The following info and pages are from my prior web site on rootsweb with new details added.
Rootsweb Site: The Newberry Family - Saga of a Clan
Rootsweb Site: The Newberry Family - Saga of a Clan
The Newberry story as I know it began when my family whispered rumors of our Native American heritage. I decided to make a point of finding out what I could and hoped to renew knowledge of my heritage and family, with pride. My Great Great Grandmother, Hannah Maria Newberry Morris made a last photographic record of herself which hung in my Great Grandmother's home until her death in 1931.The photo mysteriously disappeared, but through detective work I located another copy that I have used in this study. The photo to the left shows her on her wedding day to George Morris, and English emigrant. Her mother is supposed to have given her a heishi necklace for her wedding day and is shown. A later photo showed her as an elderly gray haired, work worn woman in her 60's. She is wearing a curious necklace which was purported to be Native American in origin, and supposedly bear claw. I have stared at that photo for hours trying to see the bear claws buried in the ruffles of her European style dress - to no avail. I finally decided to start asking questions of people who might have more information. The necklaces have been the only solid clue to her ethnicity. I have found several people from various tribes who have assured me that it is indeed a Native American 'family necklace'. See link below.
At the same time I started querying people in N.Y. state about my relatives and found many willing people who have gifted me with huge amounts of research on the family. Ditto for family in Iowa. Our Newberry's lived reclusive lives in an effort to protect their children. They hid their Native American heritage to escape persecution and the prospect of extinction. They intermarried with and lived as white men and avoided speaking of their heritage. Wherever they went, they only spoke in half-truths to avoid the treatment forced upon their tribal cousins. Events such as the Trail of Tears, and numerous other death marches forced on the tribes by a land hungry civilization, required them to hide their ethnicity or risk continued genocide. Jim Stokes, Ojibway elder explained to me that after the uprisings in 1862 many native people took their identities underground, blending with German settlers to avoid the frightening genocides instigated by the U.S. government. This tactic however, began much earlier with light-skinned native people taking up the plow and separating from their tribes in order for their families to survive. Many claimed white heritage in order to secure land grants offered by the government - often on their own native lands.
Hannah's parents set out from Warwick, N.Y. for the Ohio frontier around 1819. They headed for "Western Reserve", a part of Ohio that was set aside by the Connecticut Land Company for people who were leaving the east. This land was supposed to be reserved for people who lost their land in the east for one reason or another. Someday we hope to know our family's reasons. Hannah's parents specifically sold their ownership in the inherited family land tosiblings, who in turn eventually disposed of it.
Hannah Maria Newberry was born in Strongsville, Ohio on March 23, 1823. However, the whole story begins generations before she is born, in Connecticut and New York. Her father James Newberry born in N.Y. in 1791 was probably from Iroquoian or Delaware stock, and her mother Mary Smith, Northern Cherokee. By this time many of the tribes had intermarried with white men and the Newberry's claimed to be Caucasian in the early (1790) census records. In some cases it is the information that is missing that is most telling!
Physical characteristics have diminished through each succeeding generation. However, a friend of mine who is a Cherokee Elder believes, "the heart contains the flame that shelters our ethnicity, no matter our physical appearance." The necklace has lead me on a saga of intrigue, and continues to fuel the fire to find more information. The necklace has never materialized, though it has often been mentioned by various people and written about in newsletters published by her Morris descendants. Some were proud of the heritage, while others persistently tried to hide it. DNA testing has confirmed the family's native heritage, as well as the heritage of numerous other families associated and related by marriage.
The following information details her father's family line from New York.
*********************************
Some Descendants of Richard Newbury, Malden, MA
I. JOHN NEWBERRY b. 1746 and Jemima Benedict Newberry b. 1749
in Warwick, Orange County, New York
Children:
1. MARY, born October 17, 1771, d. September 11, 1857. m. John Fitzgerald
Children: William, Pauline, David Maurice, Sidney Smith, Albert, Joshua, James Benedict,
Martha, John, I. Nelson
2. PHEBE, born February 20, 1774, d. November 30, 1865, (carriage accident) m. James Smith son of Sam Smith*
and Mary Mapes (2) Ezea Holbert
Children: Jemima, m. Elbert Howell 1798-1800, Charles, Elizabeth, John, Katie Maria,
Malinda, Johanna
3. ANNIE, born February 3, 1776, d. November 30, 1865, (carriage accident with sister) m. James Demorest.
(second marriage for James. His first was to Annie’s sister Sophia who died in 1823.)
Children: Harriet, Harvey, Edward F., Lois, Emma, Pauline, Henry, David.
4. ZILPHA, born January 8, 1778, d. September 20, 1853 in Brownhelm, Ohio, m. Thomas Sly. Thomas died Aug.
28, 1843 in Brownhelm.
Children: Zilpha died at the age of 17 in November of 1824. Other children unknown.
5. MARTHA, born November 24, 1779, d. October 22, 1853. m. Jesse Smith -son of Sam Smith* and Mary Mapes.
Children: Amzi Lewis, Jesse, William F. Stephen, Ira.
6. SARAH, born September 12, 1781, d. September 28, 1838 in Strongsville, Ohio m. Benjamin Scofield – no further
information know on this family.
7. HANNAH MARIA, born October 6, 1783, October 1838, m. Joshua Bridgeford - no further information know on
this family.
8. ELIZABETH, born May 24, 1785, d. November 14, 1817. m. Hezekiah Breffet (son of Joshua Breffet and Mary
Mapes) Family lived in Monroe.
Children: Samuel and Sarah Eliz. This information may be wrong as per the Braffit Organization
9. SOPHIA, born April 7, 1787, d. 1823, d. m. James Demorest, who married her sister Annie when she died.
Children: James Benedict b. Sept. 20, 1875, John Dill, Peter L., George W., Jemima, Anne, Keturah,
William K., Elizabeth
10. JOHN, born Sept. 23, 1789, d. 1851 in Brownhelm, Ohio m. Sally Fancher
Children: William Henry b. 1821, Rebecca, Harriet, James b. 1827, David b. 1830, John b. 1832
11. JAMES , born May 29, 1791, d. July 10, 1880, m. Mary Smith (See next)
12. JOSHUA, born November 2, 1793, d. January 20, 1863, m. Elizabeth Stephens
Children: John, David, Elizabeth (heir to the Fancher estate), Joseph, Eleanor, b. 1829.
13. ARCENITH born February 9, 1794, d. June 13, 1877 in Penn., m. Daniel Durand
Most information on this table was found in the McColl document. There is another Sam Smith whose daughter married James Newberry, who is from a different Smith Family.
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James Abram Newberry b. May 29, 1791, was married five times.
II. JAMES NEWBERRY and Mary (Smith) Newberry
Warwick N.Y. , PA., OH., MI., IL., IA.
More of James' history is known and is published in "The Quiet Patriarch" by Sue Simonich currently out of print.
Children:
1. Jane Newberry b. October 17, 1812 Warwick, New York, d. December 13, 1907, Panama, Shelby County, Iowa. Baptized 14 March 1831 by Heman Basset m. James Jacob Crandall in Clay County, Missouri, December 5, 1833, b.1800 in New Paltz, New York to John Crandall and Magdalena (Wood) Crandall and d. September 3, 1893, in Panama, Shelby County, Iowa. Children: James b. 8 September, 1834 in Missouri, d. 28 August 1903 in Oregon, m. Jemima Brown 22 Oct 1862 in Van Buren County, Iowa; Roseanna, b. 1835 in Jackson County, Missouri; Patricia, b. January 1837 in Jackson County, Missouri; Sally, b. 1841 in Van Buren County, Iowa; Benjamin, b. 1842 in Van Buren County Iowa, m. to Annaletta Gressman 24 May 1867, Gallands Grove; Mary, b. 1843 Van Buren County, Iowa, m. to a Mr. Darling 1863, Iowa; Abraham, b. 30 Jan 1849 in Troy, Van Buren County, Iowa, m. to Carrema Otis Wight,[1] 1 January 1872 Gallands Grove, Iowa; William, b. 1850 Troy, Van Buren County, Iowa, m. to Margaret Goodale 18 Aug 1872, Shelby County; John, b. 1852 in Troy, Van Buren County, Iowa, m. to Katherine Steele. Info provided by Hazel Crandall Murray.
2. John Smith Newberry b. May 22, 1814, Warwick, Orange County, New York, d. Lee County, Iowa, 1861 m. Lucinda (Elizabeth) Williams December 24, 1837 in Clay County, Missouri by Joseph Holbrook an elder of the LDS Church. Lucinda Williams was from Clinton County, Missouri. Her parents (we think) were, Charles Williams b. 1782 and Juditha (Brummet) Williams. John Smith Newberry’s death was in Argyle, Lee County, Iowa. Buried in Vincennes, Lee County, Iowa. Lucinda died between 1855 and 1858 in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. Children: unknown _____; William W., b. 1841 m. Catherine Loomis; John Marshall, b. Feb. 14, 1844, m. Vesta Curtis; Edward T.* b. 1850, m. Nellie ______; Charles. *Edward T. was also known as Deadwood Ed who homesteaded in South Dakota. Info provided by Janice Newberry R******* and Mary K***.
3. Abraham B. Newberry b. March 31, 1816, Warwick, Orange, N.Y., d. August 1, 1898, Lee County, Iowa m. Eliza Ann Duty January 1, 1842. They were married by Wilford Woodruff *. b. October 24, 1824 in Newberry, Orange County, Vermont, daughter of Israel Duty and Mehitable (Sawyer) Duty. Eliza Ann was the cousin of the prophet Joseph Smith. Couple lived separately after 1868. Children: Rosaline (Rosa) b. November 2, 1844; Orson O. b. February 14, 1845, m. Helen Vesta Gray, Charles W. b. May 20, 1850, m. Jennie Bellamy. *Wilford Woodruff became the fourth President of the LDS Church in 1889. Info provided by Wilma Newberry and Marlene B*****.
4. James Washington Newberry b. December 9, 1819 Warwick, N.Y. d. March 7, 1895, Argyle, Lee County, Iowa. m. Edith A. Benedict on September 19, 1847, b. Sept. 1830-33, Brickville, Ontario, Canada, daughter of Ezra Benedict and Edith A. (Parish) Benedict. d. October 9, 1911, Argyle, Lee County, Iowa. Children: Washington, b. 1848, m. Ellen F. Washburne; Smith Benedict, b. October 27, 1851; West, b. February 29, 1856, m. Sarah E. Case; Armantha, b. November 28, 1857, m. Robert Tweedy; Ella, (Luella Dale) b. April 15 1862, m. Nels C. Nelson; Alta M. b. October 3, 1866, m. Orson G. Sargent; Fred Devere, (Twin to Chares) b. March 30, 1870, m. Mary Spicer; Charles D. (Twin to Fred) B. March 30 1870, m. Emma L. Ames, Miline, b. unknown; Info. provided by Marlene B***** and Edith Tweedy.
5. Sally (Sarah) Ann Newberry b. June 19, 1821 Hanover, Luzerne , Pennsylvania, d. January 24, 1907, baptized June 30, 1832, m. Calvin Pendleton who was born August 25, 1811 in Hope, Knox Co. Maine, to Job Pendleton and Betsy (Crane) Pendleton. d. April 21, 1873. They were married in Kanesville, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, November 14, 1849 by Orson Hyde. They lived in Parowan, Utah. Sally Ann was a polygamist wife. Children: Daniel C. Pendleton, b. abt. 1847; Phoebe Pendleton , b. abt. 1848; Calvin David Pendleton b. abt. 1850; Sarah E. Pendleton, b. abt. 1851; Jane Pendleton, b. abt. 1854; Freeman W. Pendleton, b. abt. 1855; William Pendleton, b. abt. 1857; Luvina Pendleton (Twin), abt. 1859; Luvone Pendleton, (Twin), abt. 1859. Info provided by Julie M*****.
6. Hannah Maria Newberry b. March 13, 1823 Strongsville, Cuyahoga, Ohio d. Nov. 6, 1893 in Salt Lake City, Utah m. George Morris Aug. 23, 1843, in Nauvoo Illinois, officiated by Newel Nurse. George was born to Joseph Morris and Elizabeth (Vernon) Morris in Handley, Cheshire, England. George and Hannah took their endowments on January 30th 1846. Sealed February of 1846. Family went to Utah in 1848. Hannah was baptized September 30, 1840. Hannah was a polygamist wife. Children: Lavina Newberry Morris, b. July 13, 1844, m. Nathan Davis; Julia Ann Newberry Morris, b. August 28, 1846, m. Thomas Golightly; Rosella Newberry Morris, b. March 29, 1848 m. (1) Lucius Peck, (2) John Jenkins; George Vernon Morris, b. May 15, 1850 m.(1) Catherine Davis, (2) Agnes LeCheminant; Maria Jane Newberry Morris, b. September 17, 1851, m. Edward Scrace; Joseph Newberry Morris, b. April 15, 1853 m. Sarah Ann Grow*; Mary Ann Newberry Morris, b. June 29, 1855, m. Alford Ridges; James Newberry Morris*, b. May 3, 1857, m. (1)Harriet Louisa Elliott, (2) Betsy Scholes; Franklin Newberry Morris, b. March 21, 1860, m. Elizabeth Mitchell; Ellen Newberry Morris (died as an infant), Harriet Newberry Morris, b. April 10, 1862, m. Calvin David Pendleton (step-cousin); and Ephraim Frederick Newberry Morris, b. July 25, 1864, m. Harriett Harris. *Daughter of Henry Grow, architect for the Tabernacle on Temple Square and other buildings in Salt Lake City.*Murdered by his son-in-law who never stood trial. Info provided by Morris family members. Sue S*******
7. Harriet Newberry b. November 24, 1825 Brownhelm, Lorain, Ohio d. July 27, 1849 in Montrose, Lee County, Iowa m. Warren Seth Palmer March 8, 1847, b. Feb. 22, 1824 in Medina County, Ohio. They were married by Johnston Meek who was a Justice of the Peace. Seth’s parents were Ambrose Palmer and Lettice (Hawkins) Palmer. When his father died Samuel Bent became his stepfather.[2] His marriage to Harriet was his second. Two children have been indicated, but evidence has not been found. His first wife was to Daphne Roberts who died in Montrose in 1844. After Harriett died he married Sylvia Goldsmith and they had two sons Edmund A. and Valens A. They lived in Little Sioux, Harrison County, Iowa, but moved to Charles Mix, South Dakota. Palmer is buried there. Burial for Harriet has not been found. Harriet was a posthumous wife of George Morris. Palmer info provided by Linda F*****.
8. Lecty (Electa) Louisa Newberry b. April 4, 1827 Brownhelm, Lorain Co., Ohio, d. February 13, 1888, San Francisco, California. Married: (1) Robert A. Lee, m. March 7, 1845 Lee Co. Iowa, by Samuel B.Ayers, Justice of the Peace. Children: Martha A. Lee and Sarah A. born in Utah, adopted by stepfather ð(2) George John Wixon, b. August 14, 1810 son of Barnabus and Lydia Wixon.[3] Wixon married Electa Newberry while crossing the plains to Utah with Smoot Company in 1847. She was his third wife. They settled in Placer Co. California. Owners of Franklin House also called Miner’s Hotel. Divorced. (3) m. Horace Mansur. Electa and Horace blended their respective families. They had no children together. Children: Martha A. (Lee) Wixon; Sarah A. (Lee) Wixon; Mary F. Wixon; Almon Wixon; Helen Jane Wixon; John Wixon; William H. Wixon. Info provided by Marlene B*****, Cheryl G***** W****, Darrell and Dana M****, and Placer County Archives.
9. Esther Newberry b. June 7, 1829 Brownhelm, Lorain County, Ohio, d. March 28, 1891, Coloma, El Dorado County, California m. Edward O. Beebe son of Calvin Beebe and Submit Elizabeth Rockwell Starr, [4] 29 June 1849 in Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa b. March 4, 1827, Ohio, d. October 18, 1869 Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Edward was in the Mexican War and Esther applied for his pension. Edward had gone home to Iowa to take care of the estate of his father, and died there. Esther and Edward were successful fruit farmers in El Dorado County, near Sutter's Mill at the height of the gold rush. They lived only a short distance from Esther’s sister Electa. Both families were known as agriculturalists. Children: James b. Iowa; Julian Lamoni b. Iowa; Mary Elizabeth b. 1863, Salt Lake City, Utah; Emma b. 1855, California; Sarah, b. 1856, California; Adelaide L. (Eda) b. 1857, Uniontown, El Dorado, California; Florence Nightingale (Flora) b. 1862 Uniontown, El Dorado, California; Edward b. 1862-63 California; Philip, b. 1867 Bear Creek, El Dorado, California. Info provided by Sheri Z*******.
10. Patty Martha (Rachel) Newberry b. August 20, 1832 Brownhelm, Lorain County, Ohio, d. September 23, 1917 in Parowan, Iron County, Utah, m. John (DeFreeze) Smith Hyatt son of Elisha Hyatt and Matilda (Smith) Hyatt January 2, 1854 in Parowan, Utah, b. August 12, 1832 Hudson, Columbia, New York. Pattie lived as neighbors with her sister Sally Ann Pendleton in Parowan, Utah. In 1874, she lived in Panaca, Lincoln Co., Nevada but moved back to Parowan. Patty was a polygamist wife. Children: James Ambrose, b. 1863 Clarissa Elizabeth, b. 1870; Melissa Myra, b. 1862; Inez Adelia, b. 1858; Herb Smith, b 1859; Minnie Eugenia, b. 1872; John Joseph, b. 1854; Sally Ann, b. 1865; Helen Aurelia, b. 1868; and Matilda, b. 1855. Info provided by Marlene B*****, Sheri Z*******, and Donna Mae P*****.
***James A. Newberry had five wives total throughout his life. 1. Mary Smith (10 children), 2. Nancy Brown (no children), 3. Elizabeth Haskins (7 children), 4. Sybil Pulsipher (no children), and 5. Amanda whose surname MAY HAVE BEEN PACK. This fifth wife has not yet been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, as marriage records for this period in and around Iowa are rare. The administrator of this site and this pedigree would be grateful to hear from anyone with more information. An in depth study has been done regarding this last wife, but records are lacking.****
Children of James Newberry and Elizabeth Haskins 3rd wife
1. Alma Moroni (Almaroni) Newberry born December 25th 1846, Des Moines Township, Lee County, Iowa, d. March 12, 1904. Fayette, Decatur County, Iowa, m. Stella Philena White, May 22, 1884, daughter of Valentine and Martha Ann (Trout) White. Children: James Vernon Newberry b. July 10, 1885 d. April 6, 1967; Paul Alma Newberry b. December 10, 1887 d. February 12, 1965; Eve Lenora Newberry b. June 10, 1890 d. April 19, 1972; Joseph Orval Newberry b. May 6, 1894 d. June 24, 1977; Arthur Benjamin Newberry b. December 14, 1896 d. May 20, 1978; Fred Alexander Newberry b. July 4, 1899 d. January 20, 1924; Nina Jolan Newberry b. August 6, 1902 d. April 1973. Information provided by Stacy S****.
Naming of this child: The Book of Mormon has a Book of Alma, in which, “Alma the younger was the first Chief Judge and High Priest over all the land of Zarahemla.” [5] As you might remember Zarahemla, was the City of God, and James lived in the modern Zarahemla (1841) in Iowa during his years in Lee County, Iowa. The name Moroni is derived from the angel who revealed the golden plates to Joseph Smith that would become the Book of Mormon.
2. Joseph Hyrum Newberry born at Trading Point, Pottawattamie County, Iowa February 14, 1848, blessed at the McOlney Branch January 27, 1850. d. June 17, 1919. Lake View, Holt County, Nebraska. Buried: Page, Holt County, Nebraska. m. Almira Fry, daughter of Daniel and Amanda (Clark) Fry. March 28, 1873. Children: John, b. April 18, 1874; Joseph, b. February 27, 1875; Mattie, b. November 10, 1875; Clarrie, b. May 15, 1877; Willie, b. June 27, 1878; Rosa, b. August 31, 1879; Ida, b. November 1886; and Bessie, b. April 4, 1890. (2) Married: Mary E. Conrad Sanford. Information provided by Donna Mae P*****.
Naming of this child: James named his son Joseph Hyrum, to honor the Prophet, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. It was perhaps James’ way of keeping the friendship of Joseph and Hyrum in his heart forever.
3. Heber (Brigham) (Abraham) Newberry born at the Precinct of Kanesville, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. August 26th 1849, m. Massie Almira Winegar, daughter of John Winegar and Elizabeth (Smith) Winegar on July 4th 1871 by Levi Graybill. Baptized in the RLDS Church in June 19, 1866 by his father James Newberry. The name Brigham was dropped at some point but is found in some records. The name Abraham is found in some records, but not universally. d. January 22, 1923, at his home, south of Tryon, McPherson Co., Nebraska, buried at Good Hope Cemetery, northwest of North Platte, Nebraska. Children: Emma, b. 1874; Lilly, b. 1876; John W., b. 1878; Pearl, b. November 1879; Effie J., b. August 1883; Katie L., b. March 1887; Isabelle F., b. March 1891; Ray James, b. August 1895. Information provided by Dick Jessen.
Naming of this child: James probably named this child after Heber C. Kimball. I have also found in some places he is also called Brigham Heber. Interestingly, later records seem to drop the “Brigham.” Does this show James’ displeasure with Young?
4. Mary Elizabeth Newberry born in Kanesville Precinct, Pottawattamie County, Iowa December 2, 1850 d. December 7th 1850, aged five days.
5. Jolana Emily Newbery born June the 5th 1852 Kanesville, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, m. Henry Winegar son of John Winegar and Elizabeth (Smith) Winegar August 3, 1871 by D. Hougas, minister of Gospel. d. Jackson County, Missouri 1935. Divorced. Henry Winegar died on the 4th of October 1904 at Pomona, Howell County, Missouri. Children: James, b. 1875; George, b. 1877; Steven, b. 1881; Myrtle, b. 1883; Thomas, b. 1885; Benjamin, b. 1888; Mattie, b. 1890; and Henry, b. 1892. Information provided by Donna Mae P*****.
6. Daniel Newberry died at birth.
Half Brother to the Above Children
Secratus (Williams) Newberry was James' stepson. b. March 24, 1845. Des Moines Township, Lee County, Iowa, d. August 15, 1882 in Pottawattamie County. He married Esther (Stiddam/Stidham) (Hopkins) (Bratton) (Denton) Williams on November 3, 1878 and they were married by Levi Graybill. Children: David b. 1880. Esther had a daughter Matilda Ann Denton, by her third husband. Secratus died sometime before 1900. There may have been more children. Secratus’ biological father is unknown to us; however we assume he knew the name of his biological father, as he changed his name to Williams in later life. In the last census, Serastus is again shown as a Newberry. [6]
**Note about blessings of Newberry children: Ronald Watt of the LDS Historical Dept. related to me that Joseph Hyrum was five months old and blessed at the McOlney branch in January of 1850. Three other Newberry children were blessed that same day. Those would have been Alma Moroni, Serastus, and Heber.
[1] Daughter of Lyman Wight and Mary Ann Otis, born March 4, 1852, Bandera, Bandera Co. Texas
[2] Bent was a member of the Council of Fifty and supporter of the Lamanite mission.
[3] Wixon was a sea captain and owned several ships ported out of Barnstable, Mass., the schooners Roxanne, Peri, Mt. Hope, and Terri. This family is descended from early chief of the Wampanoag tribe, Massasoit – who assisted the Pilgrims.
[4] Calvin Beebe was the right hand man of Alpheus Cutler, leader of the Lamanite missionaries, who formed a group named the Cutlerites, to which many of the extended family belonged or supported. Calvin’s sister Luana was married to Orrin Porter Rockwell. It is unknown how Rockwell was related to Submit Rockwell Starr Beebe.
[5] Ziegler, Wesley, An Analysis of the Book of Mormon, reprint by Kessinger Publishing, original printing 1947.
[6] The Williams surname is prevalent in the LDS Church of this time, but Secratus’ father’s name has become an enduring problem for which no solution, to date, has been discovered. John Smith Newberry, son of James Newberry married a woman named Lucinda Williams. Her family has also been problematic to pin down.
NOTE: Living persons are indicated by initials only and *'s.
NATIVE AMERICAN INFORMATION ABOUT JAMES A. NEWBERRY
and his ancestors
For fifteen years, I have researched my 3rd Great Grandfather and his Native American Ancestry. Following indigenous genealogy is much different than follow the lines of people who are recorded by the U.S. Government.
The following summary gives a lot of information with regard James' ethnicity.
For more information about these families go to: The Newberry Family - Saga of a Clan (currently offline Feb. 6, 2018. )
For additional reading about the LDS family of James A. Newberry. See: "The Quiet Patriarch" use contact form here to order. This book is in the revision process for a second edition. Use contact form to inquire.
Copyright © 2014, 2018, all rights Reserved.
At the same time I started querying people in N.Y. state about my relatives and found many willing people who have gifted me with huge amounts of research on the family. Ditto for family in Iowa. Our Newberry's lived reclusive lives in an effort to protect their children. They hid their Native American heritage to escape persecution and the prospect of extinction. They intermarried with and lived as white men and avoided speaking of their heritage. Wherever they went, they only spoke in half-truths to avoid the treatment forced upon their tribal cousins. Events such as the Trail of Tears, and numerous other death marches forced on the tribes by a land hungry civilization, required them to hide their ethnicity or risk continued genocide. Jim Stokes, Ojibway elder explained to me that after the uprisings in 1862 many native people took their identities underground, blending with German settlers to avoid the frightening genocides instigated by the U.S. government. This tactic however, began much earlier with light-skinned native people taking up the plow and separating from their tribes in order for their families to survive. Many claimed white heritage in order to secure land grants offered by the government - often on their own native lands.
Hannah's parents set out from Warwick, N.Y. for the Ohio frontier around 1819. They headed for "Western Reserve", a part of Ohio that was set aside by the Connecticut Land Company for people who were leaving the east. This land was supposed to be reserved for people who lost their land in the east for one reason or another. Someday we hope to know our family's reasons. Hannah's parents specifically sold their ownership in the inherited family land tosiblings, who in turn eventually disposed of it.
Hannah Maria Newberry was born in Strongsville, Ohio on March 23, 1823. However, the whole story begins generations before she is born, in Connecticut and New York. Her father James Newberry born in N.Y. in 1791 was probably from Iroquoian or Delaware stock, and her mother Mary Smith, Northern Cherokee. By this time many of the tribes had intermarried with white men and the Newberry's claimed to be Caucasian in the early (1790) census records. In some cases it is the information that is missing that is most telling!
Physical characteristics have diminished through each succeeding generation. However, a friend of mine who is a Cherokee Elder believes, "the heart contains the flame that shelters our ethnicity, no matter our physical appearance." The necklace has lead me on a saga of intrigue, and continues to fuel the fire to find more information. The necklace has never materialized, though it has often been mentioned by various people and written about in newsletters published by her Morris descendants. Some were proud of the heritage, while others persistently tried to hide it. DNA testing has confirmed the family's native heritage, as well as the heritage of numerous other families associated and related by marriage.
The following information details her father's family line from New York.
*********************************
Some Descendants of Richard Newbury, Malden, MA
I. JOHN NEWBERRY b. 1746 and Jemima Benedict Newberry b. 1749
in Warwick, Orange County, New York
Children:
1. MARY, born October 17, 1771, d. September 11, 1857. m. John Fitzgerald
Children: William, Pauline, David Maurice, Sidney Smith, Albert, Joshua, James Benedict,
Martha, John, I. Nelson
2. PHEBE, born February 20, 1774, d. November 30, 1865, (carriage accident) m. James Smith son of Sam Smith*
and Mary Mapes (2) Ezea Holbert
Children: Jemima, m. Elbert Howell 1798-1800, Charles, Elizabeth, John, Katie Maria,
Malinda, Johanna
3. ANNIE, born February 3, 1776, d. November 30, 1865, (carriage accident with sister) m. James Demorest.
(second marriage for James. His first was to Annie’s sister Sophia who died in 1823.)
Children: Harriet, Harvey, Edward F., Lois, Emma, Pauline, Henry, David.
4. ZILPHA, born January 8, 1778, d. September 20, 1853 in Brownhelm, Ohio, m. Thomas Sly. Thomas died Aug.
28, 1843 in Brownhelm.
Children: Zilpha died at the age of 17 in November of 1824. Other children unknown.
5. MARTHA, born November 24, 1779, d. October 22, 1853. m. Jesse Smith -son of Sam Smith* and Mary Mapes.
Children: Amzi Lewis, Jesse, William F. Stephen, Ira.
6. SARAH, born September 12, 1781, d. September 28, 1838 in Strongsville, Ohio m. Benjamin Scofield – no further
information know on this family.
7. HANNAH MARIA, born October 6, 1783, October 1838, m. Joshua Bridgeford - no further information know on
this family.
8. ELIZABETH, born May 24, 1785, d. November 14, 1817. m. Hezekiah Breffet (son of Joshua Breffet and Mary
Mapes) Family lived in Monroe.
Children: Samuel and Sarah Eliz. This information may be wrong as per the Braffit Organization
9. SOPHIA, born April 7, 1787, d. 1823, d. m. James Demorest, who married her sister Annie when she died.
Children: James Benedict b. Sept. 20, 1875, John Dill, Peter L., George W., Jemima, Anne, Keturah,
William K., Elizabeth
10. JOHN, born Sept. 23, 1789, d. 1851 in Brownhelm, Ohio m. Sally Fancher
Children: William Henry b. 1821, Rebecca, Harriet, James b. 1827, David b. 1830, John b. 1832
11. JAMES , born May 29, 1791, d. July 10, 1880, m. Mary Smith (See next)
12. JOSHUA, born November 2, 1793, d. January 20, 1863, m. Elizabeth Stephens
Children: John, David, Elizabeth (heir to the Fancher estate), Joseph, Eleanor, b. 1829.
13. ARCENITH born February 9, 1794, d. June 13, 1877 in Penn., m. Daniel Durand
Most information on this table was found in the McColl document. There is another Sam Smith whose daughter married James Newberry, who is from a different Smith Family.
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James Abram Newberry b. May 29, 1791, was married five times.
II. JAMES NEWBERRY and Mary (Smith) Newberry
Warwick N.Y. , PA., OH., MI., IL., IA.
More of James' history is known and is published in "The Quiet Patriarch" by Sue Simonich currently out of print.
Children:
1. Jane Newberry b. October 17, 1812 Warwick, New York, d. December 13, 1907, Panama, Shelby County, Iowa. Baptized 14 March 1831 by Heman Basset m. James Jacob Crandall in Clay County, Missouri, December 5, 1833, b.1800 in New Paltz, New York to John Crandall and Magdalena (Wood) Crandall and d. September 3, 1893, in Panama, Shelby County, Iowa. Children: James b. 8 September, 1834 in Missouri, d. 28 August 1903 in Oregon, m. Jemima Brown 22 Oct 1862 in Van Buren County, Iowa; Roseanna, b. 1835 in Jackson County, Missouri; Patricia, b. January 1837 in Jackson County, Missouri; Sally, b. 1841 in Van Buren County, Iowa; Benjamin, b. 1842 in Van Buren County Iowa, m. to Annaletta Gressman 24 May 1867, Gallands Grove; Mary, b. 1843 Van Buren County, Iowa, m. to a Mr. Darling 1863, Iowa; Abraham, b. 30 Jan 1849 in Troy, Van Buren County, Iowa, m. to Carrema Otis Wight,[1] 1 January 1872 Gallands Grove, Iowa; William, b. 1850 Troy, Van Buren County, Iowa, m. to Margaret Goodale 18 Aug 1872, Shelby County; John, b. 1852 in Troy, Van Buren County, Iowa, m. to Katherine Steele. Info provided by Hazel Crandall Murray.
2. John Smith Newberry b. May 22, 1814, Warwick, Orange County, New York, d. Lee County, Iowa, 1861 m. Lucinda (Elizabeth) Williams December 24, 1837 in Clay County, Missouri by Joseph Holbrook an elder of the LDS Church. Lucinda Williams was from Clinton County, Missouri. Her parents (we think) were, Charles Williams b. 1782 and Juditha (Brummet) Williams. John Smith Newberry’s death was in Argyle, Lee County, Iowa. Buried in Vincennes, Lee County, Iowa. Lucinda died between 1855 and 1858 in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. Children: unknown _____; William W., b. 1841 m. Catherine Loomis; John Marshall, b. Feb. 14, 1844, m. Vesta Curtis; Edward T.* b. 1850, m. Nellie ______; Charles. *Edward T. was also known as Deadwood Ed who homesteaded in South Dakota. Info provided by Janice Newberry R******* and Mary K***.
3. Abraham B. Newberry b. March 31, 1816, Warwick, Orange, N.Y., d. August 1, 1898, Lee County, Iowa m. Eliza Ann Duty January 1, 1842. They were married by Wilford Woodruff *. b. October 24, 1824 in Newberry, Orange County, Vermont, daughter of Israel Duty and Mehitable (Sawyer) Duty. Eliza Ann was the cousin of the prophet Joseph Smith. Couple lived separately after 1868. Children: Rosaline (Rosa) b. November 2, 1844; Orson O. b. February 14, 1845, m. Helen Vesta Gray, Charles W. b. May 20, 1850, m. Jennie Bellamy. *Wilford Woodruff became the fourth President of the LDS Church in 1889. Info provided by Wilma Newberry and Marlene B*****.
4. James Washington Newberry b. December 9, 1819 Warwick, N.Y. d. March 7, 1895, Argyle, Lee County, Iowa. m. Edith A. Benedict on September 19, 1847, b. Sept. 1830-33, Brickville, Ontario, Canada, daughter of Ezra Benedict and Edith A. (Parish) Benedict. d. October 9, 1911, Argyle, Lee County, Iowa. Children: Washington, b. 1848, m. Ellen F. Washburne; Smith Benedict, b. October 27, 1851; West, b. February 29, 1856, m. Sarah E. Case; Armantha, b. November 28, 1857, m. Robert Tweedy; Ella, (Luella Dale) b. April 15 1862, m. Nels C. Nelson; Alta M. b. October 3, 1866, m. Orson G. Sargent; Fred Devere, (Twin to Chares) b. March 30, 1870, m. Mary Spicer; Charles D. (Twin to Fred) B. March 30 1870, m. Emma L. Ames, Miline, b. unknown; Info. provided by Marlene B***** and Edith Tweedy.
5. Sally (Sarah) Ann Newberry b. June 19, 1821 Hanover, Luzerne , Pennsylvania, d. January 24, 1907, baptized June 30, 1832, m. Calvin Pendleton who was born August 25, 1811 in Hope, Knox Co. Maine, to Job Pendleton and Betsy (Crane) Pendleton. d. April 21, 1873. They were married in Kanesville, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, November 14, 1849 by Orson Hyde. They lived in Parowan, Utah. Sally Ann was a polygamist wife. Children: Daniel C. Pendleton, b. abt. 1847; Phoebe Pendleton , b. abt. 1848; Calvin David Pendleton b. abt. 1850; Sarah E. Pendleton, b. abt. 1851; Jane Pendleton, b. abt. 1854; Freeman W. Pendleton, b. abt. 1855; William Pendleton, b. abt. 1857; Luvina Pendleton (Twin), abt. 1859; Luvone Pendleton, (Twin), abt. 1859. Info provided by Julie M*****.
6. Hannah Maria Newberry b. March 13, 1823 Strongsville, Cuyahoga, Ohio d. Nov. 6, 1893 in Salt Lake City, Utah m. George Morris Aug. 23, 1843, in Nauvoo Illinois, officiated by Newel Nurse. George was born to Joseph Morris and Elizabeth (Vernon) Morris in Handley, Cheshire, England. George and Hannah took their endowments on January 30th 1846. Sealed February of 1846. Family went to Utah in 1848. Hannah was baptized September 30, 1840. Hannah was a polygamist wife. Children: Lavina Newberry Morris, b. July 13, 1844, m. Nathan Davis; Julia Ann Newberry Morris, b. August 28, 1846, m. Thomas Golightly; Rosella Newberry Morris, b. March 29, 1848 m. (1) Lucius Peck, (2) John Jenkins; George Vernon Morris, b. May 15, 1850 m.(1) Catherine Davis, (2) Agnes LeCheminant; Maria Jane Newberry Morris, b. September 17, 1851, m. Edward Scrace; Joseph Newberry Morris, b. April 15, 1853 m. Sarah Ann Grow*; Mary Ann Newberry Morris, b. June 29, 1855, m. Alford Ridges; James Newberry Morris*, b. May 3, 1857, m. (1)Harriet Louisa Elliott, (2) Betsy Scholes; Franklin Newberry Morris, b. March 21, 1860, m. Elizabeth Mitchell; Ellen Newberry Morris (died as an infant), Harriet Newberry Morris, b. April 10, 1862, m. Calvin David Pendleton (step-cousin); and Ephraim Frederick Newberry Morris, b. July 25, 1864, m. Harriett Harris. *Daughter of Henry Grow, architect for the Tabernacle on Temple Square and other buildings in Salt Lake City.*Murdered by his son-in-law who never stood trial. Info provided by Morris family members. Sue S*******
7. Harriet Newberry b. November 24, 1825 Brownhelm, Lorain, Ohio d. July 27, 1849 in Montrose, Lee County, Iowa m. Warren Seth Palmer March 8, 1847, b. Feb. 22, 1824 in Medina County, Ohio. They were married by Johnston Meek who was a Justice of the Peace. Seth’s parents were Ambrose Palmer and Lettice (Hawkins) Palmer. When his father died Samuel Bent became his stepfather.[2] His marriage to Harriet was his second. Two children have been indicated, but evidence has not been found. His first wife was to Daphne Roberts who died in Montrose in 1844. After Harriett died he married Sylvia Goldsmith and they had two sons Edmund A. and Valens A. They lived in Little Sioux, Harrison County, Iowa, but moved to Charles Mix, South Dakota. Palmer is buried there. Burial for Harriet has not been found. Harriet was a posthumous wife of George Morris. Palmer info provided by Linda F*****.
8. Lecty (Electa) Louisa Newberry b. April 4, 1827 Brownhelm, Lorain Co., Ohio, d. February 13, 1888, San Francisco, California. Married: (1) Robert A. Lee, m. March 7, 1845 Lee Co. Iowa, by Samuel B.Ayers, Justice of the Peace. Children: Martha A. Lee and Sarah A. born in Utah, adopted by stepfather ð(2) George John Wixon, b. August 14, 1810 son of Barnabus and Lydia Wixon.[3] Wixon married Electa Newberry while crossing the plains to Utah with Smoot Company in 1847. She was his third wife. They settled in Placer Co. California. Owners of Franklin House also called Miner’s Hotel. Divorced. (3) m. Horace Mansur. Electa and Horace blended their respective families. They had no children together. Children: Martha A. (Lee) Wixon; Sarah A. (Lee) Wixon; Mary F. Wixon; Almon Wixon; Helen Jane Wixon; John Wixon; William H. Wixon. Info provided by Marlene B*****, Cheryl G***** W****, Darrell and Dana M****, and Placer County Archives.
9. Esther Newberry b. June 7, 1829 Brownhelm, Lorain County, Ohio, d. March 28, 1891, Coloma, El Dorado County, California m. Edward O. Beebe son of Calvin Beebe and Submit Elizabeth Rockwell Starr, [4] 29 June 1849 in Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa b. March 4, 1827, Ohio, d. October 18, 1869 Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Edward was in the Mexican War and Esther applied for his pension. Edward had gone home to Iowa to take care of the estate of his father, and died there. Esther and Edward were successful fruit farmers in El Dorado County, near Sutter's Mill at the height of the gold rush. They lived only a short distance from Esther’s sister Electa. Both families were known as agriculturalists. Children: James b. Iowa; Julian Lamoni b. Iowa; Mary Elizabeth b. 1863, Salt Lake City, Utah; Emma b. 1855, California; Sarah, b. 1856, California; Adelaide L. (Eda) b. 1857, Uniontown, El Dorado, California; Florence Nightingale (Flora) b. 1862 Uniontown, El Dorado, California; Edward b. 1862-63 California; Philip, b. 1867 Bear Creek, El Dorado, California. Info provided by Sheri Z*******.
10. Patty Martha (Rachel) Newberry b. August 20, 1832 Brownhelm, Lorain County, Ohio, d. September 23, 1917 in Parowan, Iron County, Utah, m. John (DeFreeze) Smith Hyatt son of Elisha Hyatt and Matilda (Smith) Hyatt January 2, 1854 in Parowan, Utah, b. August 12, 1832 Hudson, Columbia, New York. Pattie lived as neighbors with her sister Sally Ann Pendleton in Parowan, Utah. In 1874, she lived in Panaca, Lincoln Co., Nevada but moved back to Parowan. Patty was a polygamist wife. Children: James Ambrose, b. 1863 Clarissa Elizabeth, b. 1870; Melissa Myra, b. 1862; Inez Adelia, b. 1858; Herb Smith, b 1859; Minnie Eugenia, b. 1872; John Joseph, b. 1854; Sally Ann, b. 1865; Helen Aurelia, b. 1868; and Matilda, b. 1855. Info provided by Marlene B*****, Sheri Z*******, and Donna Mae P*****.
***James A. Newberry had five wives total throughout his life. 1. Mary Smith (10 children), 2. Nancy Brown (no children), 3. Elizabeth Haskins (7 children), 4. Sybil Pulsipher (no children), and 5. Amanda whose surname MAY HAVE BEEN PACK. This fifth wife has not yet been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, as marriage records for this period in and around Iowa are rare. The administrator of this site and this pedigree would be grateful to hear from anyone with more information. An in depth study has been done regarding this last wife, but records are lacking.****
Children of James Newberry and Elizabeth Haskins 3rd wife
1. Alma Moroni (Almaroni) Newberry born December 25th 1846, Des Moines Township, Lee County, Iowa, d. March 12, 1904. Fayette, Decatur County, Iowa, m. Stella Philena White, May 22, 1884, daughter of Valentine and Martha Ann (Trout) White. Children: James Vernon Newberry b. July 10, 1885 d. April 6, 1967; Paul Alma Newberry b. December 10, 1887 d. February 12, 1965; Eve Lenora Newberry b. June 10, 1890 d. April 19, 1972; Joseph Orval Newberry b. May 6, 1894 d. June 24, 1977; Arthur Benjamin Newberry b. December 14, 1896 d. May 20, 1978; Fred Alexander Newberry b. July 4, 1899 d. January 20, 1924; Nina Jolan Newberry b. August 6, 1902 d. April 1973. Information provided by Stacy S****.
Naming of this child: The Book of Mormon has a Book of Alma, in which, “Alma the younger was the first Chief Judge and High Priest over all the land of Zarahemla.” [5] As you might remember Zarahemla, was the City of God, and James lived in the modern Zarahemla (1841) in Iowa during his years in Lee County, Iowa. The name Moroni is derived from the angel who revealed the golden plates to Joseph Smith that would become the Book of Mormon.
2. Joseph Hyrum Newberry born at Trading Point, Pottawattamie County, Iowa February 14, 1848, blessed at the McOlney Branch January 27, 1850. d. June 17, 1919. Lake View, Holt County, Nebraska. Buried: Page, Holt County, Nebraska. m. Almira Fry, daughter of Daniel and Amanda (Clark) Fry. March 28, 1873. Children: John, b. April 18, 1874; Joseph, b. February 27, 1875; Mattie, b. November 10, 1875; Clarrie, b. May 15, 1877; Willie, b. June 27, 1878; Rosa, b. August 31, 1879; Ida, b. November 1886; and Bessie, b. April 4, 1890. (2) Married: Mary E. Conrad Sanford. Information provided by Donna Mae P*****.
Naming of this child: James named his son Joseph Hyrum, to honor the Prophet, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. It was perhaps James’ way of keeping the friendship of Joseph and Hyrum in his heart forever.
3. Heber (Brigham) (Abraham) Newberry born at the Precinct of Kanesville, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. August 26th 1849, m. Massie Almira Winegar, daughter of John Winegar and Elizabeth (Smith) Winegar on July 4th 1871 by Levi Graybill. Baptized in the RLDS Church in June 19, 1866 by his father James Newberry. The name Brigham was dropped at some point but is found in some records. The name Abraham is found in some records, but not universally. d. January 22, 1923, at his home, south of Tryon, McPherson Co., Nebraska, buried at Good Hope Cemetery, northwest of North Platte, Nebraska. Children: Emma, b. 1874; Lilly, b. 1876; John W., b. 1878; Pearl, b. November 1879; Effie J., b. August 1883; Katie L., b. March 1887; Isabelle F., b. March 1891; Ray James, b. August 1895. Information provided by Dick Jessen.
Naming of this child: James probably named this child after Heber C. Kimball. I have also found in some places he is also called Brigham Heber. Interestingly, later records seem to drop the “Brigham.” Does this show James’ displeasure with Young?
4. Mary Elizabeth Newberry born in Kanesville Precinct, Pottawattamie County, Iowa December 2, 1850 d. December 7th 1850, aged five days.
5. Jolana Emily Newbery born June the 5th 1852 Kanesville, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, m. Henry Winegar son of John Winegar and Elizabeth (Smith) Winegar August 3, 1871 by D. Hougas, minister of Gospel. d. Jackson County, Missouri 1935. Divorced. Henry Winegar died on the 4th of October 1904 at Pomona, Howell County, Missouri. Children: James, b. 1875; George, b. 1877; Steven, b. 1881; Myrtle, b. 1883; Thomas, b. 1885; Benjamin, b. 1888; Mattie, b. 1890; and Henry, b. 1892. Information provided by Donna Mae P*****.
6. Daniel Newberry died at birth.
Half Brother to the Above Children
Secratus (Williams) Newberry was James' stepson. b. March 24, 1845. Des Moines Township, Lee County, Iowa, d. August 15, 1882 in Pottawattamie County. He married Esther (Stiddam/Stidham) (Hopkins) (Bratton) (Denton) Williams on November 3, 1878 and they were married by Levi Graybill. Children: David b. 1880. Esther had a daughter Matilda Ann Denton, by her third husband. Secratus died sometime before 1900. There may have been more children. Secratus’ biological father is unknown to us; however we assume he knew the name of his biological father, as he changed his name to Williams in later life. In the last census, Serastus is again shown as a Newberry. [6]
**Note about blessings of Newberry children: Ronald Watt of the LDS Historical Dept. related to me that Joseph Hyrum was five months old and blessed at the McOlney branch in January of 1850. Three other Newberry children were blessed that same day. Those would have been Alma Moroni, Serastus, and Heber.
[1] Daughter of Lyman Wight and Mary Ann Otis, born March 4, 1852, Bandera, Bandera Co. Texas
[2] Bent was a member of the Council of Fifty and supporter of the Lamanite mission.
[3] Wixon was a sea captain and owned several ships ported out of Barnstable, Mass., the schooners Roxanne, Peri, Mt. Hope, and Terri. This family is descended from early chief of the Wampanoag tribe, Massasoit – who assisted the Pilgrims.
[4] Calvin Beebe was the right hand man of Alpheus Cutler, leader of the Lamanite missionaries, who formed a group named the Cutlerites, to which many of the extended family belonged or supported. Calvin’s sister Luana was married to Orrin Porter Rockwell. It is unknown how Rockwell was related to Submit Rockwell Starr Beebe.
[5] Ziegler, Wesley, An Analysis of the Book of Mormon, reprint by Kessinger Publishing, original printing 1947.
[6] The Williams surname is prevalent in the LDS Church of this time, but Secratus’ father’s name has become an enduring problem for which no solution, to date, has been discovered. John Smith Newberry, son of James Newberry married a woman named Lucinda Williams. Her family has also been problematic to pin down.
NOTE: Living persons are indicated by initials only and *'s.
NATIVE AMERICAN INFORMATION ABOUT JAMES A. NEWBERRY
and his ancestors
For fifteen years, I have researched my 3rd Great Grandfather and his Native American Ancestry. Following indigenous genealogy is much different than follow the lines of people who are recorded by the U.S. Government.
The following summary gives a lot of information with regard James' ethnicity.
For more information about these families go to: The Newberry Family - Saga of a Clan (currently offline Feb. 6, 2018. )
For additional reading about the LDS family of James A. Newberry. See: "The Quiet Patriarch" use contact form here to order. This book is in the revision process for a second edition. Use contact form to inquire.
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