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A. H. Newman
Born May 3, 1861 |
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Among those who are seeking their fortunes in agricultural lines and are meeting with gratifying success is A. H. Newman, a native of Greenfield township, his birth occurring on the 3d of May, 1861. He is the fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters, born unto Emanuel and Elizabeth (Spade) Newman, mention of whom is made on another page of this work.
On his father's farm, amid the scenes and environments of rural life, A. H. Newman was reared and at the usual age was sent as a pupil to the district schools near his home, wherein he gained a good knowledge of the various branches of English learning. During the periods of vacation he assisted his father in the work of the fields, and in the broader school of experience gained a thorough and comprehensive training, becoming well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life. He remained upon the homestead until by his marriage He laid the foundation of a happy home life of his own. He began business on his own account on the farm which is now his home an(] upon which he has continuously resided. Agricultural interests have claimed his time and attention during the intervening years and in the tilling of the soil he has met with most gratifying success, being ranked among the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of the township. He owns two hundred and fifty acres in the home place, another tract of forty acres in this township and also eighty acres in Fairview township. Upon the homestead he has erected an attractive modern residence, while in the rear stand commodious barns and outbuildings, which are substantial evidence of the thrift and industry of Mr. Newman. He is methodical, systematic, progressive and up-to-date, and his farming interests have been so wisely and carefully conducted that he has won substantial success.
On the 19th of August, 1886, Mr. Newman was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Bates, who was born in Rome township, Jones county, May 3, 1863, and is a daughter of Dr. Ira and Emily (Spear) Bates. Dr. Bates was numbered among the early settlers of Jones county, being one of the first to practice his profession in this district, where he was well known and highly esteemed. His practice was large and extended over considerable territory, and he was often called upon to travel many miles in order to minister to a sick patient. However the distance was never too long nor the weather too disagreeable to prevent his attendance upon the sick and suffering, and he was the loved and trusted family physician in many homes. His knowledge of the science of medicine was extensive and comprehensive, and he was keenly alive to the obligations that rested upon him in the practice of his chosen profession. The home of Dr. and Mrs. Bates was blessed with five children, of whom Mrs. Newman was the third in order of birth. One son, George Christian, passed away at the age of one year. while the other members of the family are residents of Fairview township.
Mr. and Mrs. Newman have an adopted son, Harry Ray Newman, who was born on the 4th of November, 1897, and is the life and light of the household. He was but fifteen days old when his mother was called to the world beyond and at her urgent request he was received into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Newman, in whom the mother had the utmost confidence and trust. The wholesome atmosphere of the home into which the child was taken has had an excellent influence upon the life of the lad who, though but twelve years of age, already gives promise of an honorable and upright manhood.
Mr. and Mrs. Newman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Martelle, Iowa, in the work of which both Mr. and Mrs. Newman have taken a very active part. She has for a number of years acted in the capacity of superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Newman belongs to White Rose Lodge, NO. 279, Knight of Pythias of Martelle, and in his political allegiance is a democrat, being a firm believer in and a stalwart supporter of the principles of that party. He served for several years as township clerk and has also been a member of the board of education, the cause of education finding in him a warm champion. Public-spirited in citizenship, his influence is ever upon the side of progress, improvement, reform and advancement, and the principles which have governed his entire career are such as make him a most, desirable and valuable citizen. He and his wife occupy a high place in the social circles of the community in which they reside because of their many excellent traits of character, and their home is the seat of a warm-hearted and generous hospitality which is freely extended to their many friends.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 302. |
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