NEWTON, Marshall

Autographs Album

Orange, MA: 1876-1890. Oblong 16mo; publisher's red blind-ruled cloth, upper cover lettered in gilt, all edges gilt; [45]ll. filled to completion. Extremities a bit rubbed, textblock shaken in binding, some finger soil throughout, else Very Good.

Autograph book presented to thirteen-year-old Marshall Newton (1863-ca. 1930s) by his teacher: "A present. Master Marshall Newton for excellence in spelling. May this little book remind you of the winter term of 1875-76 and of the happy hours you passed in Dist. No. 6. In Proverbs IV-5th & 7th verses you may find the parting advice of your teacher and friend. Lizzie J. Smith. Orange, Jan. 24th, 1876." Young Newton was the son of farmer Levi Newton, and his childhood was marred by poverty and the premature death of his mother Persis. According to the 1880 census he had been boarded out as a servant in the household of Benjamin and Nellie Manly and David and Sadie Aiken, Benjamin's uncle and aunt. The Manlys' autographs appear in the book, along with Newton's aunt: "Dear Marshall 'Prove all things, hold fast that which is good.' Loveling [sic] your Aunt. Hattie Hiscock. Newfane, VT. Remember the visit to dear Mother's grave." The last census to mention Newton appears in 1930, in Shrewsbury, MA, where he resided as a widowed locomotive engineer.

Price: $250.00

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