Ida Little was the second child born to James Henry and Mary Jane Little. She was born in South Pontiac, Quebec on April 18, 1865. When she was 6 years old the family moved to Foley Township, near Parry Sound, Ontario.

On May 5, 1886, she married Thomas McGown Jr. They had six children.

Thomas McGown Jr. died April 7, 1901 at the age of 45. Ida died in 1953.