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William Newton
RKW told the “William Newton” story in Cowley County Heritage book, page 251.
William Newton was born in Bristol, England, March 15, 1842, and died April 29, 1923, in Winfield, Kansas.
When a little child he came to America with his mother and settled in New York. It was necessary for him to support himself from youth and he eventually drifted westward and by strict integrity became a self-made man. He first went to the northwest, where he became a gold miner and later learned the harness trade, working in Omaha, St. Louis, and other cities of the mid-west. He went to Iola, Kansas, in the early seventies and there married Miss Mary V. Rawson. Mr. and Mrs. Newton moved to Arkansas City in 1877 and to Winfield in 1878.
For over thirty years Mr. Newton was a merchant in Winfield, conducting a harness shop at 814 Main. He retired from active business in 1912. By sheer frugality and close attention to business, he amassed wealth and became one of the prominent landowners and wealthy citizens of the county. He held an interest in one of the largest financial institutions in southern Kansas, The First National Bank of Winfield, being a stockholder and director.
He was a man of strong character and will power, decided in his views and decisive in his judgment. He owned some of the best farm land in Walnut Valley and oil was found on a arm of his north of Winfield near Rock, the field being known as the Newton field.
Mrs. Newton died in 1914 and Mr. Newton died in 1923. They had no children so Mr. Newton left a bequest to the City of Winfield, which resulted in the William Newton Memorial Hospital.
WINFIELD 1878:
Wm. Newton, 34; spouse, M. V., 25.
WINFIELD 1880:
Wm. Newton, 37; spouse, Mary, 28.
WINFIELD CITY DIRECTORY 1885:
Newton Wm., harness-maker, 914 Main, res 1013 Manning.
FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
A New Stock of Harness, Saddles, Collars, Plow Hames, Trace Chains, Halters, Bridles, Whips, Spurs, Brushes, etc.
FOR SALE AT LOWEST CASH PRICES.
WM. NEWTON, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Repairing Done Neatly and Promptly.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
Mr. Newton’s saddle and harness stock came in last week, and he is now ready for customers. He is located two doors north of the post office.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
NEW HARNESS SHOP. Mr. Wm. Newton is now permanently located, and at work on saddles, harness, etc., in the building two doors north of the Post Office, and invites all to come and see him and his stock. He has as fine a lot of saddles, collars, bridles, etc., as can be found in the county.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 22, 1876.
HARNESS. Mr. Newton received a fine lot of horse collars, harness, etc., last week, and some excellent ladies’ and gents’ saddles.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 31, 1876.
The Ladies’ Society of the Presbyterian Church will meet at Mr. Wm. Newton’s, June 7th, at 2 o’clock.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1876.
The Presbyterian Society will hold a package social at the residence of Mr. C. R. Sipes, on Wednesday evening, for the benefit of Rev. Fleming and family. All are invited. By order of society. MRS. NEWTON, Secretary.
[COMMITTEE FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND FESTIVAL.]
Arkansas City Traveler, December 13, 1876.
MANAGING COMMITTEE.
Mrs. A. A. Newman, Mrs. C. R. Sipes. Mrs. J. I. Mitchell, Mrs. Wm. Newton, Mrs. Wm. Benedict.
SOLICITING COMMITTEE.
Mrs. Wm. Benedict, Mrs. C. R. Sipes, Mrs. J. I. Mitchell, Mrs. Dr. Shepard, Mrs. L. McLaughlin, Mrs. Wm. Newton.
FANCY TABLE.
Mrs. E. D. Eddy, Mrs. Wm. Newton, Miss M. Greene, Miss A. Mantor, Miss Delia DeMott.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 10, 1877.
The gentle zephyr of Sunday morning last came near blowing out the front of Newton’s shop.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 24, 1877.
NEWTON and MITCHELL say they can discount any man in the Southwest on good and cheap harness and saddles. Try them.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
MRS. FITCH will remove her stock of millinery to the building just vacated by Mr. Newton.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
MR. WM. NEWTON takes up his residence at Winfield this week. He is a man of whom we have great respect, and our wish is that he may prosper in his new location.
[COMMUNICATION FROM *** AT WINFIELD.]
Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1877.
Platter’s and Williams’ building will be pushed as rapidly as possible until completed. W. H. H. Maris is refitting his store building with a new front, when it will be occupied by T. E. Gilleland’s boot and shoe store. The same gentleman will soon begin to build a stone store building, 25 x 100 feet, on the same block, opposite the Central Hotel. As soon as completed, it will be occupied by J. B. Lynn. Mr. Wm. Newton, from Arkansas City, has opened a harness shop in Mullen’s old stand, where he keeps a full supply of goods in his line. A new store is being opened in Boyle’s old stand by a firm from Council Grove.
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877.
Mr. Wm. Newton, formerly of Arkansas City, arrived here one day last week, and has opened out a large stock of saddles, harness, etc. He displays his extensive stock at W. L. Mullen’s old stand.
Winfield Courier, April 5, 1877.
Harness, saddles, and everything else in the harness makers line at Mullen’s old stand, by Wm. Newton.
[ITEMS FROM THE TELEGRAM.]
Arkansas City Traveler, April 25, 1877.
We call attention to Mr. Newton’s harness advertisement, which appears in this week’s issue of our paper. Mr. Newton is himself a first-class harness maker, and employing none but good hands, using none but good stock, he is turning out the best of work, which he offers at reasonable rates. Give him a call.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.
Notice the new “ad” of the harness shop of Mr. Wm. Newton in another column. Mr. Newton has a large stock of harness and saddles which he offers to sell at the very lowest rates. He keeps none but the best of workmen, hence is his work warranted first class.
AD: HARNESS,
Saddles, Collars, Bridles, Whips, Spurs, etc.
Wm. Newton,
Keeps a Full Stock of Everything in his line at
MULLEN’S OLD STAND.
REPAIRING DONE PROMPTLY.
WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1877.
See the change in Wm. Newton’s card. [Card reflects change of address to location near Cigar Factory from Mullen’s Old Stand.]
CARD: HARNESS,
SADDLES, COLLARS, BRIDLES, WHIPS, SPURS, ETC.
WM. NEWTON,
Keeps a Full Stock of Everything in his line at
2 Doors South of Cigar Factory.
REPAIRING DONE PROMPTLY.
WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.
Wm. Newton has a large stock of harnesses and saddles.
[WINFIELD BUSINESS.]
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
The following is a list of the principal business firms of Winfield.
HARNESS SHOPS.
F. J. Sydall.
Wm. Newton.
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
Wm. Newton called our attention to the fact that we were considerably off on the wool clip of this last year for this and Sumner counties. That it is very much in excess of the figures that we gave. The truth of it is that Kansas editors are so often accused of exaggeration, that owing to our natural modesty, we would much prefer to be below the real figures than above, but we have no intention of letting our scruples do an injustice to one of our most important industries. Another reason for our error was the report of the Kansas state board of agriculture, which is wrong in its figures. The wool clip of Cowley County last year, instead of being thirty thousand pounds, was upwards of two hundred thousand, and Sumner, instead of fifteen, was upwards of a hundred thousand pounds. George E. Raymond alone had twelve thousand pounds, Mr. Meech ten thousand, Youle Brothers fifteen thousand, Yarbrough nine thousand, Parks, of Cambridge, about the same amount, and lots of fellows yet to hear from. The truth of it is, the sheep interest in Cowley has in three years sprung from nothing until it has reached such proportions that none of can keep the run of it.
[RELIEF FOR THE SUFFERERS BY THE FLORAL CYCLONE.]
Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.
A considerable number of the citizens of Winfield met on Monday evening on the steps of the Winfield Bank to provide for raising funds for the immediate relief of the sufferers caused by the cyclone Sunday evening. Mr. Crippen called the people together by music from the band.
Wm. Newton: $5.00.
Cowley County Courant, January 12, 1882.
From the number of dray loads of collars he has received, we should say that Wm. Newton proposed to collar the horse collar trade and take it in.
Cowley County Courant, March 16, 1882.
WM. NEWTON, DEALER IN AND MANUFACTURER OF HARNESS AND SADDLES.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1882.
Wm. Newton, Winfield’s popular harness man, and formerly a resident of this city, was in town yesterday and amongst other old friends favored us with a call. He says our town has improved wonderfully, and he was much surprised at the changed aspect of things in general. Our latch string is always out, William.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
On motion the Council decided that the city should put in gutter in front of Newton’s Harness Shop, where the city well is to be removed.
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
More Fires.
Again, on Sunday evening, an attempt was made to set fire to property in the city. A lot of hay was stuffed under the rear end of Hendricks & Wilson’s hardware store and ignited. It was done about half past seven o’clock in the evening. Mr. James McLain, who has been acting as night watchman, first discovered and put it out. Shortly before, when walking across Manning Street and Tenth Avenue, he passed a man who was walking hurriedly. As soon as he passed, the man broke into a run, and a moment after McLain discovered the fire. When he turned, the man had disappeared in the darkness. What the object of these incendiaries is cannot be defined. The fire in the Hodges barn could have injured but little business property if successful. The fire started in the Shenneman barn, immediately after, when the hose was handy and hundreds of people standing around to use it, could not have been set with a very villainous intent to destroy, as the destroyer might have known it would be put out in a minute. The setting of the Sunday evening fire early in the evening, when everyone was about, showed a lack of deep intent to do great injury. However, our people have resolved to put a stop to it, and to that end the following paper has been prepared and duly signed, and the total sum of $222.50 goes to the person who runs the fire-bugs in.
We, the undersigned, promise to pay the sum set against our respective names as a reward for the apprehension and conviction of any person or persons engaged in setting any incendiary fire in the city of Winfield, either heretofore or hereafter.
THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED $5.00:
S. C. Smith, T. K. Johnston, Horning & Whitney, Wm. Newton, Hudson Bros., McGuire Bros., J. B. Lynn, Geo. Emerson, COURIER Co., Ella C. Shenneman, W. S. Mendenhall, Winfield Bank, M. L. Read’s Bank, Rinker & Cochran, Miller & Dawson, H. Beard, Whiting Bros., Hendricks & Wilson, A. E. Bard, Johnston & Hill, J. N. Harter, Farmers Bank, Wallis & Wallis, F. V. Rowland, J. S. Mann, Hughes & Cooper, A. B. Arment, Quincy A. Glass, W. L. Morehouse, McDonald & Miner, Curns & Manser, J. D. Pryor, M. Hahn & Co., O’Meara & Randolph, S. H. Myton, J. P. Baden, Telegram, Scofield & Keck, Henry Goldsmith.
THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED $2.50.
R. E. Sydal, S. D. Pryor, E. G. Cole, Kraft & Dix, H. Brown & Son, Brotherton & Silver, F. M. Friend, F. H. Blair, F. H. Bull, T. J. Harris, Albro & Dorley.
TOTAL RAISED: $222.50
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1884.
A. H. Jennings bought of Mrs. N. C. Powers last week the property occupied by Newton’s harness shop for twenty-five hundred dollars. Mr. Jennings is investing largely in Winfield property.
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.
Mr. A. H. Jennings has commenced the erection of a neat brick building, for office purposes, next to Newton’s harness shop.
[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
SPECIAL PREMIUMS.
The following special premiums are offered by the citizens of Cowley County. Parties wishing to compete for them must enter articles same as in other class, and must also comply with the instructions and requests named in the premium.
President J. F. Martin will have charge of this department, make assignment of articles, and appoint the necessary judges.
BY WM. NEWTON.
Boys’ saddle, worth $5.00, for graceful riding by any boy under 12 years of age.
Ladies’ riding whip, worth $5.00 for graceful riding by any girl under 12 years of age.
[FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
SPECIAL PREMIUMS.
By Wm. Newton, for graceful riding by boy under 12 years riding saddle worth $5, and Ladies riding whip, worth $5 for graceful riding by girl under 12, Willie Sherrard, 1st; Cora Wood, 2nd.
THE HIGHLAND PARK COMPANY.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 26, 1885.
W. G. Graham, T. R. Bryan, S. H. Myton, A. B. Graham, H. D. Gans, H. B. Schuler, J. B. Lynn, and Wm. Newton have purchased the Vandeventer land lying in the northeastern part of the city, abutting the mounds and containing one hundred and forty-six acres, for the neat sum of $11,744. It is being platted this week for an addition to the city and the lots will be put in the market. It is all choice residence property and will very soon be covered with handsome houses. The gentlemen have formed themselves into the “Highland Park Company,” and intend to park a broad avenue through the property and make it the prettiest piece of land in the city, which can be easily done with its natural advantages.
TWENTY YEARS WEDDED.
The China Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Shearer.
An Unique Occasion.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 1, 1885.
The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Shearer, 917 Mansfield street, was the scene of a most happy gathering Monday evening. The occasion was the celebration of the 20th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Shearer. Though the rain interfered with the attendance of a number, by nine o’clock over eighty were present, in their happiest mood. Soon after nine o’clock the “bride and groom” were presented and re-united in the bonds whose sweet and bitter they had thoroughly experienced. Rev. J. H. Reider re-tied the knot in a novel and jolly ceremony, the groom consenting to all the compulsory vicissitudes of a “hen-pecked” husband, and she to clothe, feed, protect, scold (in foreign language) until death. After the ceremony and hearty congratulations, a collation of choicest delicacies was served in profusion and most thoroughly enjoyed. The presents were handsome and valuable, the most prominent being an exquisitely painted china dinner set. It embraced a hundred and twenty-five pieces—the handsomest thing obtainable in china ware. It was a token from the following persons: Rev. and Mrs. J. H. Reider, Rev. and Mrs. B. Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Soward, Dr. and Mrs. F. M. Pickens, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dalton, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Bliss, Mrs. R. B. Waite and Mrs. Hartwell, Mrs. E. M. Albright and family, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Silliman, Col. and Mrs. Wm. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Nelson, Prof. and Mrs. I. N. Inskeep, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Burnett, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Arment, Dr. and Mrs. H. L. Wells, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Finch, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. D. Taylor and Miss Minnie, Mr. and Mrs. A. Herpich, Mr. and Mrs. L. Conrad, Mrs. A. Silliman and Miss Lola, Mrs. C. Strong and Miss Emma, Mrs. Dr. Bailey, Misses Fannie, Jessie, and Louie Stretch, Miss March, Misses Mattie and Mary Gibson, Nettie and Anna McCoy, Lydia Tyner, Maggie Herpich, Maude Kelly, Ida Johnston, and Maude Pickens, Mr. and Mrs. C. Collins, and Miss Lena Walrath. Among the other presents were: Fruit holder and saucer, by Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Burgauer; individual pepper and salt holders, Miss Burgauer; cup and saucer, Wm. Statton; fruit dish, Dr. and Mrs. C. Perry and Mrs. Judd; China Plaque, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Balyeat; soup bowl, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Newton; pickle dish, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Harrod; fruit plate, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Lynn; fruit plate, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Johnston; fruit plate, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. R. Bates; fruit plate, Geo. D. Headrick; fruit plate, John Roberts and Mrs. Reed; fruit plate, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Randall; cut glass fruit and pickle dish, tooth-pick holder and finger bowl, Mesdames G. H. Allen, D. L. Kretsinger, A. H. Doane, C. S. Van Doren, and John Tomlin; plate, bowl and pitcher, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bullene; water pitcher, Mr. M. Hahn; cake stand, Kate Shearer; $20 gold piece, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Shearer of Geneseo, Illinois. A good majority of the donors were present, and under the agreeable hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Shearer, nicely assisted by their daughter, all passed the evening most enjoyably, departing at a late hour, wishing that the bride and groom might have many more such happy anniversaries, clear down to the one of gold, with its silvery locks and ripened years.
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1885.
The members of the National Union had another of their pleasant social gatherings at their hall last evening. This Order, though not so familiarly known, is one of the best secret societies existing, for general fraternity and mutual insurance. As its name indicates, it is a typical American institution, governed on the plan of our general government. The local body is a Council, the state body an Assembly, and the National body the Senate. The Senate is the supreme law-enacting power and every state membership of 500 entitles one senator; 3,500, two senators; and an additional senator for each 6,000 thereafter. The insurance is on the mutual plan, graded assessments on from $1,000 to $5,000, embracing, heretofore, all persons of good moral character and sound body, male or female, between the ages of twenty and fifty. A recent enactment excludes the ladies on the ground of too great risk. The insurance is among the cheapest and surest. The Winfield Council has a membership of seventy-three of the city’s prominent gentlemen and ladies. It is offered by: Lewis Conrad, president; Mrs. C. D. Austin, vice-president; A. A. Howland, secretary; Dr. W. G. Graham, financial secretary and medical examiner; Wm. Newton, treasurer; Mrs. E. S. Bliss, speaker; Miss Emma Howland, chaplain. The gathering last night evidenced the success of the National Union as a Social Order. The hall was full—of people, and genuine social intercourse was mingled with a splendid supper, served in regular table style. These socials are indulged in often, including non-members as well as members.
LAND SLIDES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds yesterday.
Highland Park Town Company to Wm Newton, lots 2 & 3, blk 5, and lots 1, 2 & 3, blk 29, H P ad to Winfield: $1,500.00.
