Acton Memorial Library
Civil War Archives

Augustus Newton, 73 years of age, died at his home Friday evening after an illness lasting several months. Mr. Newton, who up to within a few months ago was a hearty active man, had spells during his illness when he appeared to be gaining back his health, but only to be taken sick again and a few days before his death his relatives were prepared for the worst. He was born in Framingham where he passed his early youth. When a young man he went to work as fireman on the Boston & Albany and after laboring at this work for a year was promoted to engineer. He followed up this part of railroading for 22 years, being employed by the B. & A. and Fitchburg railroads. Mr. Newton was married to the wife who survives him, in 1862 in Stow, and the same year enlisted in the ranks of the Union, joining Co. E of the 6th regiment, which was an Acton company, and under the command of Captain Hanley. He was with the troops for nine months at Suffolk, Va., and at the expiration of this time returned to railroading, although he did not follow up this work for any great length of time after his discharge from the army.
   For the past thirty years Mr. Newton has resided in the house where he breathed his last, and during that time he has enjoyed a large friendship among the local townspeople, with nearly all of whom he had at least a speaking acquaintance. He was a man of friendly temperament and his quick wit and hearty manner won for him numerous and lasting friends all of whom mourn his loss. Mr. Newton was always a man who took keen interest in what was going on around him and was also an active worker in matters of politics, especially those that pertained to local affairs and never hesitated to express his opinion on things as he saw them. His judgment was good and that the townspeople recognized his ability was shown by the fact that he once occupied the position of selectman and was also at one time a member of the water commission, on both of which boards he served faithfully.
   Besides his wife and one son, George Newton, he is survived by two brothers, Henry of Southboro, and Edwin of Florida, also one sister, Mrs. Eliza Dow of Taunton. The funeral services were held at two o'clock Monday afternoon at the house, Rev. E.F. Hunt officiating and the services were attended by many of the former friends of the deceased man, including members of the Isaac Davis Post, G.A.R., of which he was a member, and which post had charge of the burial services at Glenwood cemetery where the body was placed.