NEWNUM, David Edward - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

David Edward Newnum, son of Peter and Mary Newnum, was born in Fountain county, Indiana, on the old Newnum homestead, July 28 1851. All the years of his life, which were more than three score and ten, have been spent in this community. It is the privelege of but few to be born, reared, and live out al their life among the same people; and to do this as Mr. Newnum has, and at the same time live so as to command the respect and good will of all, both young an old, speaks of character and manhood possessed by only a few. In the year 1874, on February 26, he was married to Viola Philpott who preceded him in death September 14 1905. Their home was blessed with eight children, five boys and three girls: Mrs. Ella Oakley, of Attica, Indiana; Bert, of Cates; Ephraim of Champaign, Ill; Mrs. Clara Hamm and Joseph Newnum of Crawfordsville, Milford of Wallace and Harvey of Yeddo. One daughter, Gladice died Mary 14 1905. He is also survived by four brothers and one sister: Octavius of Attica; John, William, Maurice and Mrs. Mary C. Cronk of this community. He is also survived by thirty grandchildren and thirty-six great-grandchildren. Early in life he was converted and united with the United Brethren church, where he has retained his membership until death. His life was marked with devotion and devoutness. Among the several offices which he held in the church was that of class leader, steward, Sunday school teacher and other places to which the church appointed him. His earnestness as a Sunday school teacher is evidenced in that one young man who was converted later entered the ministry. Not only by precept but by example, he is likened unto Abraham of old, and those who knew him best said, "He walked with God." In his home he was devoted and thoughtful as a husband and affectionate as a father. Today his children rise up and call him blessed. In his death which occurred at the home of his son, Joseph, March 20, at the age of 81 years 7 months and 22 days, the family lost one beloved, the community lost a neighbor repsected and honored, and the church lost one of its oldest an most worthy members. May the mantle of such a long, honored and Godly life fall on another here today that will carry on and honor the family name. As David said to his son Soloman on his death bed, so Mr. Newnum says to us today, "I have commenced, thou mayest add thereto." In the midst of our sorrow and tears we bow our heads and hearts and say to the Allwise and Beneficent Father above, "Thy will be done." The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, March 22, at the Centennial United Brethren church, by the local pastor, Rev. Bennett Fulp, assisted by Rev. L. O. Blake, pastor of the United Brethren church of Crawfordsville. The flower bearers were his granddaughters: Mrs. Ollie Rayphole, Mrs. Ina Woodward, Mrs. Dorine Crowder, Mrs. Willa Whalen, Miss Geneva Hamm and Miss Mar Newnum. The pall bearers were grandsons of the deceased: Herschel Hutts, James, Ronald, Forrest, Glenwood and George Newnum.