O. A. Newton

NEWTON, SHEDD, CHAPMAN, BAILEY, OCONNER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/16/2011 at 14:18:38

O. A. NEWTON. Biography should be written for the sake of its lessons, that men everywhere may place themselves in contact with facts and affairs, and build themselves up to and into a life of excellence, not in any sphere, but in their own rightful place, where they may keep and augment their individuality. To record in some respects the details of such a life is purposed in the following history of O. A. Newton. This gentleman was born in Vermont in 1850, to the marriage of Sylvester and Salome (Shedd) Newton, both natives of the Green Mountain State. The grandfather, Samuel Newton, was born in the United States, but his father was a Scotchman. Samuel followed the occupation of a tiller of the soil all his life, and cleared a farm in the timber of Windsor County, Vt. He was a Whig in politics. Of the large family of children born to his marriage, seven daughters and four sons, the father of our subject was the youngest.

The latter was a native of Windsor County, born in 1815, and when but a small boy became familiar with the duties of the farm, and assisted his father in clearing the home place. His scholastic training was received in the common schools, and in early youth he studied medicine. He then commenced practicing and continued this until his health failed, when he again began cultivating the soil in Vermont. He was successful in this occupation and became the owner of three hundred and thirty acres of land in Rutland County. When a young man he was married to Miss Salome Shedd, daughter of S. Shedd, and this union was blessed by the birth of five children, as follows: Mary, wife of John E. Chapman; Edgar S., Oscar S.; Ovando A., our subject; Charles M. Fred S., O. A. B., Locke E. and Elmer E. were born to the father’s second union, for the mother of our subject died in Vermont, when a comparatively young woman. In the year 1870 Mr. Newton moved to Grundy County, Iowa, and in company with Ransom Bailey (see sketch) bought two hundred and forty acres of land, remaining in company with Mr. Bailey for a number of years. In connection with farming he was also engaged quite extensively in stock-raising, and met with good success, continuing this occupation until his death in 1883. In politics he affiliated with the Republican party during the latter part of his life, but was at one time a Whig.

The original of this notice grew to manhood in his native county, attended the common schools, and began for himself by working by the month for his father. Later he bought the one hundred and sixty acres where he now lives. In making his selection of a life companion he chose Miss Mary O’Conner, daughter of Thomas O’Conner, and their union was celebrated in Grundy County, Iowa. Five children were the fruits of this union: Edgar H., Harry E., Mabel E., Samuel S. and Caroline M. Mr. Newton has taken a deep interest in rearing fine stock, and has the registered Poland-China hogs at present. He also takes much interest in raising the best of poultry, Plymouth Rock chickens and Mammoth Bronze turkeys, and he thoroughly understands his business. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but is now non-partisan, voting for the man and not the party.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894