Local History - Newton County Times

Gone, but not forgotten: First families in Newton County, Austin Garland Smith family

Austin Garland Smith was born in 1818 in Kentucky, according to the 1850 census for Van Buren Township, Newton County. He married Nancy Whiteley around 1839, because the couple were living together … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 11/28/24

Gone, but not forgotten: First families in Newton County, Daniel Ham family

There are many families in Newton County who can trace their ancestry back to some of the first settlers of Newton County. Among these ancestors was Daniel Ham. Daniel E. Ham was born in Bedford … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 11/19/24

Gone, but not forgotten: Remembering early Murray Township

In 1900, Murray Township had a population of 365 people. Most people were farmers. But a few had other occupations. Denton C Frailey was a physician. He was born in 1868 in Kentucky, and made his way … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 11/4/24

Gone, but not forgotten: When Marble City was its own township

In 1900, Marble City was enumerated as its own township. There were 396 people living in the township, most of them working on farms. But there was mining, industry, and business going on as well. … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 10/29/24

Gone, but not forgotten: County surveyor was important position

The position of County Surveyor was an important one. As people moved in and registered their lands, it was vital that the surveyor provided documents that made it clear exactly where the land was. … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 10/21/24

Gone, but not forgotten: Low Gap was first recorded township

Low Gap was first recorded as a township in the 1900 census for Newton County. That year 342 people were living in the township. Most people were farmers, but there were a few interesting exceptions. … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 10/15/24

Arkansas Genealogical Society Online Fall Conference Oct. 19

The Arkansas Genealogical Society is thrilled to announce its 2024 Fall Conference featuring Cyndi Ingle. This event, scheduled to take place via Zoom on Saturday, October 19th, commencing at 9am … more

10/14/24

Gone, but not forgotten: Recalling Lincoln Township

Lincoln Township is located north of Hickory Grove Township. Wayton is in Lincoln Township. It was first found in the census record in 1900, when 540 people were living there. Most people were … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 10/7/24

Gone, but not forgotten: Recalling Grant Township

Grant Township was located between Mill Creek and Marble Falls township. It was first found in the 1900 census, when only ten families, consisting of 51 people, lived there. In 1910, the number had … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 9/24/24

Gone, but not forgotten: Teachers remembered

Rual Custer Hamm was born in Newton County in 1902. He went to college for two years, obtaining the requirements needed at that time to teach school. He married Goldie Burdine in 1929 and the next … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 9/16/24

Arkansas Historic Preservation Program to host cemetery preservation workshop

The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) will be hosting a free Cemetery Preservation Workshop at Huntsville Cemetery, Huntsville, on Saturday, October 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This hands-on … more

9/9/24

Gone, but not forgotten: Early days of Plumlee Township

Plumlee Township was first found in the 1880 census. Before then, it was part of Osage Township. In 1880, 66 people were enumerated living in the township. Among them were first cousins Clinton and … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 9/9/24

Shiloh Museum to unveil redesigned public space Sept. 4

SPRINGDALE — The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History will unveil its new public space and announce its name in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and news conference at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4. The space … more

8/29/24

Gone, but not forgotten: The sad story of Nancy Hensley

Nancy Melissa Hensley was born in Lebanon in Searcy County, the daughter of John and Mary (Pryor) Hensley. She was courted by Pleasant Fowler, a farmer from Newton County. The young couple wed in … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 8/13/24

Gone, but not forgotten: The Adair Cemetery near Erbie

If you are hiking near Erbie, you may come upon a cemetery with comb graves. These are graves covered by rectangular sandstone slabs leaning together to form a gable roof. These are the tombs of John … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 8/5/24

Gone, but not forgotten: Early coroners of Newton County

Five men served one term each as Newton County Coroner during the 1880s. The first was James C. Hensley, a blacksmith born in Indiana in 1846. He moved from Indiana to Kentucky and then Missouri … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 7/29/24

Gone, but not forgotten: Early coroners of Newton County

Part 3 No man was coroner for the term 1870 to 1872. E. Daniels again stepped in and served from 1872 to 1874. Hosea Villines served two terms, from 1874 to 1876. He was a farmer, son of Abraham … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 7/23/24

Gone, but not forgotten: Early coroners of Newton County

The office of coroner was vacant from 1850 until 1852, when B. B. Rose, who served for one term before vanishing from the record. The next coroner was Henry Brewer, who served from 1854 to 1856. He … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 7/15/24

Members of Community Matters, a coalition of faith-based and nonprofit service organizations serving Newton County, met in regular session last Thursday, June 28, with several members committing to provide assistance during the upcoming Ozark Wellness: In

The office of county coroner has been filled since the creation of Newton County in 1842. The early coroners were not physicians, but rather men of good character and common sense. The first coroner … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 7/9/24

Gone, but not forgotten: The 'Barney' Cheatham Turnpike

Just after Newton County was created, Barnett "Barney" Cheatham was contracted to construct a road from the east prong of Big Creek near Mount Judea to Moccasin Gap in Pope County. The road went from … more

By BARBARA LEROY | 7/1/24