J. F. Newby

J. F. Newby, an influential citizen of Ventura, was born in Wayne County, Indiana, January 3, 1841. His father, Gabriel Newby, a native of North Carolina, was an enthusiastic supporter of Henry Harrison. He served as County Commissioner of Wayne County for eight years, and was highly commended for services rendered. Thomas Newby, of the firm of Morrison & Newby, of Cambridge City, Indiana, an uncle of the subject of this sketch, was one of the highest Masons of the United States. The Newby Lodge there was named for him. Mr. Newby's grandfather, Gabriel Newby, of North Carolina, was one of the first settlers of that State. The family have been noted for their patriotism, love of liberty and hatred of oppression. His great-grandfather liberated all his slaves, numbering more than 100 persons - an act very unusual at that early day. Mr. Newby's ancestors were Quakers, the original progenitors of the family having come to America from England and Scotland. His mother was Rebecca (Harvey) Newby. It is his impression that she was a native of North Carolina. She died when he was only four years of age, and the family afterward moved to Lee County, Iowa. His father was long a leading business man of Cambridge City. Mr. Newby was next to the youngest of a family of eight children. In 1857 he went to Leavenworth, Kansas, and while there was an enthusiastic supporter of James Lane, being there during the time of the Kansas troubles.  From there he went to St. Louis, and then to St. Joseph, Missouri, where, for a time, he clerked in the post office. In 1859 he removed to New York city, was there four years, a portion of that time being clerk in the St. Nicholas Hotel; and from there he returned to Leavenworth, and was in partnership, dealing in dry goods and notions with Mr. Bloomingdale, now a wholesale merchant of New York city. In 1864, during Price's raid, word was sent to Leavenworth that Price was going to burn the town. A meeting was called to devise means for protection, of which meeting Mr. Newby was elected chairman. They decided to raise and equip a company from the business men of the town. Mr. Newby was Orderly Sergeant of this company. General Curtis met and defeated Price, and the town was saved. Owing to the excessive rents, they moved to St. Joseph and continued business there about two years. Fire caught in an adjoining building and his store was burned out. Mr. Newby was a sever loser. He was not out of business long, however, for he soon engaged in ornamental tree planting, and was very successful.

    In 1874 he came to California. After he had been two years in San Buenaventura the town was reorganized, and in December, 1877, he was elected Town Clerk and Assessor, and has held the office very since with the exception of two years, his last majority being the largest of any town officer. He has thus far performed the duties of this office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his fellow-citizens. Mr. Newby was one of the men who was helpful in organizing the Town Library, of which the residents are now so justly proud. Some objection was made to it on the ground of expense to the town; he was instrumental in overcoming these objections, and was elected its secretary and librarian, holding the office for ten years. During his city clerk and assessorship he has collected large amounts of money to pay the school district bonds for the construction of the splendid school building, and paid off the bonds.

    Mr. Newby was united in marriage, April 27, 1864, to Miss Permelia E. Sheridan, a native of Summerville, Kentucky. Her father, S. N. Sheridan, was Sheriff of Buchanan County, Missouri, Their union has been blessed with three sons and two daughters, viz.: Thomas S., John W., Edward M. and Nellie, born in St. Joseph, Missouri, and Minnie, born in Ventura.

    Since his residence here Mr. Newby has been very successful in the investments he made, and he now owns a good home and several other places from which he receives rents. He is the agent of the Gas Company of Ventura. His political views have ever been in harmony with the Republican party. Mr. Newby is a gentleman who is held in high esteem by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

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