It was a brisk sunny day Jan. 22, as a small crowd gathered in the Dallas suburb of Rowlett, to honor a veteran of the War of 1812. The Craig Austin Rowley Chapter of the Texas Society of the War of 1812 along with the John Cavet Chapter of the U.S. Daughters of 1812, reunited at the historic Big A Cemetery in Rowlett for a marker dedication ceremony for 1812 veteran Thomas R. Newman Jr., an early pioneer of Dallas County.
The ceremony presentations were hosted Paul Ridenour, State Treasurer of the Texas Society, who welcomed everyone and called for the invocation given by Patricia Thibodeau, the Texas State Chaplain USD 1812.
The Rowlett High School JROTC followed with presentation of colors for the Pledges to the U. S. Flag, the Texas Flag and the Flag of 1812.
Rowlett Mayor Blake Margolis brought greetings from the city along with City Council members Pamela Bell, Jeff Winget and Mike Britton. The mayor presented a certificate of recognition citing Rowlett Veteran Thomas R. Newman Jr., as one whose vigilance “directly resulted in securing the freedom we citizens enjoy today…we are eternally grateful.”
Ryan Kirby, the grandson of the Big A Cemetery Association president, was on hand with a brief history of the cemetery. He said what started out as a family burial ground in 1857, had become a community cemetery by 1871. The cemetery association
formed just 10 years later in 1881. “It’s an honor to be able to share this little bit of history with you all,” Kirby said.
Ted Wilson, president of the C.A.R. Chapter, spoke next about the society and its objectives. Namely, the importance of research and preservation of historical data, caring for the graves of these veterans and fostering a sense of patriotism. He also cited the 15+ previous marker dedications this chapter had accomplished.
Ora Jane Johnson, 2nd VP USD1812, encouraged everyone by reminding them that they “keep alive the memory of Private Newman’s contributions, and the contributions of all 1812 veterans with the considerable time and hard work that went into researching and documenting the history of this patriot – Thank you for honoring the life and service of Private Thomas Newman.”
Honoring these veterans is precisely what these ceremonies are about and the Craig Austin Rowley Chapter of the Society of the War of 1812 has been the driving force behind recognizing, restoring and dedicating these veteran markers in the North Texas
region since 2004. As Walt Thomas, former C.A.R. Chapter president expressed it in his remarks that day “We are here today to fulfill a promise to never forget those who served – easily done when the veteran’s name is spoken for the last time.” Thomas continued, “So it is with the utmost respect that I say the name, Thomas R. Newman, Jr. – you are gone sir, but not forgotten…and we thank you for protecting our freedom.”
Jim Griffin, President of the Dallas County Pioneers Association gave the biography for Mr. Newman:
Thomas R. Newman Jr. was born in Georgia in 1792 but was a young man by the time his family moved to Mississippi. While in Mississippi, he served under General Stonewall Jackson in the War of 1812 and took part in the Battle of New Orleans. Private Thomas Runnels Newman, Jr served in Luse’s Company of Lt Colonel Nelson’s Mississippi Detachment Militia during the War of 1812. After the war Thomas married Mary Sparks and they had a son – Harmon.
After several years, and the birth of a daughter, they moved to Wayne County, Missouri, where Mary died at the age of 60. After Mary’s death, Thomas moved with son Harmon, daughter Elizabeth (Eliza) and all their worldly goods on an ox-pulled wagon to Pleasant Valley, Texas. His son Harmon acquired 57 acres of wild prairie land and built a cabin to start a life in Texas, eventually acquiring 830 acres of land over time where he and his wife Emeline had 11 children (nine of which grew to maturity). He built and operated the first cotton gin and helped erect the first school and church.
But Thomas only lived about seven years after arriving in Pleasant Valley (now Sachse) and died in 1863. He was buried here at Big A Cemetery alongside his granddaughter’s grave. His son Harmon died in 1915 and was buried on the same land he donated to Pleasant Valley Cemetery – 3 1/2 miles from his father Thomas.
Brief highlights of the War of 1812 were delivered by Ginny Carter, president, John Cavet Chapter, USD1812, adding that Private Newman “was an honored patriot who answered his fledgling country’s call to arms and did his part at that critical time in our nation’s history.”
An honorary salute by volley was fired by the C.A.R. Chapter Color Guard.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Patricia Thibodeau, USD1812 Texas State Chaplain, and subsequent closing remarks by Paul Ridenour, whose efforts were indispensable in the marker acquisition and the dedication ceremony.
Photos provided by Brian Gunn and Paul Ridenour.