The family tree for the McGrew Family of Preston County, West Virginia - descendants of John McGrew of Pennsylvania

Our McGrew ancestor is Jane McGrew who married Rev. Samuel Grady Trowbridge. His genealogy is covered in the Trowbridge family and Westfall family pages on our website. All source records found on-line, Pennsylvania State Archives (land warrant and surveys), on-line databases of Ancestry.com (census records) and Familysearch.org (James McGrew service record). For all published souces without original documented sources see our source page.

GENERATION 1

1.

John "Ian" MCGREW was born Bet. 1720–1730 in Scotland or Ireland and may have died between February 1775 and May 1786 in Cumberland and York County, Pennsylvania.  The date of his death is an assumption based on a land survey for John McGrew "in right of warrant of John McGrew the Elder deceased" surveyed on May 11, 1786 in York County, Pennsylvania. Below is a list of Pennsylvania land records pertaining to John McGrew in Lancaster, York and Cumberland counties.

The records below are the only land records I have located that refer to McGrew men in the relevent areas of Pennsylvania. Keep in mind these records may not refer to John, father of Patrick, or closely related family members.

1. Warrant on October 19, 1741 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (273 acres surveyed 11 May 1786 in right of John McGrew the Elder, deceased).

2. Warrant on February 24, 1742 in Tyrone Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (from survey of 329 acres dated April 29, 1742). Survey on April 29, 1742 in Tyrone Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (surveyed for John McGrew 329 acres).

3. Warrant on February 13, 1775 in West Pennsboro, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, USA (Archibald McGrew, 178 acres adjoining his other land).

4. Survey on April 02, 1788 in West Pennsboro, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, USA (Archibald McGrew survey adjoining land of John McGrew).

Only known child of John MCGREW:

2. i. PATRICK MCGREW born about 1751 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He died November 1829 in Preston County, (West) Virginia; Burial 1829 in Preston County, Virginia (McGrew Cemetery on McGrew family farm)

 

GENERATION 2

2.

1. Assesment [tax] List 1779 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania (Supply Rates for the County of Cumberland).

2. Assesment [tas] List 1780 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania (Patrick McGrew blacksmith).

3. August 22, 1780, inactive Cumberland County, Pennsylvania militia, Col. Samuel Erwin and Capt. Jas. McCurdy's 3rd Bat., 6th Co., 5th Class.

4. Tax List 1782 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, taxed on 1 horse and 2 cows.

5. 1810 U.S. Census, Monongalia County, Virginia, page 23 (same page as Jas. McGrew)

6. 1820 U.S. Census, Preston County, Virginia, page 237 (Same page as Jas. McGrew).

Children of Patrick McGrew and Martha WELSH:

3. i. Colonel James MCGREW born on January 10, 1779 in Pennsylvania, died May 19, 1873 in Preston County, West Virginia.
__ ii. Alice MCGREW BRANDON, born in 1780.
__ iii. Patrick MCGREW, born Abt. 1782, removed from Pennsylvania to Illinois.
__ iv. Samuel MCGREW, born Abt. 1784, removed from Virginia to Ohio.
__ v. Squire MCGREW, born Abt. 1786 in Preston County, Virginia.
__ vi. Jane MCGREW WOODS, born in 1789.
__ vii. Anne MCGREW JOHNSON, born Abt. 1791.
__ viii. Robert MCGREW, born Abt. 1793, removed from Virginia to Ohio.
__ ix. John F. MCGREW, born Abt. 1795, removed from Virginia to Indiana.

 

GENERATION 3

3.

Census and military records from Ancestry.com and Familysearch.org, originals in the National Archives Records Administration, Washington, D.C.

1. Colonel in 104th Virginia Regiment during and for some years after the War of 1812. Service mostly in the Northwest Territories (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois).

2. United States Register of Enlistments in The U.S. Army 1798-1914, Col., 104th Regiment of Virginia Militia, March 1813, (Familysearch.org; NARA Series M233, Roll 9, page 78).

3. 1820 Census, Preston County, Virginia (pg. 23, Same page as Patrick McGrew).

4. 1830 Census, Preston County, Virginia (pg. 17).

5. 1840 Census, Preston County, Virginia (pg. 215).

6. 1850 Census, Preston County, Va. 45th Dist., pg. 476, also in the household is son Isaac and his family.

7. 1860 Census, Preston County, Virginia, Dist. 1, pg. 23; Dist. 1, P.O. Brandonville.

8. Preston County Journal, May 24, 1873, Obituary, "Died. Col Jas. McGrew an aged and respected citizen of Preston county, died at his residence near Brandonville, last Monday, in his 95th year. He was the father of Hon. J.C. McGrew of this town.

Children of Colonel James MCGREW and Isabella CLARK (nine children):

__ i. John MCGREW, born 1803 in Virginia.

4. ii Jane MCGREW TROWBRIDGE, born on April 02, 1805 in Brandonville, Preston County, Virginia and died on October 30, 1883 in Cecil, West Virginia.

5. iii. Isaac M. MCGREW, born abt. 1808 in Virginia and died 1885.

__ iv. Thirza MCGREW SPURGEON, born abt. 1809 and died in 1888.

__ v. Clark MCGREW, born Abt. 1811. Date of death unknown.

6. vi. James Clark MCGREW, born on September 14, 1813 in Brandonville, Preston County, (West) Virginia and died on September 18, 1910 in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia.

__ vii. Isabella MCGREW FORQUER, born abt. 1815.

__ viii. Martha MCGREW SCOTT, born abt. 1817.

__ ix. Samuel MCGREW, born abt. 1821 and died abt. 1885 in California; graduate of Virginia Military Institute.

GENERATION 4

4.

1. 1850 Census, Preston County, Virginia, Dist. 45, pg. 357, Samuel and Jane Trowbridge

2. 1860 Census, Preston County, Virginia, Dist. 8, pg. 334 Samuel G. Trowbridge household.

Children of Samuel TROWBRIDGE and Jane MCGREW (see Trowbridge Family):

__ i. James McGrew TROWBRIDGE, born on January 24, 1826 in Kingwood, Preston Co., Virginia; m. Sarah Ann SNIDER on November 18, 1850 in Fayette Co., Pa. They had 11 children. He died on April 03, 1909 in Kingwood, Preston Co., West Virginia and she died on January 4, 1918 in Kingwood. Both are buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia.

__ ii. Mary Ann TROWBRIDGE DARBY, born on February 04, 1828 in Virginia; married Daniel Allen DARBY on February 14, 1849 [28]. Daniel Allen DARBY [39, 28, 97] was born Abt. 1824 in Virginia.

__ iii. David Boyd TROWBRIDGE, b. Jan. 15, 1830 in Kingwood, Preston Co., m. (1) 1855, in Pa. Mary Sophia SNIDER, she died 1866, m. (2) 1867, Margaret WALLS.

__ iv. Isabella TROWBRIDGE MATLICK, born on Feb. 03, 1832 in Kingwood, m. Joseph A. MATLICK

__ v. Edgar Clark TROWBRIDGE, b. June 13, 1834 in Kingwood, Preston County; m. 1866, Sadie Elizabeth ZEIM

__ vi. Minerva TROWBRIDGE, b. April 01, 1837 and died 1839.

__ vii. Martha Elizabeth TROWBRIDGE JACKSON, b. Sep. 16, 1839, Va.

__ viii. Harriet Virginia TROWBRIDGE, b. Dec. 10, 1842, d. Sep. 15, 1860, Preston Co., never married.

__ ix. Susannah TROWBRIDGE, b. Dec. 07, 1846 in Preston Co., d. Sep. 07, 1850, Preston Co.

__ x. Samuel Henry TROWBRIDGE, b. Apr. 03, 1850, Preston Co. and d. April 18, 1857, Preston Co.

5.

1. 1850 Census, 45th Dist., Preston Co., Virginia, 3 Dec. 1850, pg. 476; dwelling 1659, James McGrew household.

2. 1860 Census, Dist. 1, Preston Co., Virginia, pg. 23; P.O. Brandonville; dwelling 149, families 153, 154, James, Isaac McGrew.

Children of Isaac MCGREW and Margaret FORQUER:

__ i. John F. MCGREW, born 1845 in Virginia.

__ ii. James MCGREW, born 1846 in Virginia.

__ iii. Edward C. MCGREW, born 1848 in Virginia.

12. iv. Samuel MCGREW, born Abt. 1851 in Virginia.

__ v. Laura V. MCGREW, born Abt. 1854 in Preston County, Virginia.

__ vi. Isaac E. MCGREW, born Abt. 1855 in Preston County, Virginia.

6.

1. 1850 U.S. Census, 45th District, Preston County, Virginia (pg. 338)

2. 1860 U.S. Census Kingwood, Preston County, Virginia (pg. 4; age 46, Merchant).

3. 1861 delegate to the Virginia secession convention in 1861 in Richmond; voted against secession)

4. 1863-1865 Mayor of Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia.

5. 1863-1865 member of the West Virginia house of delegates from Preston County.

6. Served between 1869-73 as director of the West Virginia hospital for the insane, Weston, Lewis County, West Virginia.

7. Elected as Congressman from Preston County, West Virginia as a Republican to 41st, 42nd U.S. Congresses 1869-1873.

8. Elected mayor of Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia for the second time 1879-1880.

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress; "James Clark McGrew, Representative, elected 4 Mar 1869, West Virginia a Representative from West Virginia; born near Brandonville, Monongalia County, Va. (now West Virginia), September 14, 1813; attended the common schools; engaged in mercantile pursuits and banking; delegate to the Virginia secession convention in 1861 and voted against secession; mayor of Kingwood, Preston County, Va. (now West Virginia), 1863-1865; member of the West Virginia house of delegates 1863-1865; managing director of the West Virginia Insane Hospital for four years; elected as a Republican to the Forty-first and Forty-second Congresses (March 4, 1869-March 3, 1873); chairman, Committee on Mileage (Forty-second Congress); declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1872; again mayor of Kingwood in 1879 and 1880; resumed banking in Kingwood, W.Va., from 1886 until his death in Kingwood, W.Va., September 18, 1910; interment in Maplewood Cemetery."

The Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans: Volume VII, M. McGuffey, William Holmes; "McGREW, James Clark, representative, was born in Monongalia county, Virginia, Sept. 14, 1813; son of James and Isabella (Clark) McGrew; grandson of Patrick McGrew, and great-grandson of Ian (John) McGrew, a Highland Scotchman. He was brought up on his father's farm, received a practical English education, and in 1833 engaged in merchandising, which he followed successfully until the civil war began. He was a delegate to the Virginia convention which met in the city of Richmond in February, 1861, and was one of the "fifty-five" who voted against the ordinance of secession passed by that body. With eleven other delegates from western Virginia he was expelled from the convention for his active opposition to secession. He was active in organizing the new state of West Virginia, and was a member of its legislature, 1863-65.  He engaged in banking in Kingwood in 1865, and was a representative from West Virginia in the 41st and 42d congresses, 1869-73; a director of the West Virginia hospital for the insane, 1863-70, and one of the trustees of the Ohio Wesleyan university for a number of years. He was sent as a lay delegate to the First Methodist OEcumenical conference, which met in London, England, in September. 1881.

The History of West Virginia, Old and New, Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc.Chicago and New York, Volume 11, Monongalia Co. WV, pg. 173; "James Clark McGrew, son of Col. James and Isabella (Clark) McGrew, was born September 14,1813, near Brandonville. He began his business life at Kingwood, Preston County, as clerk in a general store, afterward becoming a successful merchant and prominent and influential man of his community. He was a delegate to the Virginia State Convention in 1861, in which body hevigorously opposed the ordinance of secession, and was one of the little band of about twenty men whose opposition to secession resulted ultimately in the erection of the new State of West Virginia. He served as a member of the house of Delegates of the first Legislature of West Virginia and later was elected a member of and served in the Forty-first and Forty-second sessions of the federal congress, but declined a renomination. He served as director of the West Virginia State Hospital for the Insane, and was one of the organizers and the first president of the National Bank of Kingwood, being likewise a trustee of the Ohio Wesleyan University. Mr. McGrew was an earnest Methodist and was a delegate to the Methodist Ecumenical Conference held at London, England, in 1881. In that and the following year he traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and Africa. In 1841 he married Persis Hagans, daughter of the Hon Harrison Hagans of Brandonville, West Virginia."

The Washington Post, Washington D.C., September 18, 1910, Special to The Washington Post; JAMES C. MCGREW IS DEAD - Oldest ex-Representative Sucumbs at 97 in Kingwood, W.Va. "Kingwood, W. Va. , Sept. 18 - Former Representative James C. McGrew died at his home, The Pines, here today. He was the oldest living former representative, having served from 1868 to 1872. He celebrated his ninety-seventh anniversary last Wednesday, September 14. Surviving children are Dr. J. H. McGrew [Geo. H.], rector of Grace P.E. Church, Silver Spring, Md.; Maj. W. C. McGrew of Morgantown, W. Va., and Mrs. Francis Heermans. The funeral will be held here Tuesday afternoon. Mr. McGrew took a prominent part in the separation of West Virginia from the Old Dominion, being a member of the Virginia assembly at the time."

Children of James Clark MCGREW and Persis HAGANS:

13. i. William Clark MCGREW, b. April 21, 1842 in Kingwood.

__ ii. Sarah (Francis) M. MCGREW, b. abt. 1844 in Virginia; m. Mr. Heermans

14. iii. George Harrison MCGREW, b. 1846 in Preston Co. and died 1917 in Preston Co., buried in Maplewood Cemetery, Kingwood.

GENERATION 5

12.

1. 1860 Census, Brandonville, Preston County, Virginia (age 9, household of Isaac McGrew)

2. PRESTON COUNTY West Virginia HISTORY (1979), BY JEANNE McGREW, "Col. James McGrew married Isabella Clark. During his later years the homeplace near Brandonville was deeded to his son Isaac. Isaac and his wife, Margaret Forquar, continued their lives here rearing seven children. Their only son to remain at home, Samuel, was next in line for the McGrew farm. Samuel married Sadie Neiman and in the late 1800’s built another home on the property. It is the one still existing today. Samuel and Sadie’s children were: Ernest, James, Warren and twins Russell and Edith (Mrs. Myron Speelman of Bruceton Mills). Samuel deeded the homeplace to son Warren with whom he spent his later years. Warren married Althea Haines and had four children. The family resided at the farm and homes in Morgantown. Their children were: James Samuel, W. Ray, Dorothy and Marjorie. None of these families live in the Brandonville area now, except for Jim, who resides on the old homeplace. After being away for 31 years, he moved his family back to the farm to take care of his elderly father. Jim and his wife, Jeanne, have four children: Carolyn Diane, James Jr., Sandra Kay, and Mark Patrick. The farm that the Jim McGrews have now has been in the McGrew name since Patrick acquired the land under a patent, dated 1786."

Chilldren of Samuel MCGREW and Sadie NEIMAN MCGREW:

__ i. Ernest MCGREW

__ ii. James MCGREW

28. iii. Warren MCGREW

__ iv. Russell MCGREW

__ v. Edith MCGREW SPEELMAN

13.

The History of West Virginia, Old and New Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, Volume 11 pg. 173, Monongalia Co. WV. Hon. William Clark McGrew, son of James Clark and Persis (Hagans) McGrew, was born at Kingwood, Preston County, April 21, 1842, and was educated in select schools and at Preston Academy. He was engaged in the mercantile business at Kingwood from 1862 to 1870, and in the latter year removed to Morgantown, where he made his home until 1919. He was for many years prominent in the affairs of this part of West Virginia, and was frequently honored by election to political positions. He served five full terms as mayor of the City of Morgantown, and in 1878 and 1882 was sent as senator from the Eleventh District to the State Legislature. He was frequently called upon to preside over the deliberations of that body, and served as a member of various important committees. In 1907 he was elected a member of the House of Delegates. He also was active in the building of the Fairmont, Morgantown & Pittsburgh Railway, of which he was vice president and for fifteen years its agent at Morgantown; and was one of the organizers of the Economy Glass Company, and served as its treasure, vice president and president through a long term of years. In fact, Mr. McGrew was closely identified with about every phase of the civic and business advancement of Morgantown for many years, and probably no other man did more for the development of that part of West Virginia. In 1864 he was united in marriage with Julia E. Willey, daughter of Hon. Waitman T. and Elizabeth E. (Ray) Willey. Mr. Willey was the first man sent to the United States Senate from West Virginia. William Clark McGrew died in 1919."

1860 Census, Dist. No. 6, Kingwood, Preston Co., Virginia, pg. 4; dwelling 1149, family 1150
James C. Mcgrew, age 46, M, Merchant, born Va.
Percis H. age 39, F, born ?
William C. age 18, M, Store Clerk born Va.
Sarah M. age 16, F, born Va.
George H. age 14, M, born Va

Child of William Clark MCGREW and Julia E. WILLEY:

__ i. James H. MCGREW, born on October 31, 1873 in Morgantown, Monongalia, West Virginia

The History of West Virginia, Old and New Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc. Chicago and New York, Volume 11, pg. 173; James H. McGrew, cashier of the Bank of Monongahela Valley and who is recognized as one of the able bankers and progressive citizens of the City of Morgantown and of that part of the State of West Virginia, has been identified with this institution since 1891. During the more than thirty years that have passed he has not only worked his way to a substantial position with this concern, but has likewise been a prominent factor in the development of some of Morgantown's leading enterprises, and has also contributed materially to its civic progress and welfare. Mr. McGrew was born at Morgantown, October 31, 1873, a son of William Clark and Julia E. (Willey) McGrew, and is descended from an old Scotch family which has been in America since prior to the War of the American Revolution and in West Virginia (then old Virginia) for over a century and a quarter... James H. McGrew was educated in the Morgantown public schools and at the University of West Virginia, and in 1891 entered the Bank of the Monongahela Valley as a clerk, having been continuously identified with that institution as boy and man for more than thirty years. He was made teller in 1893 and later promoted to assistant cashier, and in 1903 was elected to his present post of cashier. Mr. McGrew is president of the Monongahela Building Company, organized for the construction of the magnificent new home of the Bank of the Monongahela Valley, which is the largest and the only "sky-scraper" business block in this section of the state. He was one of the organizers and is vice president and treasure of the Monongahelia Building and Loan Association; was one of the organizers and is president of the Sesamine Coal Company; was one of the organizers and is treasure of the Chrisman Foundry Company; was one of the organizers and is treasure of the Liberty Investment Company; was one of the organizers and is president of the Morgantown Machinery and Supply Company; was one of the organizers and is treasure of the Dellslaw Coal Company; and is one of the owners of the Union Traction Company, the successor to the Smith Morgantown Traction Company. Mr. McGrew is reciever for the Monogalia County Circuit Court. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Morgantown Lodge No. 4, F and A.M., and the Morgantown Country Club, and is an old time member of the Old Colony Club of Everywhere.

14.

1860 Census, Kingwood, Preston Co., Virginia, pg. 4; dwelling 1149, family 1150
James C. Mcgrew, age 46, M, Merchant, born Va.
Percis H. age 39, F, born ?
William C. age 18, M, Store Clerk born Va.
Sarah M. age 16, F, born Va.
George H. age 14, M, born Va.

The James Clark McGrew monument located in the Maplewood (Kingwood) cemetery is engraved on three sides with family information. The reverse side has George Harrison McGrew inscription:
"GEO. HARRISON MCGREW L.L.B., B.B.;
1846 - 1917
Son of JAMES C. AND PERSIS H. MCGREW
CHRIST'S FAITHFUL SOLDIER
AND SERVANT UNTO HIS LIFE'S END.
ANNA JULIA LORE M.D. HIS WIFE
1849-1942"

Children of George Harrison MCGREW and Anna Julia LORE (2 children)

__ i. James C. MCGREW, born on June 26, 1877 in India.

__ ii. Dallaso L. MCGREW, he born on August 20, 1881 and died on July 23, 1973 probably in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia.

GENERATION 6

28.

PRESTON COUNTY West Virginia HISTORY (1979), by Jeanne McGrew. "Samuel married Sadie Neiman and in the late 1800’s built another home on the [Col. James McGrew] property. It is the one still existing today [1979]. Samuel and Sadie’s children were: Ernest, James, Warren and twins Russell and Edith (Mrs. Myron Speelman of Bruceton Mills).   Samuel deeded the homeplace to son Warren with whom he spent his later years. Warren married Althea Haines and had four children. The family resided at the farm and homes in Morgantown. Their children were: James Samuel, W. Ray, Dorothy and Marjorie. None of these families live in the Brandonville area now, except for Jim, who resides on the old homeplace. After being away for 31 years, he moved his family back to the farm to take care of his elderly father. Jim and his wife, Jeanne, have four children: Carolyn Diane, James Jr., Sandra Kay, and Mark Patrick. The farm that the Jim McGrews have now has been in the McGrew name since Patrick acquired the land under a patent, dated 1786."

Children of Warren MCGREW and Althea HAINES:

36. i. James Samuel MCGREW

__ ii. William Ray MCGREW

__ iii. Dorothy MCGREW

__ iv. Marjorie MCGREW

GENERATION 7

36.

Children of James Samuel and JEANNE MCGREW:

__ i. Carolyn Diane MCGREW

__ ii. James MCGREW

__ iii. Sandra Kay MCGREW

__ iv. Mark Patrick MCGREW

Ronald N. Wall

Modified: 06 July 2020