The Craig Austin Rowley Chapter, Society of the War of 1812 in Texas, and the John Cavet Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812 will hold a grave marking ceremony for Private Thomas R. Newman, Jr., veteran of the War of 1812, in the Big A Cemetery in Rowlett, at 3 p.m., Jan. 22.
Private Thomas R. Newman, Jr. was born in Georgia in 1798 died in Dallas County, Texas in 1862.
He is buried in Rowlett’s Big A Cemetery.
Newman served in the War of 1812 in Lt. Col. David Neilson’s Detached Mississippi Territory Terr Militia in Captain Nathan H. Luse’s Company. He served under General Andrew Jackson and fought in the Battle of New Orleans.
On Sept. 11, 1824, he married Mary Sparks in Tuscaloosa Co., Alabama. The couple had at least seven children: Harvey, Bird C., Harmon Runnels, Eliza Ann, Susan and Sarah Jane. The family moved from Alabama to Hickman County, Tennessee, and then to Wayne County, Missouri. By 1856, Mary Newman had died and the family began a six week journey via ox cart from Missouri to Texas, settling eventually in Dallas County. Son Harvey Newman is buried in Montague County. Son Harmon R. Newman is buried in Sachse. Daughter Eliza Ann Newman married first Daniel Herring and second Lorenzo Dow Emberton and is buried in Wylie.
Representatives from the Rowlett Mayor’s office, the Dallas County Pioneers Association and the Big A Cemetery Association will speak at the grave marker dedication. In addition, there will be a brief history of the War of 1812, biography of Private Newman, memorial wreath laying and a salute by 1812 color guard. The community, and especially any Newman descendants, are invited to attend. Seating is limited and those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
For information about the United States Daughters of 1812, visit http://www.usdaughters1812.org/.
For information about the Society War of 1812 in Texas, visit https://texas1812.org/.