, one of the pioneers of Rock Falls, died this morning at 2:15 o'clock at his home, 312 East Third Street, Rock Falls. The funeral will be held Friday at 2 o'clock at the home, and Rev. L.A. Holp, pastor of the Rock Falls congregational church, will have charge of the services. The interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.
John L. Newton was born in Morgan County Ohio, 80 years ago Feb. 11. With his folk he came to Illinois and settled in Como, Whiteside county, when he was twenty years of age. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H. 75th IL Inf. and served his country well until the close of the war. He enlisted as a corporal, but promoted for bravery and efficiency to first lieutenant. Stil later, he was promoted, having charge of the supply trains. Still again he was given command of what is known among army men as the pioneer company. The history of the regiment speaks very highly of his abilities and valor. At the end of the war he returned to his home in Como, and in 1869 he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Nichols of Sterling. Two sons were born to them, Lawrence A., living in ROck Falls, and Harry who died young. Mrs. Newton passed away in 1883. The following year he was united in marriage to Mrs. Helen Whitney Lyon, who survives.
In the year 1872, shortly after A.P. Smith founded Rock Falls, Mr. Newton moved to Rock Falls and started a store. This grocery he operated for a number of years. He was also interested in a hardward store in the same town. After running a larger grocery store he sold out and for a time led a retired life. He was not content to remain idle, however, and started the Exchange Bank of Rock Falls, which he successfully operated for several years. For the last 25 years he had retired from active life, for the greater share of the time. He was a very successful business man. Mr. Newton joined the Rock Falls Congregational church about 30 years ago and had been a faithful attendant and member since. When he was well, there wsa never a day or a night too cold, hot or stormy for him to attend church. He was a hard worker and held many important offices in the church and Sunday school. He will be greatly missed by the church and all other organizations kindred ot the church. Among other accomplishments Mr. Newton was the first man to lay a sidewalk in Rock Falls.
Last New Years Day, Mr. Newton while a little feeble, though quite active, fell and broke a hip and he had been confined to his bed most of the time since. Last night about 11 o'clock he was strickent with an attack of hemorrage of the brain. He was conscious for half an hour and then lapsed into a unconsciousness and remained so up to the time of his death. He had always taken an active interest in the Will Enderton G.A.R. Post until a short time before his accident and the funeral will be under the direction of this organization. Mr. Newton leaves to mourn his loss, a wife and son, and two step children, MRs. LeRoy Clifton adn Walter Lyon of Rock Falls and eight grandchildren; Miss Jennie N ewton of Rock Falls; Harold Newton of Joliet and Misses Helen, Grace and John Newton of Rock Falls and Miss Evelyn Sturtevant and LeRoy Clifton Jr. of Rock Falls besides a host of friends.
NOTICE: Jan. 22, 1917 - J.L. Newton of East Third Street, Rock Falls, was a victim of a serious injury Sunday morning when he slipped an fell on the ice in the backyard. A number of men in the neighborhood came to his assistance and carried him into the house and a doctor was called and it was found that his leg had been broken. Mr. Newton has many friends in this community who regret to hear of his misfortune.
There is not actual date of death given here -- one report says he broke his leg on January 21 - but the obituary says this happened on New Years Day -- Jan. 1 and that his death was a result of a hemmorhage of the brain. It looks like birth was April 11, 1837 and death in Jan. 1917..
