Surnames: NEWTON CHAMBERS RINGROSE KRUCKEBURG OHNSTAD FENSKI

----Source: HUMBIRD ENTERPRISE (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) 11/22/1919

Newton, John M. (17 Sep 1841 - 14 NOV 1919)

John M. Newton was born in London, England, Sept. 17, 1841. It became necessary for him to support himself when a mere boy, and at the age of sixteen, thinking that the new world offered better opportunities than the old he immigrated to Canada. There he lived several years, employed as a lumberman. The trade which he followed brought him to Oshkosh, where he made the acquaintance of the young lady, Miss Olivia Chambers, who on July 4, 1871, became his bride. They resided at Omro for a few years, and then moved to Payne's Mill, located between this village (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) and Merrillan, at both places following his trade. Later the family moved into Merrillan, where they resided until making their home on the farm south of town.

In 1903 the mother died. One son, Henry, preceded her in 1885, and a second, Hiram, followed in 1906.

Mr. Newton had not been in the best of health for some time past, but had been about as usual. Last Friday afternoon he drove to town with his son Samuel, and had gone home before dark. Soon after arriving there he was taken with a chill. Dr. Schwarz was summoned and found him suffering with an acute kidney trouble, which resulted in his death. The end came peacefully at about 10:30 o'clock Friday night, Nov. 14, 1919, at the age of 78 years, 1 month and 23 days.

The funeral service were held at the home on Wednesday afternoon, Rev. J. B. Braddock preaching the sermon, and the remains were taken to Merrillan, where they were laid at rest beside those of his wife and two sons. The deceased was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Merrillan, and many of the members of the order, together with neighbors and old friends attended the last and sad rites.

Mr. Newton is survived by four daughters, Mrs. C. E. Ringrose of Alma Center, Mrs. George Kruckeburg of Williston, N.D., Mrs. M. K. Ohnstad of Sharon, N.D., and Mrs. H. C. Fenske of Tomah; and two sons, G. F, who is teaching at Regent, N. D., and S. R., at home. All were present at the funeral excepting Mrs. Kruckeburg.

Mr. Newton was a man of high standard of principle, which was inherited by his family of sons and daughters. In his uprightness of character and unblemished life, he left to his children and grandchildren fond recollections that will grow dearer as time lessens the sorrow they now bear at his passing from their midst. He formed friendships in the different places where he resided that have lasted throughout the span of life.