The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Union Township, pages 727-728
Joseph M. McVey, deceased, was born Dec. 8, 1819, in Kentucky, and was a son of John and Sallie McVey. He was reared to manhood in his native State, and was there married to Miss Mary J. Bradshaw, April 8, 1846, who was a daughter of Alexander and Jane Bradashaw, of Kentucky. This union has been blessed with seven children, as follows--Marion, Sallie, Frank C., Robert P., Ruth A., Joseph M. and Austin L. In 1854 Mr. McVey came with his family to Hendricks County, Ind., and resided for two years in Middle Township, when he returned to his native State remaining there one year. He then lived a short time in Cass County, Mo., and in 1858 returned to this county and settled in Union Township. Being a man of remarkable energy and industry he converted what was at the time of his settlement a swamp into a good yielding farm. He added to his original property from time to time until, at the time of his death, he owned 580 acres. For several years he dealt quite extensively in stock, and for about nineteen years was a partner in a large cotton dress manufacturing establishment at Mobile, Ala. He served for a short time as Justice of the Peace. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. His death occurred Sept. 19, 1871. His widow resides on the old homestead, and is the owner of 100 acres of well-improved land.