Local History - Newton County Times

Gone, but not forgotten: Ava Brasel, first female nominated for county office in Arkansas

Ava Brasel was born in Jasper Feb. 2, 1897, the daughter of James and Lula Lee (Douglas) Brasel. Her father had been postmaster in Jasper, a merchant, and a farmer. She graduated high school and … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 8/30/23

Gone, but not forgotten: The 1931 Newton County bank robbery

The second robbery of the Newton County Bank included locals as part of the robber gang. It is likely that this actually made it easier for authorities to find the culprits rather quickly. On Monday, … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 8/22/23

Gone but not forgotten: A tale of two banks

At one time, Newton County boasted not one, but two banks. These were not branch banks, but rather banks that were incorporated here. The older of the two was Newton County Bank. According to the … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 8/8/23

Gone, but not forgotten: The origin of Camp Orr

Camp Orr High Adventure Base is the only Scout-owned camp located in a national park. It is used by scouts from a wide area, and is always expanding and improving its facilities and programs. It is … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 7/31/23

Gone, but not forgotten: The rabid fox outbreak of 1953

From early times, people in Newton County hunted and trapped wild animals, including foxes. Around 1910, trapping was so popular that ads by fur dealers were placed in local newspapers. Clearing of … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 7/26/23

Gone, but not forgotten: S.L. Nance was a banker and Democrat leader

Samuel Lee (S.L.) Nance, born in 1880 in Elmwood, Boone County, spent much of his career in banking. He first worked at the Newton County Bank in Jasper, where he rose through the ranks from … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 7/18/23

Gone, but not forgotten: The early county judges of Newton County

John Murphy was Newton County judge from 1882 to 1884. No other information has been found for him. David D. Steagall was judge from 1884 to 1886. He was born in Missouri in 1825. He was living in … more

7/11/23

Gone, but not forgotten: The early county judges of Newton County

The office of County Judge has been in existence since the beginning of the county. The first judge, Samuel Bristow, served from 1842 to 1844. It is likely he was Samuel Bristow of Virginia, who was … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 6/27/23

Gone, but not forgotten: Early disasters in Newton County

Newton County has had its share of disasters, both natural and man-made. During the Civil War, Jasper's public buildings were burned by Federal troops, likely in May, 1863, when a company of Federal … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 6/20/23

Gone, but not forgotten: Past sheriffs of Newton County; the 20th century

Continued from last week Will Jones served the next two terms as sheriff, from 1924 to 1926 and 1926 to 1928. He was born in 1892 and was a manufacturer of staves. He lived in Jackson Township … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 6/13/23

Gone, but not forgotten: Past sheriffs of Newton County; the 20th century

Continued from last week Sidney Lonzo Bristow was Newton County Sheriff from 1906 to 1908. He was born in 1867 in Johnson County and moved to Newton County sometime before 1900, when he was a … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 6/6/23

Bank OZK Jasper Branch Manager Gary Smith drew the winning ticket for the quilt in the Newton County Cancer Support Group's fundraiser on Friday, June 1. The quilt is going to Lynne Bauchman, the assistant manager at Harps food store in Jasper. Susan McSweeney, the group's coordinator, pictured left, said, "We want to thank all the people who donated to help those in our county with meeting transportation costs to treatments, doctor visits and testing updates."

Quilt awarded

6/5/23

Gone, but not forgotten: Past sheriffs of Newton County 1886-1900

Continued from last week William Gillespie Harris was Newton County Sheriff from 1866 to 1868. He was born in Alabama in 1825, moving to Newton County sometime after 1860. He served in Co D 2nd … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 5/31/23

Gone, but not forgotten: Past sheriffs of Newton County 1886-1900

Continued from last week Andrew J. Casey was sheriff from 1878 until 1880. He was born in Newton County in 1853, and was farming in Pleasant Hill Township at the time he was sheriff. Around 1890 … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 5/31/23

Gone but not forgotten: Trains never ran on time in Newton County

Although there has never been a railroad in Newton County (save at Dogpatch USA), it has not been because of a lack of interest. As early as 1875, a group of interested citizens met at Cave Creek The … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 5/9/23

Gone, but not forgotten: The Roaring Twenties

One hundred years ago, the nation experienced a period of lawlessness and excess that has been called "the Roaring Twenties". Newton County was not home to mobsters like Al Capone or Machine Gun … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 4/25/23

Gone, but not forgotten: Newton County had its share of outlaws in the early 1900s

Arwine Yates Standridge was born in Newton County in October 1881, son of Alexander and Sarah (Yates) Standridge. He acquired the nickname "the Wolf." At a young age, he took up moonshining, although … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 4/18/23

Gone, But not forgotten: The year Newton County won 'first prize'

Newton County made front page news in the Baxter Bulletin Feb. 20, 1920, when the county won first prize for best organized club work in the state. The article quoted the "Arkansas Democrat," which … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 4/4/23

Gone, but not forgotten: Early Van Buren Township

Van Buren Township was one of the original eight townships of Newton County. It was situated in the western part of the county and included Boxley Valley and Cave Mountain. Part 2 William B. … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 3/28/23

Gone, but not forgotten: Early Van Buren Township

Van Buren Township was one of the original eight townships of Newton County. It was situated in the western part of the county and included Boxley Valley and Cave Mountain.Abner Casey was born around … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 3/21/23