CALHOUN, Newton Luther: Died 1921

CALHOUN, FARRAR, TORRENCE, WALKER

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 1/10/2017 at 14:43:10

Newton L. Calhoun

Newton Luther Calhoun, son of Isaac Newton and Esther Calhoun, was born on July 31, 1840, on the Calhoun homestead one and three-fourths miles southeast of Birmingham, and died Thursday evening, August 11, 1921, aged 81 years and 11 days.

He was the son of one of the representative and pioneer families, and throughout southeastern Iowa the name Calhoun represents men of sterling worth, who have labored earnestly for the welfare of town, county and state. His childhood days were happy days spent on the farm, where he was taught the things that meant so much to him in the unseen future before him. He received his early education at the public school in Winchester, and after his discharge from the Civil war completed it at the Birmingham Academy.

Immediately on attaining his majority he enlisted in Company H, Third Iowa Cavalry, for three years service in the War of the Rebellion. He participated in many engagements for his company was engaged in dispersing rebels, capturing supplies and took part in the capture ....k, Ark. He did not .... the close of his term ... remained in that city .... to Keokuk where he re.... his discharge September 19, 1864. During the last year and a hall of his service he held the office of Commisary Sergeant.

He was the last charter member of Perry A. Newell Post, G.A.R. and also the last of the company in which he enlisted in the vicinity. He was a patriot without show, and among the last of his patriotic acts was the presentation of "Old Glory," the flag the Post had revered for years, to his grandson Claude Calhoun, a veteran of the World War and member of the American Legion, Haney-Brannan Post, to be be kept by them in sacred memory of the heroes of the Civil War. This services took place on Sunday evening, June 27, 1920, at the Presbyterian church.

Newton Calhoun was married on March 1, 1866, to Margaret E. Farrar, and to this union were born three children: Orange S., Mary Nellie and Dr. J.F. Mr. Calhoun was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died November 26, 1886. On November 26, 1886. On November 14, 18889, he was married to Eliza J. Torrence, who passed away on December 21, 1893. He was married the third time on May 21, 1895, to Anna M. Torrence.

(missing) would soon be over and the first victory over sin and death be accomplished by the grace of our Lord.

In the year of 1892 he moved to Birmingham and engaged in the live stock business and was noted for his integrity and upright character. He has lived all his life in this community with the exception of the time he spent in the service of his country and two seasons in Kilwinning, Mo. His life is worthy of emulation, and society can receive be better heritage than that of a man who, when called to heaven, leaves for our benefit an example which stirs the hearts of men to imitation.

His standing in the community was enhanced and the respect of his fellow companions was shown by his election as Vice Presbyterian of the Birmingham Savings Bank, and on the death of the President became its honored head on December 7, 1915.

In early manhood he united with the M.E. church at Winchester, later transferring his membership to the Presbyterian church of Birmingham and was always interested in its welfare. When the present church building was erected he was one of the high contributors.

He leaves to mourn his death, the wife, three children: Orange S. of Birmingham; Mrs. Nellie Walker of Birmingham; Dr. J.F. Calhoun of Eldon; 11 grandchildren and ?? great-grandchildren; one brother N. Sands of Covina, Cal., and one sister Mary June Calhoun of Birmingham, besides numerous relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held in the Presbyterian church Sunday morning at 11 o'clock, attended by the largest gathering ever held in this edifice, his friends and neighbors, old and young, to pay homage to one who had been a life long and respected citizen of this vicinity.

Members of the Haney-Branan Post, American Legion, acted as escort, followed by four old comrades of the Third Iowa cavalry, L.H. Owens, Arnold Barker, James Stump of his own Company H, and Silas Pearson of Company F. The body was laid to rest in Maple Hill cemetery. At the close of the burial service, the William Brothers quartet sang the beautiful and appropriate selection "Rest in the Shade of the Trees."

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Page 61, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA