California Biographies
Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
 
Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 

Source:
History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
With Biographical Sketches
History by Aurelius O. Carpenter And Percy H. Millberry
Illustrated, Complete In One Volume
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914


JOHN GEORGE NEWMAN, B. S.� Though not a native born son 
of California, it may be said of Mr. Newman that his life was spent almost 
entirely in this state, he being but three years of age when brought hither by 
his parents in 1882. He was born near Scranton, in the adjoining county 
of Pike, Pa., July 24, 1879, his parents making their home there for some 
)'ears. In 1882 he removed to California and settled in Humboldt county on 
a ranch. The son received his elementary training in the public schools in 
that county, in the Dyerville district, and after graduating from the grammar 
school remained at home and assisted his father on the home place for about 
six years. Anxious to complete his education, and at the same time reluctant 
to leave his family, he entered the high school in Arcata, which was the first 
high school in the county, and was graduated therefrom in 1903. From there 
it was but a step in his career to matriculate at the University of California, 
in which he took up the study of agriculture in order to acquire a practical 
and theoretical knowledge of that vocation. After completing the four-year 
course he received the degree of B. S., in 1908, when he immediately entered 
the employ of the government, doing investigation work on drainage and irri- 
gation of the soil. After two years of this work, during which time he proved 
himself to be well informed and accurate at his business, he accepted a 
position as manager of the L. E. White Lumber Company ranches at Green- 
wood, Mendocino county, where he proved himself a successful and most 
efficient official. In 1912 he resigned from this position to engage at farming 
for himself on a tract of six hundred and two acres in Potter valley, which 
he had purchased. This land is all improved, being planted to grain, and the 
decided success which Mr. Newman has met in the short time he has 
owned the land is evidence of his unusual ability in the agricultural line of 
work. The methods which he employs are up-to-date in every respect, and 
he regulates in a way to get the best results with the least effort and expense. 
As rapidly as possible he is changing his crops to alfalfa, preparatory to 
engaging in the dairy business. At present he is raising and feeding hogs 
for the market. 

Mr. Newman was married in Centerville, Mendocino county, on October 
5, 1913, to Miss Hazel M. Barnett, who was born July 2, 1890, in Humboldt 
county. They have a daughter named Anna Madeline. In political senti- 
ment a stanch Republican, Mr. Newman's fraternal membership is in Eel 
River Lodge No. 147, F. & A. M., at Fortuna; Ferndale Chapter No. 78, 
R. A. M.; Rohnerville Chapter No. 78, O. E. S., and the Ancient Order of 
Foresters, besides which he belongs to Potter Valley Grange. He is an 
enterprising young man, whose every effort is put forth to the development 
and betterment of local conditions. He is a helpful, willing neighbor, and is 
looked upon as an authority among his associates as to farming and its many 
details. As proof of his prosperity he is completing one of the finest homes 
in Potter valley, to which all the friends of the young couple will be bidden 
with welcome and hearty hospitality.