place. As opportunity presented he purchased additional property until he became the owner of a highly improved farm of two hundred acres, which he still cultivates. In 1893 he removed to Slater and built a grist-mill near the depot, which he operated for two and one-half years, then disposing of it to Nelson & Dueland. Subsequently he entered the livery business, building the present livery barn at Slater, but after five years he sold out in order to devote his attention more closely to the purchase and shipment of horses to the eastern markets. Since that time he has handled more than five thousand horses, being known as one of the largest buyers in this part of the state. He still has general supervision of his farm, upon which his son-in-law now lives. Recently he engaged as railroad contractor, having secured the contract for building the roadbed of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway through Cass county, and he has shown an ability in the management of this important enterprise which gives very satisfactory promise.
In 1884 in Boone county, Mr. Newman was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Williamson, a native of Henry county, Illinois, and a daughter of William and Carrie Williamson, and to this union seven children have been born : Delia May, now the wife of O. A. Auestad, who is living upon Mr. Newman's farm; Carrie Edna, a teacher in the Kelley schools; Cecil C., Irene, Wilma, Orrin Jesner and Paul Carroll, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Newman owes his success to his energy, ambition and clear judgment. He is alert and enterprising, and business is to him a pleasure which yields golden rewards. In politics he is numbered among the progressive republicans. He has served two terms as mayor of Slater and has been a member of the town council, with the exception of two years, ever since he took up his residence in Slater. He and his family are identified with the Lutheran church and are active workers in behalf not only of the church but also of every worthy cause that aims to advance the welfare of this section.
WILLIAM E. Mills.
One of the well known and progressive farmers of Indian Creek township is William E. Mills, who was born in La Salle county, Illinois, on the 26th of August, 1863. His parents, Edward C. and Levantia D. (Guy) Mills, were both natives of the state of New York, removing to Illinois with their respective parents when young. They were married in Ottawa, Illinois, in 1859, and then settled on a farm in La Salle county, where they continued to reside for eight years. In 1866 they came west locating on one hundred and sixty acres which they bought in Indian Creek township, this county. Here in 1876 Mr. Mills died but the family remained on the farm until 1900, when they removed to Maxwell, where Mrs. Mills passed away in 1907.