By: Mark Holtsberry
Rex McGaw was born June 19, 1896 in Paulding County. The son of Edward Calender McGaw, born June 4, 1874 in Paulding, and Emma J. (Dixon) McGaw born July 30, 1878 in Galena, Delaware County, Ohio.
This couple was married September 7, 1893 in Paulding. By 1900, the McGaw family was living in Paulding on Main Street, Edward was a painter. The family consisted of Edward, Emma, son Rex and a daughter named Helen Vernus, who was born in March of 1900, mother in law, Rhoda Dixon was also living with them. Rex quit school to go to work to help the family. By 1910, the family had moved to 820 West Perry Street in Paulding. The family had added a son Gerald, born August 10, 1902. Also a daughter, Thelma born in 1904. Edward was working as a printer. The family also had Rhoda still living with them.
On June 15, 1917, Rex joined the Company B. 2nd Ohio National Guard out of Paulding, which was known as Company I. 145th Infantry United States Army. Rex was listed as a printer, 5’5″ tall, auburn hair, blue eyes, light complexion, excellent character. He served as a private until November 19, 1917. He was promoted to serve in the machine gun company. He served until May 1, 1918, where he was reassigned to serve with Company G. 145th Infantry until June 5, 1918 where Rex was reassigned to serve with Ordinance Department Supply Company.
On June 15, 1918, Rex boarded the ship, “Leviathen”, from Hoboken, New Jersey and set sail for France. He served until March 27, 1919. Rex was honorably discharged April 22, 1919. He served in the Meuse-Argonne and Ypres-Lys defensive sectors.
By 1920, Rex had come back to live on 820 West Perry Street in Paulding. He was living with his parents, brother and sisters and grandmother. He picked up a job working at the sugar beet factory. Rex met and married a gal named, Anna Shinabery. She was born in Latty, Ohio May 27, 1898. She was the daughter of Samuel Shinabery and Maud (Raenbert) Shinabery.
By 1930, Rex and Anna had moved to 924 National Avenue, Toledo, Ohio. Rex was working as a printer. On December 12, 1934, Rex’s mother, Emma, passed away. She was buried in Live Oak Cemetery. By 1940 Rex and Anna were still living at 924 National Avenue in Toledo.
On December 1, 1940, Rex lost his wife Anna. She was brought back to Paulding County and was buried in Middle Creek Cemetery. On May 14, 1942, while still living in Toledo, Rex passed away. He was brought back to Paulding County. He was buried in Live Oak Cemetery with services, conducted Sunday at 9:00 a.m. December 14, by Rando Beatty, a World War One Veteran and Chaplain of the local George H. Morris American Legion Post. Rex and Anna had no children.
… Until Then!
