Hortense McEwen was born July 26, 1890 in Cleveland, Utah, the daughter of Edward Riley and Ellen Lovina Le Fevre McEwen. Hortense was educated in the area common schools and studied to become a teacher. From 1911 to 1913, Hortense wrote John E. Excell while he was serving as a missionary in the Southern States for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon the completion of his missionary service, Hortense married John on September 18, 1913 in the Salt Lake Temple. Thereafter they had four children, J. Edward, Grant, Dorothy, and one child that died in infancy. During her life, Hortense worked as a school teacher in both Ogden and Layton, Utah. Hortense McEwen Excell died September 6, 1972 in Salt Lake City.

John Edward Excell was born January 14, 1888 in Panguitch, Utah to Henry and Elizabeth Austin Button Excell. On March 30, 1910, John married Millie Lee in the Manti Temple. Tragedy struck the couple three months later when Millie Lee died. Within one year of her death, John was called to serve for two years as a missionary in the Southern States for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During these two years, John served in both Georgia and Florida. Prior to leaving for his mission, John became acquainted with Hortense McEwen, whom he married upon returning from his mission. John Edward Excell died July 20, 1967 in Springdale, Utah.