Biography of John Newton

John Newton, a resident of Sycamore Township since 1884, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, on March 14, 1842. He spent his early years in Tuscarawas County before moving to Montgomery County, Kansas, following his service in the 11th Ohio National Guard during the Civil War. A dedicated farmer and community member, Newton served on the school board and as a road overseer, and maintained lifelong affiliation with the Republican Party and the Grand Army of the Republic. He was the son of Isaac and Rachel Newton and part of a large extended family rooted in Ohio. Newton married Mary E. Balitt in 1869, and together they raised a family of six children, with descendants continuing to reside in or near Montgomery County.

JOHN NEWTON—Since 1884 there has lived in Sycamore township the gentleman above named, who has established a reputation for uprightness and integrity equaled by few and surpassed by none. He resides on section 7-31-15, where he cultivates one of the most tasty farms in the township.

Mr. Newton is a native of the “Buckeye” state, his birth occurring in Harrison county, March 14th, 1842. He was reared to farm life and accompanied his parents in their removal to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he continued to reside until the date of his coming to Montgomery county, Kansas. In May of 1865, he enlisted as a private soldier in Co. “D,” 11th Ohio National Guard, under Colonel Taylor, and General Siegel, of the Army of the Potomac. He spent some four months in the service—being at Martinsburg and Harper’s Ferry—and was mustered out at the capital of his state.

Mr. Newton takes a good citizen’s part in the life of his community. He has served on the school board and as road overseer of his district. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and has been a Republican since he was able to cast a vote.

Turning now to the points of interest in the family history of Mr. Newton, the biographer recalls that he is a son of Isaac and Rachel (Murphy) Newton, both natives of Ohio. Isaac was a son of Levi and Mary Newton, whose children were: Ransom, Isaac, Levi, Zimena, Roxina and Annie. To the marriage of Isaac Newton and his wife were born nine children, as follows: Louise Hasebrook, Anne Smiley, of Jewit, O.; Martha Walker, of Urichsville, O.; Jane Brewster, of Montgomery county; Matilda Kennedy, of Columbus, Ohio; John, the subject of this review; Robert, of Illinois; Luther, deceased, and Albert, who resides in Ohio. After the death of the mother of these children, Isaac Newton married Mary J. Tope, to whom were born Cora Baumer and Netta Thomas, both of whom reside in Ohio.

The domestic life of our subject was begun March 2, 1869, when he was happily joined in marriage with Mary E. Balitt. Mrs. Newton was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, March 23rd, 1845, and is a daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Baltzey) Balitt, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Newton’s children are as follows: Mary C. Wilson, with her four children, Nellie, Harris, Frank and Bulah, resides in Montgomery county; Sarah L. Mathis, resides in Indian Territory with her children, Maude, Frederick and Lester M.; Isaac, yet at home; Daniel O., of Montgomery county; Luman B., at home, and Carrie M. Oliver, with her daughter, Flora, resides in Sycamore, Kansas.

As a member of this family there is at present the mother of Mrs. Newton, Mrs. Mary Balitt, now in her 80th year.