Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of James Rowe (Roe), an agricultural labourer, born 1837 in Scalford, Leics., and his wife Mary Rowe (nee Allen, married 1859), born 1838 in Scalford, Leics. James was born in 1879 in Scalford, Leics., his siblings were, Robert, an agricultural labourer, born 1863, Ruth, born 1867, John, a schoolboy, born 1870, Sarah E., a schoolgirl, born 1872 and Ellen, a schoolgirl, born 1874, all his siblings were born in Scalford, Leics., in April 1881 the family home was at Scalford, Leics. In April 1891 James was employed as a baker’s boy and was residing in the family home at Chapel Street, Scalford, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Robert, an iron stone worker, John an agricultural worker, Ellen a domestic house maid, George Allen, a schoolboy, born 1884 and Lydia, a schoolgirl, born 1886, the latter two siblings were both born in Scalford, Leics., also residing with the family was his paternal niece, Mary Ethel Rowe, born 1889 in Scalford, Leics. In April 1911 James was employed as a stationary engine worker, and was residing in the family home at 62, Little Hallam Lane, Ilkeston, Derbys., together with his wife Isabella Rowe (nee Scarboro, married 1903), born 1881 in Long Clawson, Leics. On Friday November 30th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT NEWS.” – SCALFORD. – KILLED AT THE FRONT. – Information was received last week that two natives of Scalford had paid the supreme sacrifice. Mr. Asa Hewitt was informed that his son, Pte. F. Hewitt of the Canadians, had been killed in France. He had been a soldier, and was in Canada when the war broke out, and joined the Canadians on the commencement of hostilities. Another brother has been killed, and also one in the South African War. Much sympathy is expressed for his parents in their bereavement. Two other brothers are still serving. The second death was that of Corporal J. Rowe, a native of Scalford, but who was residing at Ilkeston when war broke out. He enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters and has served some time in France, where he was previously wounded. When the South African War broke out, he was a member of the Sherwood Foresters, and volunteered for active service, and went through that campaign. He was 38 years of age. Much sympathy is expressed for his aged mother.