The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Franklin Township, pages 600-601
Jonathan L. Newman is one of the most prominent and successful farmers of Franklin Township, and a representative of one of the first families to settle in Hendricks County. His father, John Newman, was born in Guilford County, N.C., of Irish descent. He was reared in his native county, and there married Elizabeth Lacy, also a native of North Carolina, of English descent. In 1834 he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and entered 480 acres of land on section 18, Franklin Township. He soon after returned to North Carolina, but in 1836 came again to Indiana and built a log cabin on the southeast quarter of the section. This cabin is still standing and is one of the oldest residences in Hendricks County. In May, 1838, he moved his family to their frontier home, where he lived till his death in November, 1855, aged seventy-one years. He was a man of good education for the times. His opportunities for receiving instruction were limited, but he was fond of reading and thus acquired a fair knowledge of the literary and business world. He began life in meager circumstances, but accumulated a competency by his good management and practical business ability. In politics he was an Abolitionist. His wife survived him but eleven months, dying in October, 1856. Their family consisted of three children, two of whom, Jonathan L. and Mrs. Rachel Phillips are living. Miriam is deceased. Jonathan L. Newman was born in Randolph County, N.C., in 1820, and was about eighteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to Hendricks County. He assisted his father in clearing and improving the farm, and succeeded him in its ownership. He has been successful in his pursuits and now owns 675 acres of valuable land. He married Maria C. Phillips, daughter of Eli Phillips. To them have been born four daughters--Harriet, wife of William G. Robinson; Mary E., wife of Frank Johnson; Martha E., at home, and Julia, wife of Harrison Shields. In politics Mr. Newman is a Democrat.