Christina Newell

NEWELL, MCNAY, CUSHMAN, CURTIS, SIDMAN

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 2/1/2023 at 09:17:44

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, April 10, 1913
page 1

Mrs. Christina Newell, one of the pioneer and best known residents of Louisa county, quietly passed away into the eternal world at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. S. Curtis, in Concord township, Monday morning at 6:15 after an illness of several weeks. Mrs. Newell at the time of her death was 94 years, 8 months and 23 days old. Christina Newell was born in Ohio, July 9, 1818 and was the daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth (McNay) Newell. She came with them to Louisa county in the spring of 1839 and settled on a farm in Concord township where her father devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until his death in 1838. On 31st of December, 1843, on the banks of the Des Moines river at Eddyville, she was united in marriage to Robert F. Newell, also at the time a native of Louisa county.

Following their marriage they devoted themselves assiduously to agriculture and prospered in their undertakings, Mr. Newell becoming one of the widely recognized representative agriculturalists of the county. His demise occurred on the 14th of May, 1898.

Early in life or rather just 71 years ago she was one of the pioneer school teachers of this county and though perhaps a very few, if any, of her pupils at that time are alive today, she inculcated in them high ideals and her influence was felt throughout this entire section in every effort for mental and moral advancement. Before leaving Ohio she united with the Christian church but upon coming to Iowa she was connected with the United Brethren, and upon moving to Wapello she united with the Presbyterian church. She leaves 68 living descendants, 7 children, 37 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Newell as follows: Elizabeth, who is the widow of Dr. Henry Cushman and resides in Tacoma, Washington; Thomas, of Concord township; Caroline, deceased wife of L. A. Reiley of Wapello; Hugh, who died in infancy; Mary, wife of E. S. Curtis of Concord township; John and William of Mitchell, Nebraska; Robert M. of Fredonia; and Harriet, who is the wife of B. F. Sidman of Norton, Kansas. Funeral services were held at the Pleasant Grove Bethel church, yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. C. L. Wilson. Interment in the Indian Creek cemetery.