Alexander Fleming Newman was born in Fleming Co. Kentucky, December 30,1841, and died at his home near Holton, Kansas, June 18, 1919, his age being 77 years, 5 months, and 19 days.
He was united in marriage to Louise Million on April 25, 1861. They lived happily together forty years, Mrs. Newman departing this life June 23, 1901. To them were born eight children, B. S. Newman, of Holton, Florence S. Potter, of Mayetta, Mollie B. Haas, John W. Newman, Ollie J. McKeever of Holton, Hattie, who died in infancy, Louticia Hood of Holton and Ed. Newman, of Mayetta.
Mr. Newman came to Kansas in the year 1865. He located on the home farm in 1869, where he resided until his death. While he was interested in farming he devoted much of his time to stock buying. His business activities gave him a large acquaintance in Holton and the surrounding communities. He had two outstanding characteristics which won him many friends, they were eveness of temperment and fairness in dealing. He was greatly devoted to his family. He held the respect of children to a marked degree. As a pioneer in Kansas he contributed his part toward the rapid development of his community. He was interested in every movement that made for the betterment of conditions. He will be remembered as a man who was always ready to assist in every case of need. He was converted in the old Banner school house a number of years ago.
Mr. Newman married Mrs. Elizabeth Lytle, Dec 24, 1901, who died Jan 25, 1914. He married Mrs. Ann Higgs, June 25, 1917, who survives him. During his sickness of several weeks duration he was exceedingly patient and gave evidence that he was at peace with God.
Among the immediate relatives, other than his widow and children, he leaves one brother, John Newman, of Holton, two sisters, Mrs. George Pope, of Holton, and Mrs. Laura Marsh of Peabody, Kansas. There are seventeen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Services were conducted from the family residence four miles west of Holton by Rev. Frank E. Ryerson, pastor of the Methodist Church. A large number of neighbors and friends attended. The numerous floral pieces spoke their silent message of respect and sympathy.
The honorary pallbearers consisted of six grandaughters, Mrs. Bertha Long, Mrs. Mollie Long, Mrs. Edna Coleman, Mrs. Lou Shafer, Miss Ruth McKeever, and Miss Blanche Hood.
The acting pallbearers were grandsons, Carl, Earl, Allie Newman, John and Theodore Potter, and Alex Haas. The burial was made in the Holton cemetery.