I began this genealogy journey in February 2012, more than fourteen years ago. It has been a treasure hunt, an addictive pursuit of one clue after another. Research provides hard facts, but it misses much of the color of life, the things that were never written down. It is frustrating to look at photos of ancestors with no names attached and wonder who they were. Fortunately, my father-in-law Robert McWard, Georgie Pate, Ellen McWard, and Gin Mathis generously shared their memories, photos, and stories, and they allowed me to paint a far fuller picture than I could have managed alone.
There will always be more story to tell, but I had to start somewhere. I suspect I will update the book someday as I continue to uncover new information.
I hope you enjoy this brief history of the McWard family.
Darren Petrie
October 2026