Levi Newman

Levi Newman was born at Lourenville, Jefferson County, Ohio, on November 29, 1835. He died at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines on October 15, 1918, at the age of 82 years, ten months and sixteen days.

His parents moved with him to Wisconsin when he was very young and he spent his youth in the Badger state. He was married to Miss Rachel A. Davis on November 18, 1860. They continued to reside in Wisconsin where his wife died August 14, 1872.

He came to Iowa about 1880. After a short sojourn at Humeston he finally settled at Mount Ayr where lived continuously more than thirty years. He had part in the building up of most of Mount Ayr as it now stands. He was married to Mary E. Buchanan on January 18, 1874 while still in Wisconsin. She died at Mount Ayr on July 28, 1886.

Mr. Newman became a member of the Methodist Church at Mount Ayr on April 11, 1887, under the pastorate of Rev. R. J. Vollmer. This was at the time of the great Wilson revival.

On July 20, 1890, the deceased was married to Etta Lorimor, who survives him, together with eight children.  One daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Elizabeth Ewing, preceded the father in death. Of the surviving children, Mrs. Leona E. Bastow, Lloyd A. Newman and Halley O. Newman are residents of Des Moines, Mrs. Mary E. Gillenwatters and Marshall S. Newman are living at Los Angeles, CA., James H. Newman is at Maloy, IA., Frank Newman in Mount Ayr and Earl E. Newman is “Somewhere in France.”

Levi Newman belonged to that pioneer race which laid the solid foundations for the civilization of the Great West. he had all the sterling virtues of the sturdy stock from which he sprung. He was a good citizen, a consistent member of his church, a good and loving husband and father.

Funeral services were conducted briefly at the residence in Mount Ayr on Thursday, October 16, by Rev. Welch and Rev. Bean, after which the remains were laid away at Rose Hill Cemetery.