEWAN was united in marriage
with Miss Elizabeth McEWAN
- who was also a native of Scotland. By this marriage he has
a daughter, Mary B., who is a graduate of Milton College, and
is now a successful teacher at Waupun.
- In 1866 Mr. McEWAN engaged in merchandising and kept a general
store for about thirteen
- years during which time he was successful. Since retiring
from mercantile pursuits, he has not been idle, but spends his
time looking after his landed interests, and his village property,
for though possessing a comfortable competency, he is one of
those men who believes "it is better to rust out than to
wear out."
- On the 13th day of August, 1878, Mr. McEWAN was called upon
to mourn the loss of his wife.
- He was again married Nov. 16, 1881, becoming the husband
of Miss Margaret YOUNG, who is a native of Shetland. After arriving
at maturity he became a supporter of the Democratic party, but
subsequently joined the Free Soil party. His natural love of
liberty made him an opponent of the institution of slavery and
on the formation of the Republican party he supported its policy.
He is rather independent in politics, preferring to support
the best men regardless of party. He has never been an aspirant
for public office, though he has filled various local positions
of trust. He has taken a commendable interest in educational
affairs, and all matters pertaining to the public good. He is
an adherent of the Congregational Church, and contributes to
its support. He is a quiet, unassuming man who is universally
respected in the community where his home has been for upwards
of half a century.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 996-997.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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