George Newell

Oct. 25, 1922

George NEWELL, son of Asa and Elinor Newell, was born 
in Jefferson county, Illinois on April 15, 1841 died at his home 
two miles north of Waltonville,October 25, 1922, aged 81 years, 
6 months and 10 days. 
He was one of a family of seven children: Levi, Lucy, Oscar,
Ichabod, Phillip and Douglas. All but Phillip having preceeded 
him in death, Douglas having died in May, 1922 and Oscar died 
on October 18, 1922, just one week ago. On Dec. 21, 1864, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Gilbert,daughter of Stephen and 
Sarah Gilbert. To this union nine children were born, Asa, Laura 
(widow of C. S. Lemon); Mina, (wife of D. S. Fairchild); Norman, 
Minnie (wife of A. G. Taylor); John, Earl, Margaret and Lorin, the 
latter two having preceded in death many years ago. On June 26, 1888, 
death claimed his wife and left him the care of his small children until
March 30, 1893, he was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta Fred, 
daughter of William and Sarah Fred. To this union, three children were 
born, one having died in infancy, Oscar and Miss Myrtle at home. 
He leaves besides his wife, one brother and nine childrfen, twenty-
five grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren and a host of 
relatives and friends to mourn their loss. 
In early life he was united with the Universalist Church at Old 
Williamsburg and had always lived a devoted christian, always ready 
to lend a helping hand to the needy. "Uncle" George as he was familiarly 
known, wished he might get well, but realizing his time was short 
expressed his willingness to go. 
At the age of 20, on July 1, 1861, he volunteered in Co.F, 44th Illinois
Infantry and served his country well and faithfully for three years, 
when on September 15, 1864, he was honorably discharged from service at 
Atlanta, GA., He lay sick for several months in the hospital and fought
afterwards at Chattanooga, Chickamuga and Atlanta and other severe 
engagements. Just 57 years to the day of his discharge, his two youngest 
sons, Earl and Oscar, left for the training camp during the World War. 
He was ever a devoted husband and father.
All his long and useful life was spent in Jefferson County, one half mile
from his old home where he was born. His earthly home was an idea one 
where peace and happiness reigned. 
Funeral was held at the home at 1 o’clock, Thursday afternoon.,
Oct. 27, 1922, by Rev. G. A. Phelp of Chester, Illinois and the body 
was laid to rest in the Gilbert cemetery under many beautiful flowers. 
Maude Newell Place and Claude Newell were twins who remained very close 
all their lives. Maude Newell married Frank Place, and they named their 
oldest son Claude. Oddly enough, Maude’s brother and her son she
named after her brother died on the same day.