J. I. NEWTON

NEWTON, BLACKWELL, BATLEY, DRYDEN

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 11/17/2008 at 17:13:43

J. I. NEWTON

Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa
Lewis Publishing Company, 1887. pp. 245.

"J. I. NEWTON, farmer, section 30, Benton Township, was born in Warren County, New Jersey, July 24, 1827, son of Isaac Newton and Susan (Blackwell) Newton, also natives of New Jersey. They reared a family of nine children, of whom our subject was the second, and the eldest son. His early life was spent principally in town, his father being a mechanic, and his education was obtained in his native hamlet. When nearly grown he engaged in boating on the Morris and Lehigh canal, from Jersey City to Eaton, Pennsylvania, which occupation he followed several years. He then engaged in an apple distillery.

He was married at the age of twenty-six, to Miss Elizabeth G. Batley, a native of New Jersey. After his marriage he engaged in farming, and in 1859 came to Ringgold County, and located upon his present farm in Benton Township. It was then in its primitive condition with the exception of ten acres which had been broken, and a rude log cabin had been built.

In 1854 he removed to Mormontown, where he operated a steam saw and grist mill for eighteen months, then returned to his farm, and one year later sold out and purchased a half interest in the Dryden farm. He lived here a year and a half, then traded for the old home farm again. He owns 380 acres of excellent land, well-cultivated and well-improved, and it is one of the best stock farms in Benton Township.

He has a comfortable house, out-buildings for stock, and one of the best orchards in Southern Iowa, consisting of three acres, and small fruits. He is engaged in general farming, stock-raising and feeding.

Mr. and Mrs. Newton are the parents of eight children -- George R., Isaac J., James C., Monroe A., Minerva J., Lillie D., Fanny L. and Addie.

In politics Mr. Newton is a Republican. He has served as justice of the peace seven years, township clerk two years, and assessor one year. He is a member of Lodge No. 273, I. O. O. F., Pleasant Valley. The Newton family have been residents of New Jersey for six generations."

Submitted to the Ringgold County IAGenWeb Project by Christy Jay, email: Jaygenie@aol.com