Newman Illinois

Biographical Sketch of George White

George White, born August 18, 1842, near Glasgow, Kentucky, became a prominent implement dealer and auctioneer in Newman, Illinois, starting his business around 1874. Over the years, he achieved significant success, with annual sales between $25,000 and $35,000. Married to Della Clark, they have two sons, Henry W. and Fred. White served in the Civil War and held various positions, including township supervisor. He is also active in several organizations, including the Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Biography of T. W. Swigart

T. W. Swigart, born on July 3, 1831, in Maryland, was a prominent harness dealer and businessman in Newman and Douglas County. He honed his skills as a harness maker in Ohio before relocating to various states, ultimately settling in Newman in 1873. A well-respected figure, Swigart served as president of the town board and held various community positions. Known for his straightforwardness and integrity, he significantly contributed to the local economy while building a successful business and gaining the respect of the community.

Biography of Isaac Skinner

Isaac Skinner was born on January 5, 1829, in Vermillion County, Indiana. He worked on his father’s farm until adulthood and became a farmer himself, acquiring 160 acres by 1853. Skinner was married three times and fathered five children. Initially a Whig, he later aligned with the Republican party. A member of the Methodist Church since 1858, he is recognized for his contributions to his community and has retired from active farming, owning 320 acres near Newman.

Biographical Sketch of W. W. Pepper

W. W. Pepper was born on May 24, 1866, on a farm near Newman, Illinois, as the eldest of seven children. He received his early education in Oakland and pursued higher studies at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, graduating in law in 1893. After moving to Newman in 1894, he quickly gained popularity, serving as city attorney amid a flourishing legal practice. Known for his determination and hard work, Pepper built a successful career based on his deep understanding of the law.

Biography of Ira M. Mulliken

Ira M. Mulliken, born December 17, 1865, in Champaign County, Illinois, was a prominent business figure in Newman. After training in carpentry and embalming, he joined Mike, Miller & Co. in Charleston until 1896. He then partnered with James Barr, managing a hardware and undertaking business. Mulliken was actively involved in the community as a member of the I.O.O.F., Masonic fraternity, and served as clerk of the school board. He married Ida A. Allison and had one daughter, Frances Marie.

Biographical Sketch of J. A. McGown

J. A. McGown, born on March 30, 1832, in Edgar County, Illinois, is a prominent farmer and businessman in Newman Township. He has cultivated 472 acres of land and built a notable residence after moving there around 1875. Married to Martha C. Todd, they have five children. McGown has actively participated in local governance, serving as road commissioner for nine years and school director for twenty-one years. He is also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Woodmen.

Biography of Oliver O. Hockett

Oliver O. Hockett, born March 2, 1866, in Paris, Illinois, is a prominent physician in Newman, Douglas County. After graduating high school in 1882, he studied medicine under Dr. M. P. Smith and graduated from Chicago Hahnemann College in 1889. In March 1890, he established a successful medical practice in Newman. Dr. Hockett is actively involved in the Hahnemann Medical Society and contributes to medical journals. He is married to Luella Gillespie and has one child, J. Maxwell.

Biography of James P. Heaton

James P. Heaton, born on August 16, 1845, in Greene County, Pennsylvania, became a notable citizen of Newman, Illinois, where he contributed significantly to community development and education. After moving to Illinois as a teenager, he became a successful stock raiser and influential community member, holding various local offices, including supervisor and board of education member. He was married to Lottie Harris and had five children. Heaton’s dedication to his community and numerous contributions left a lasting impact on Newman until his death on March 14, 1897.

Biographical Sketch of Frank W. Hammett

Frank W. Hammett, born on February 12, 1862, in Camargo Township, Illinois, is the cashier of the First National Bank of Tuscola. Raised on a farm, he pursued education at the University of Illinois before engaging in tile manufacturing. He joined the bank as a bookkeeper in 1891, later becoming cashier in 1898. A member of a distinguished local family and a Knight Templar Mason, Hammett is recognized for his promising future in business and owns 160 acres in Newman Township.

Biography of Albert F. Fidler

Albert F. Fidler, a successful farmer and businessman in Douglas County, is the son of Levi Fidler, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Indiana in 1840 and later settled in Douglas County. His family’s roots trace back to Germany, with ancestors who served in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Albert, a self-made man, has cultivated a productive 240-acre farm and is married to Anna Lewis, with whom he has two children, Mona and Wayne.

Biography of Edward W. Calvin

Edward W. Calvin, born December 21, 1860, in Wayne County, Illinois, is a prominent druggist and owner of livery stables in Newman. The son of Dr. J. W. Calvin, he has thrived in various business ventures, including a successful drugstore opened in 1897. Married to Emma Smith since 1889, they have one daughter, Oka McCrea. Emma operates a millinery store in Newman. E. W. Calvin is deeply engaged in local political and social initiatives, contributing to the development of Newman and Douglas County.

Biographical Sketch of George W. Brock

George W. Brock, born on September 8, 1846, near Crawfordsville, Indiana, was a prominent farmer in Newman Township. The son of Seth Brock, a carpenter and farmer originally from Ohio, George faced significant health challenges in his youth. He married Malinda Vanhook, with whom he had one surviving daughter, Ada Lucy, and lost three children. A respected member of the community and a devoted Christian, Brock owned 160 acres in Newman Township, contributing to local society through his diligent farming and hospitality.

McQueen, Melinda Catherine Cochran – Obituary

Melinda Catherine Cochran McQueen, a long-time resident of Newman, passed away on April 12, 1918, following a sudden stroke. Born on December 27, 1854, in Bartholomew County, Indiana, she married Joshua P. McQueen in 1869. She was a devoted member of the Christian Church and remembered for her optimistic spirit. Her funeral, attended by many, featured heartfelt eulogies and music, reflecting the deep respect held for her by family and friends. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, and a half-brother.

McQueen, Joshua P. – Obituary

Joshua P. McQueen, born in Bartholomew County, Indiana, on November 22, 1845, committed suicide on August 14, 1919, by ingesting concentrate lye and carbolic acid. Suffering from chronic rheumatism, he had expressed intentions to end his life to family members. His daughter, Hattie B. Davis, discovered him after he called her into the house, and despite attempts to save him with vinegar, he succumbed to the poison later that evening. A funeral service conducted by Rev. F. O. Fannon was held on August 16, 1919, at his home.

Cutsinger, William Edward – Obituary

William Edward Cutsinger, aged 71, passed away on August 1, 1938, at his home near Hindsboro after a prolonged illness. Born on May 29, 1867, he spent his life in the Newman area and was a member of the Christian Church for 44 years. He is survived by his wife Zua, three children, three grandchildren, and several siblings. His funeral service took place at the First Christian Church in Newman on August 4, 1938, with interment in Newman Cemetery.

Cutsinger, Mabel McQueen – Obituary

Mrs. Mabel M. Cutsinger, 87, passed away on May 19 at St. Elizabeth Hospital and was laid to rest at Newman Cemetery following funeral services conducted by Rev. Lowell White. Originally from Newman, she had lived in Chrisman with her daughter, Mrs. Florence Wyatt, for the past six years. A member of the Metcalf Christian Church and the Order of Eastern Star, she was also the widow of Demp Cutsinger. Survived by two daughters and numerous grandchildren, she was predeceased by two sons.

Cutsinger, Jennie House – Obituary

Mrs. L. D. Cutsinger, born March 12, 1872, in Newman, passed away on June 26, 1898, after a prolonged illness due to consumption. The youngest daughter of Thomas House, she graduated from Newman schools at sixteen and married L. D. Cutsinger in January 1898. A funeral service led by Rev. J. B. Pawson was held at her home, followed by interment at Newman Cemetery, where many friends gathered to pay their respects. Condolences were extended to her husband and family.

Cutsinger, Henry Isom – Obituary

Henry I. Cutsinger, a respected member of the community, passed away on March 4, 1904, at his home near Newman, Illinois. His funeral took place at the M. E. Church on March 6, led by Rev. A. E. Hamilton, with a significant attendance despite inclement weather. Born in 1843 in Indiana, Cutsinger served in the Civil War and endured imprisonment at Andersonville. He married Indiana A. McQueen, with whom he had 13 children. He was known for his integrity and kindness, leaving behind a grieving family and community.