Newberry, Byron W. 1853 - 1944

NEWBERRY, BUCKLEY

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/7/2024 at 22:11:50

Clayton County Register, 23 Mar. 1944.

Byron W. Newberry, 90, former state senator and a prominent member of the Iowa bar, died at his home in Strawberry Point Friday morning following several months of failing health. A pioneer of Clayton county, Mr. Newberry had been a historical figure in political, banking and educational circles for many years. He was president-emeritus of the Clayton County Bar association, having been president of the association for 20 years prior to 1940. He was the oldest living alumnus of Upper Iowa University.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. James Newberry, he was born Sept. 01, 1853, at Brownheim, Ohio, and came to Iowa when 18-months old with his parents who settled on a 100 acre farm near Strawberry Point. He attended a country school nearby and later attended school in town. Following the completion of his work in the public school at Strawberry Point, he returned to teach the country school for two years.

In 1871 he matriculated at Upper Iowa University and graduated in 1875. In 1876 he graduated from the University of Iowa law school with an L.L.B. degree and was admitted to the Iowa bar.

Mr. Newberry immediately began practicing law in Strawberry Point. In 1887, he and his brother Charles formed a partnership which endured until the latter's death in 1932. E. L. Gross was associated with him as a partner in 1939 until he went into service.

With years of successful practice came added interests and Mr. Newberry became a banker and farmer as well as lawyer.

Mr. Newberry became interested in politics at an early age, having attended a Republican convention with his father in Oberlin, Ohio, when he was only seven years old. He was nominated on the Republican ticket for state senator in 1899 but was defeated by Hiram Bishop of Elkader. Nominated again in 1903, he defeated Bishop by 500 votes and entered the senate in the 30th session of the legislature. He served three terms and then was defeated by Robert Quigley of McGregor. Eight years later he was returned to the senate and served until 1924 when his term expired.

During his first period in office Senator Newberry introduced the pure food law in the 31st assembly in 1906.

For many years Mr. Newberry was a member of the State Historical society and of the Iowa State Bar association and was a member of the county board of education for 21 years. Aug. 03, 1940 he resigned from the latter and was made an honorary member for life. He was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and was a member of the Congregational church.

When the initial effort was made to establish "The Devil's Backbone" as a state park, Mr. Newberry was a member of the committee and he presided at the dedication ceremonies May 28, 1922.

Mr. Newberry is survived by his wife, the former Eva Buckley of Strawberry Point, whom he married in January, 1906; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Kingsley and Miss Kate Newberry, both of Strawberry Point, and a brother, Dr. Frank Newberry of Los Angeles, Calif.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Congregational church in Strawberry Point and burial was made in the Strawberry Point cemetery.