My Genealogy Hound

MORELL M. NEWTON, deceased, whose portrait* we present on the opposite page, was a prominent woolen manufacturer of Homer township, where he spent the latter years of his life. He was born in Pharsalia, Chenango County, May 19, 1845, and was a son of Miles and Louise (Crumb) Newton. He was educated in the common schools of his native town and in Norwich Academy. After completing his education he taught school a number of years in Pitcher and Otselic, Chenango County, and then was employed on a salary in the woolen mill of George L. Crandall of Pitcher, N. Y., for two years. At the expiration of that period, having accumulated some capital, and having gained needful experience in the business, he became a member of the firm, which continued for one year as Crandall & Newton. Then Morell M. Newton, our subject, and his brother-in-law, Elijah Wildman, now of Syracuse, N. Y., bought out Mr. Crandall’s interest, and carried on the business under the style of Newton & Wildman for a year and a half. The next change was when Mr. Wildman retired from the firm, giving way to Addison Taylor of Pitcher township, who, with Mr. Newton, continued to build up an increasing business until Mr. Taylor’s death — a period of about three years. From that time until May, 1882, our subject carried on the business alone. His mill was then destroyed by fire, and he moved to Homer, Cortland County, where he again engaged in the woolen manufacturing business on his own account, continuing thus for about three years, when he sold one-half interest in the plant and business to his brother, D. D. Newton. From that time to our subject’s death, the business was carried on under the able management of these two gentlemen, who continued to sustain the reputation of the company as manufacturers of honest woolen goods that consisted chiefly of shirting flannels. It was a business of large proportions, and brought a great deal of money to the township, that helped materially in advancing the prosperity of the section. One hundred employees were often on the pay-rolls at a single time. There was, of course, nothing but the most beneficial effect to be observed upon all forms of activity and trade from the amount of money put into circulation by the operatives each week.

Mr. Newton met his death by accident in his own mill, being caught in a shaft when on one of his tours of inspection. In his tragic removal from their midst, the citizens of Homer lost one of their most honored and beloved members. He was by nature a generous and sympathetic friend, and counted his intimate acquaintances by the score. No case of deserving want was ever turned aside by him, for he took pleasure in doing good, and in making the best use of his means. He was a model citizen in many ways, and was ready to serve in public office if such was the will of his fellow-citizens, as he did as a member of the school board, but his extensive business interests prevented him from giving any attention to practical politics, or from giving any more than incidental support to the Republican party, the party of his choice.

Miles Newton, the father of Morell M., was a farmer for most of his life in Pharsalia, dying however in South Otselic. In his district he was considered one of the leading agriculturists, and was looked up to and patterned after as a man who had achieved more than ordinary success at his calling. He was a Democrat in his politics, and although quite active in his section, he never held any office. His wife, Louise, bore him four children, who lived to maturity, who were as follows: Phebe Esther, who married Leander S. Law of Pharsalia, now living at Preston, N. Y., and has two children, Bertie and Adon; Morell M., the subject of this biography; Elsie L., who became the wife of Elijah Wildman of Syracuse, N. Y., once a partner in the woolen manufacturing business with our subject, and bore him two children, Egbert L. and N. Ray; and Devaulson D., who married Mary Cline of Smithville, Chenango County, and has a family of three, — Jesse, Dan, and Bessie. The father of our subject was not a professed member of any religious organization, and was somewhat liberal in his views on religion, which circumstance, however, did not prevent him from aiding the churches in their work.

Mrs. Morell M. Newton, who survives her husband, was Christina A. Lewis, a daughter of John L. and Augusta M. (Crandall) Lewis of Pitcher, Chenango County. Mrs. Newton was married November 29, 1868. To Mr. and Mrs. Newton there was born one child, Lynn L., who is now attending school at Homer Academy. Mr. Newton was best known to a large circle of acquaintances as a great church-worker, whose greatest delight was in doing good and in helping those who had never seen the light to declare themselves followers of the Master. He was president of the Cortland County Sabbath School Association, and was deeply interested in its work. His virtues of mind and heart were many, and entitle him to the most grateful remembrance of his fellow townsmen, and all well-wishers of Homer.

*A portrait was included in the original printed volume.