Charles E. McElwee
Charles E. McElwee, who conies of an old and respected Delaware County family, is a prosperous farmer and also an undertaker, and resides in Harlem Township. He was born in this township May 14, 1869, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Haycook) McElwee, and grandson of John McElwee.
John McElwee was born in Virginia and there grew to maturity and was married. His first wife's maiden name was Orndorff, and they reared six sons and three daughters, of whom Joseph was the oldest. His second wife was Margaret Haycook and they had four daughters and one son. He came to Delaware County, Ohio, at an early age and here lived the remainder of his life. Joseph McElwee was born in Virginia and was young when his parents came to Ohio, and received his education in the schools of Harlem Township. He has always followed farming, owning a farm of 125 acres in addition to property in Centerville, and has ranked as one of the progressive men of the community for many years. He married Mary Haycook, who was born in Harlem Township and is a daughter of Amos Haycook, who was a native of New Jersey. Amos Haycook came to Harlem Township, Delaware County, at an early period and followed farming near Centerville where he owned property. This marriage resulted in the birth of two children: Charles E.; and Zora, who is the wife of Luther Johnson, an implement dealer of Westerville. Joseph McElwee is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Centerville.
Charles E. McElwee was reared. on the home farm and was educated in the common schools of Harlem Township, and a high school in Franklin County. He began farming in his youth and has always followed that occupation, and has also engaged in the undertaking business.
September 27, 1888, Mr. McElwee was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Lucy Wilcox, who was born near Richwood, Union County,September 26, 1868, and is a daughter of Martin Wilcox, who was born in this county and made his home here all his life. He was engaged in farming in Berkshire Township. He was an unusually well-informed man, having been a great traveler, visiting in many States and viewing many points of historical interest. Mr. and Mrs. McElwee have four children: William. Blanche, Charles and Lucy. All were born on the farm on which they now live. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, at present serving as master of exchequer, and has filled all the other offices, and twice he has been a delegate of the home lodge to the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and both he and wife belong to the auxiliary lodge. They are consistent members of the Christian Church.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908