IowaJones/Biographies/M. Nelson

M. Nelson–G. A. Newman

Matthew Nelson
Born 1809

MATTHEW NELSON, farmer, Scotch Grove Twp., Sec. 22; P.O. Center Junction; born in Washington Co., Penn., in 1809, where he lived till he was 23 years of age; thence to Carroll Co., Ohio, where he lived eight years; thence to Mahoning Co., Ohio, where he lived twelve years; he came to Jones Co. in January, 1855, and settled on his present farm. His first wife was Jane Johnson, born in Pennsylvania; his present wife was Ann Larkey, of Jackson Co., Iowa; he had four children by his first marriage, only one of whom is living—Mrs. Mary A. Sinclair, of Scotch Grove Township. Mr. Nelson has 200 acres of land. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, 1879, page 657, and submitted by Lori J. Mentzel

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Michael Neville
Born April 12, 1829

MICHAEL NEVILLE, farmer, Jackson Twp., Sec. 7; P.O. Anamosa; born April 12, 1829, in Ireland. In 1847, came to New Brunswick. In 1861, he came to Boston, Mass. In 1865, to Jones Co.; he owns 305 acres of land, all of which he has earned and paid for since coming to this county. Married Ellen Bowesin 1852; she was born in New Brunswick in 1833; have ten children—Robert G., Thomas, Mary, Michael, Ellen, Frank, William, Anna, Henry and Patrick. Is Township Treasurer, and has been School Director several years.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 613.

Elisha Newell
Born 1855

ELISHA NEWELL, farmer, Madison Twp., Sec. 35; P.O. Wyoming; born February 13, 1808, in Bradford Co., Penn; in 1855, he came to Jones Co., Iowa; owns 180 acres of land. Married Anna Post in 1830; she was born in 1811 in Bradford Co., Penn.; have four children—Mary E. (now Mrs. Slife), Elizabeth (now Mrs. Merritt), Stephen C. and Armella (now Mrs. Arnold). Stephen C., who is now managing the farm, was married to Miss Lizzie Campbell September 14. 1876; she was born in Jefferson Co., N.Y.; she came with her parents to Jones Co., in 1857; they have one child—Orrin. Republican.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 613.

A. H. Newman
Born Born May 3, 1861

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.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 302.

C. A. Newman
Born July 23, 1832

C. A. NEWMAN, farmer, Sec. 2; P.O. Viroqua; born July 23, 1832, in Richland Co., Ohio; in 1852, came to Jones Co. He owns 1051/2 acres of land. Married Catharine Stover in 1854; she was born in Pennsylvania; have six children—Mary E., Nancy, Stephen A. D., Squire, Savilla L. and Terresa M.; lost—Ada Elvira, in 1876, aged 14 years.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 588.

George Albert Newman
Born February 12, 1866

A tract of four hundred and eleven acres of as fine land as can be found in Greenfield township pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by George Albert Newman. Born in this township on the 12th of February, 1866. his entire life has been passed within its borders. He is the seventh in order of birth in the family of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Spade) Newman. As a lad he attended the district schools in the acquirement of his education, and at the same time assisted his father in the work of the home farm, thus gaining a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of agricultural pursuits which proved of value to him in later years. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, and then, desiring to enter upon an independent business career, he took up the occupation of farming on his own account and has since been identified with that line of activity. As the years have come and gone he has become the owner of a fine farm, consisting of four hundred and eleven acres of rich and productive land, and to its further development he is now devoting his entire energies. The place presents the appearance of a highly improved and well cared for property, being the visible evidence of a life of thrift, energy and industry on the part of the owner. He is up-to-date and progressive in his business methods and has made a close study of agriculture in general, while his close application and wise management are proving the salient qualities in the creditable degree of success which is today his.

It was in December, 1892, that Mr. Newman was united in marriage to Miss Estella Chapin, a daughter of Charles W. and Eloise (Holcomb) Chapin, old residents of Greenfield township. Unto this union have been born six children, namely: Lora Maude, sixteen years of age; Esther Verne, fourteen years of age; Clancy Vance, aged thirteen years; Mary Elizabeth Eloise, aged eleven; Hubert Lee, aged ten; and Ruth Chapin, aged eight. The family circle remains unbroken by the hand of death, the children all residing under the parental roof. Mr. and Mrs. Newman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Martelle, their lives at all times being in harmony with its teachings.

In politics Mr. Newman gives stalwart support to the democracy, doing all in his power to further the influence of that party throughout the community. He has been a director of the school board for five years and is deeply interested in the cause of education, being desirous of the extension of its efficiency throughout the district. He is an advocate of progress, reform and improvement in all forms and all matters pertaining to the substantial growth and upbuilding of the community along material, political, educational and moral lines find in him a stanch champion. Having spent his entire life within the borders of Greenfield township he has gained an extensive circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances, and the fact that he is best liked where best known is indicative of the fact that his life record has ever been guided by the principles that govern honorable, upright manhood.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 498.