Newton, Harrison 1826-1905

NEWTON, GEARHART

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/20/2013 at 08:46:33

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
June 9, 1905

HARRISON NEWTON

Harrison Newton departed this life at 12:20 o'clock Sunday morning, June 4, 1905, in Gilman, Iowa, the cause of death being congestion of the brain. He was born July 13, 1826, in Greenbriar Valley, Virginia, and he was therefore 78 years, 10 months and 21 days old at his decease.

His early life was spent upon a farm with his parents. At the age of 20 he came west to Stark county, Ill. It was here, September 9, 1852, he was married to Olive M. Gearhart. To them have been born the following sons and daughters: J.M. Newton, Canton, S.D.; A.C. Newton, Spencer, Iowa; E.H. Newton, Newburg, Iowa: Mary L. Newton, who died at the age of seven years: R.L. Newton, Newburg, Iowa; H.M. Newton, Grinnell, Iowa; Lily M. Newton and Anna L. Newton, Gilman; Fred Newton, Minneapolis, Minn.; Elbert Newton, who died in infancy. He leaves to mourn his departure a large family--his wife, seven sons, two daughters, twenty-four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

In the spring of 1868 he came to Iowa looking for a location, eventually buying land five miles north of Kellogg, where he resided eight years. From north of Kellogg he moved in 1876 two miles west of Newburg, retiring from the farm and moving to Grinnell in 1888 in order to secure better educational advantages for his children. Since the fall of 1864, leaving a wife and family of small children, he declared his patriotism by enlisting as a private in Company H, 139th regiment of Infantry, Ill., being enrolled on the 10th day of May, 1864, and was honorably discharged at Peoria, Ill., October 28, 1864. He was a member of Gordon Granger Post No. 64 G.A.R., located at Grinnell.

He united with the Congregational church in Kellogg in 1871. During his residence in Mariposa township he, together with his wife was much interested in sustaining Sunday schools and Christian worship and they were instrumental in securing the organization of a Congregational church which after their removal was re-organized by the Presbyterians and is now known as the Presbyterian church of Barrett. Upon the organization of the Congregational church at Newburg, he became one of its original members, being transferred later to Grinnell, thence to Gilman five years ago.

Funeral services were held at the Congregational church Tuesday forenoon at 10 o'clock, the pastor, Rev. Geo. R. Chambers, officiating. A large number were present to pay a last tribute of respect to the deceased. Among those from abroad were the children above mentioned; Mrs. Wm. Lear, Des Moines; Mrs. J.M. Newton and son Carl, Canton, S.D.; Arthur Newton and wife, Oskaloosa, Mrs. H.M. Newton and two sons, Grinnell; Wm. Dunn, Grinnell. The floral decorations were very beautiful, and the United States flag was a part of the decorations, also.--Gilman Dispatch.