Hugh Newell

NEWELL, MAGILL, STEWART, BLEWETT, DRAPER, REYNOLDS, LILLIBRIDGE

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/13/2011 at 11:18:45

HUGH NEWELL, one of the self-made men and wealthy citizens of Grundy County, Iowa, residing on section 11, Melrose Township, where he owns and operates a farm, is one of the sons of Erin. He was born August 1, 1833, in County Down, Ireland. His father, William Newell, was a land-owner of that country, where he made his home until 1838, when he crossed the broad Atlantic to Canada, locating near Hamilton City. He there purchased land and engaged in farming, making his home in that locality until his death. His wife bore the maiden name of Agnes Magill. They became the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom reached adult age, while six of the number are still living.

Our subject was a lad of only five summers when his parents left the Emerald Isle for the New World. He was reared to manhood in Canada and acquired his education in the country schools. After he had attained his majority, he chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Mary Stewart, who was born and reared in Canada. Their marriage was celebrated June 12, 1859, and a year and a half later, in the autumn of 1860, they emigrated to Iowa, locating in Benton County. Mr. Newell there engaged in farming for eight years, when, in 1868, he came to Grundy County. He first purchased two hundred and forty acres of land on sections 10 and 11, Melrose Township, of which one hundred acres had been placed under the plow, but the remainder was still unbroken. There were no buildings upon the place, and all the improvements have been put there through the labors of the owner. Mr. Newell is an industrious and diligent man, and through good business ability he has won success. As his financial resources have increased he has made additional purchases, until his landed possessions now aggregate six hundred and forty acres, including one hundred and sixty acres on section 2, one hundred and sixty acres on section 3, a like amount on section 10, and a tract similar in size on section 11. He also owns some property in Eldora.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Newell have been born eleven children, and the family circle yet remains unbroken. They are as follows: Melia, wife of George Blewett, a resident of Hancock County, Iowa; Marguerite, now Mrs. W. A. Draper, who resides in the same county; Agnes, wife of Alfred Reynolds, a farmer of Melrose Township; Theresa, wife of Charles Lillibridge, who is living near Grundy Centre; Ella, Stella, Joseph, Edward, James, Frank and Maud.

The Newell household is a hospitable one, and the members of the family rank high in social circles. Their residence, an eight-room dwelling, was erected in 1893, at a cost of $3,000, and is one of the fine country homes of the county. Underneath the house is a cellar containing five rooms. When Mr. Newell came to Iowa he had no capital save an industrious disposition and a determination to succeed. He has made the most of his opportunities, and by his diligence and well directed efforts he has steadily worked his way upward to a position of wealth and affluence.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894

Grundy Biographies maintained by Tammy D. Mount.
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