MRS. J. M. NEWELL, SR.

The death of Mrs. J. M. Newell, Sr. occurred on Monday morning, March 8, at the family home after a number of months intense suffering. Mrs. Newell, in spite of the fact that she was past seventy eight years of age, was very active when in health, and her daily program called for a walk in the big out of doors at which time she called on her many old time friends and neighbors. Her pleasant, cheery disposition made her visits always welcome ones, and she was particularly loyal to her old friends who reciprocated the affection.

As a pioneer woman of the county, she has seen much history in the making, and her clear, truthful descriptions of early day living would fill a book of much interest to the community. It is to be regretted that much of this early history of the community has not been gathered in the past as the majority of those who could relate it have passed to their reward.

Funeral services for Mrs. Newell were held on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, March 10, from the home with Rev. Marsh in charge of the services. Interment was made in the Blair cemetery.

Mary Elizabeth Waite was born September 23, 1842, near Providence, R.I. Her early childhood was spent there and in Norwich, Conn. She moved with her parents to Sterling, Ill. when she was thirteen years old.

There she finished her schooling and came to Omaha in 1862.

Afterwards she taught school in Sarpy Co.

She was married November 8, _____ to J. M. Newell in Omaha where they lived until Feb. 1868 when they came to Cuming City in this county. They have lived continuously in this county since that time, but have made their home in town for twenty two years.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Newell, two baby boys dying in infancy and Oscar F. who died nearly three years ago.

There remains a daughter, Mrs. John McKay and a son, J. M. Newell, Jr. who reside in Blair.

Besides the husband there are also three grandchildren who mourn her loss. They are Mrs. Jean Edington of Washington, D.C. and Willard and Madeline McKay of Blair.

Mrs. Newell had been a member of the Rebekah lodge for more than thirty three years. Out of town relatives who were present at the funeral services were Mrs. Mattie Davis and Mr. Will Newell of Omaha and Mrs. Oscar Newell of Plainview, Nebraska.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #110519624