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         THOMAS NEWELL, a leading farmer of Louisa County, was born in 1847, on section 22, Concord Township, which still continues to be his home. His parents were Robert and Christina (Newell) Newell, and came to Louisa County in 1839, the mother being a teacher in the schools of Wapello County previous to her marriage. He was reared to farm life and received his primary education in the district schools of the county, though subsequently attending the seminary at Iowa City, Iowa, for a year. Completing his education, he engaged in teaching school for one term in the home district, and had an enrollment of sixty-seven pupils, with an average attendance of forty-three. He then engaged in farming on section 22, Concord Township, his home being pleasantly situated about three miles from Columbus Junction, and two miles from Fredonia. He purchased a farm of 160 acres, upon which he has built a fine residence and a good barn, and there raises horses for the market of Norman and Morgan breeds. Everything about the place shows him to be a man of thrift and enterprise, and he is ranked among the progressive farmers of the community.

In 1877, in Louisa County, Mr. Newell was united . . .

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. . . in marriage with Mary Dowson, who is a native of this county, and a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Robson) Dowson, both of whom were born in England, and emigrated to America in early life, settling first in Ohio, but afterward removing to St. Louis, where the father engaged in carpentering, and later came to Louisa County, where Mr. Dowson purchased and improved a farm in Concord Township, and there they yet make their home.

To Mr. and Mrs. Newell were born four children: Mary, Robert, Hugh and Jesse, all at home. Our subject is interested in political affairs and casts his vote with the Democratic party. He has held various offices of trust in his township, has served as Clerk, and held the office of Assessor for several terms. Socially, he is a member of Triangular Lodge No. 245, at Letts, and as a citizen, is a promoter of every enterprise for the good of the community. His whole life has been spent in the county, where he is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.