Martin Herrick Newhall

MARTIN HERRICK NEWHALL. - Inheriting in no small measure the energy, thrift and public spirit of his honored New England ancestors, Martin Herrick Newhall was for several years actively associated with the best interests of Kansas City, Kansas, and his death was a genuine loss not only to his immediate family, but to the entire community. He was born, May 10, 1844, in Weathersfield, Vermont, and died in Kansas City, Kansas, March 6, 1909, his body being laid to rest in Mt. Hope cemetery. His father, Melvin Newhall, was a son of John Newhall, a native of Massachusetts, and his wife, whose maiden name was Sophronia Herrick, was a daughter of Martin Herrick, a New England farmer.

When but an infant Martin Herrick Newhall was left motherless, and, his father dying eleven years later, was brought up by a guardian. He was educated in Vermont, being graduated from the high school in Springfield, that state. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil war he offered his services to his country, enlisting, in August, 1861, in Company A, Twelfth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. With his command he was at the front in numerous engagements. Being honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of enlistment, Mr. Newhall returned to his old home, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his marriage. Searching then for a favorable location, he came westward as far as Joliet, Illinois, where for two years he conducted a grocery. Moving then with his family to Newton county, Indiana, Mr. Newhall purchased land, and there, in addition to carrying on a successful business as a dealer in meat, was for eleven years engaged in general farming. Disposing of his interests in Indiana, he came to Kansas City, Kansas, and for sometime was prosperously engaged in the real estate and insurance business. In March, 1904, Mr. Newhall was elected judge of Smith City Court, and thereafter ably and faithfully filled the position until his death. The judge was a stanch Republican in politics, and while a resident of Newton county, Indiana, served for three years as township trustee. He was a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and at different times was a member of its official board. Fraternally he belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Judge Newhall married, November 14, 1865, in Vermont, Sarah Woods, who was born in West Windsor, Vermont. Her father, Edwin S. Woods, a native of West Windsor, Vermont, was a son of Daniel and Esther (Newhall) Woods, the former of whom was born in Vermont, while the latter was of Connecticut birth. He married Maria E. Stowell, who also was born in Vermont, a daughter of Fisher and Mary (Bailey) Stowell, natives of Massachusetts, and among the children which they reared was Mrs. Newhall. Lillian S., the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Newhall, married Mark Maxwell, a real estate and insurance agent of Kansas City, Kansas, and Mrs. Newhall resides with them.