HUGH R. NEWELL.

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         Hugh R. Newell, one of the enterprising and progressive young agriculturists of Concord township, is also numbered among the worthy native sons of Louisa county, his birth having here occurred on the 12th of June, 1883. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Dowson) Newell, are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. His preliminary education was supplemented by a two years’ course of study in the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts at Ames. Since putting aside his text-books he has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits with excellent results. He is now busily engaged in the operation of a farm of two hundred and eight acres in Concord township, the well tilled fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.

         In December, 1907, Mr. Newell was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Shellabarger, a daughter of Thomas B. and Sarah M. (Westlake) Shellabarger, who were natives of Louisa county and were married at Wapello, Iowa. Mr. Shellabarger operated a farm in Kansas for five years after his marriage and then disposed of the property and returned to Louisa county, Iowa, being here en- . . .

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. . . gaged in the cultivation of the homestead farm until called to his final rest in March, 1897. His widow still survives and resides on the homestead. Their union was blessed with seven children, as follows: Roy, who was born in Kansas and died when but one year old; Sevilla, also born in Kansas, who passed away at the age of six months; Mrs. Newell; Perry, who follows farming in Louisa county; and Thomas E., W. Ralph and Russell B., all of whom are at home with their mother. Unto our subject and his wife were born three children but the first two, twins, died unnamed. Thomas Herbert was born on the 26th of September, 1909.

         Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Newell has supported the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in its principles. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of The Church of God. He is a public-spirited citizen, interested in the welfare of his county and home locality. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of highest commendation.