Melville W. REW, deceased, was born in Friendship, New York, February 26, 1836, son of Orris and Eunice (CORBIN) REW. He was reared and educated in his native town, completing his education at the academy. In 1854 he settled in Minnesota, where he engaged in farming, teaching and lumbering. In 1862-63 he served in a Minnesota regiment during the Sioux war. In 1863 he moved to Macoupin County, Illinois, and thence in 1869 to Wayne County, Iowa. He bought 320 acres of land and built a part of what is now the family residence, which was completed in 1878. The large and convenient basement barn was built in 1879. His farm increased to 640 acres, but eighty-acres have been sold since his death. He was a thriving, progressive farmer and became one of Union Township's most prosperous citizens. He died November 20, 1882, leaving a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn with his family the loss of a public-spirited and enterprising citizen. He was an earnest member of the Congregational church and a strong advocate of temperance. In politics he was a Republican with Greenback tendencies. He was married in 1867 to Clara E. WHIPPLE, a native of Macoupin County, Illinois, daughter of Josiah and Almira WHIPPLE. To them were born three children Myra, Jennie, and Albert.
Extracted 1998 by Linda R F Arnold from Biographical and Historical Record of Wayne and Appanoose Counties, Iowa, Interstate Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago. 1886; [Wayne County, Iowa] Biographical Sketches, pages 345-346.
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