| Notes |
- Denison Review, 12 Feb 1896, Obituary
We subjoin a concise biography of Mr. N. Richards, who lived for
thirty years in Crawford County and who was faithful Christian and honorable
citizen. The Methodist church edifice was crowded with friends who came to
testify their appreciation and condolence by their presence.
Rev. R. Venting, of the Baptist church, preached an appropriate
discourse. As will be seen Mr. Richard's army record is eminently honorable.
Newton Richards was born near Akron, Ohio, May 31, 1836. He was
educated at Hiram College where he was a classmate of James A. Garfield, who
afterwards became the honored president of the United States. He beca
Christian when 17 years of age, was baptized and united with the church, the
"Disciples of Christ". Came to Winneshike county, Iowa in 1855. Was married in
1859 to Miss Mormetta Webster; in 1862 enlisted in the 38th Iowa infantry. His
wife died of consumption shortly after his enlistment. He served in the army
for three years and for gallant conduct and bravery was, before Vicksburg,
twice promoted in rapid succession. He had been on September 14, 1862 promoted
to 1st Sergeant; but at Vicksburg in the midst of that terrific siege, he was
promoted June 7, 1862 to 2nd lieutenant and scarcely more than a month later,
on the 10th of July following, he was raised to 1st lieutenant which office he
held when honorably discharged from his country's service. He had charge of
the government supplies and was on the general staff.
In 1862, during the month of August, while encamped at Fort Atkinson,
a flag was presented by the ladies to Co. E. 38th Iowa Infantry. Of this flag
now draped upon his casket, Bro. Richards was made by the company the
custodian. Thirty-three years ago he received this emblem of our country, this
tribute to the gallantry of his company, this expression of the esteem of his
comrades into his custody, today it lies upon his bier. Today it is a mute
memento of the years of trial and patriotism; as also a witness of his
faithfulness to devotion; for to no other care would this banner have been
conferred. He came to Crawford county in 1866 and has, with the exception of a
few intervals, been ever since a resident. He soon after united with the
Baptist church of Denison.
He married January 17, 1867, Ellen Bassett Purdy, widow of John Purdy.
Five children were born to them, of which three died in childhood. Two
daughters and a living wife remain to mourn his loss.
He was a faithful church member, a deacon, many times a
superintendant of Sunday school; in Denison, Dow City, South Dakota and
Arion. He was mayor of the town of Arion which he had done perhaps more than
any other one person to establish and benefit.
He died at his home in Arion, February 7th, 1896 being 59 years, 8
months and 7 days old, in full hope and in joyful anticipation of a glorious
immortality.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1836 - 1896 (59 years)
d. UNKNOWN