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Blandinsville Star Gazette - date is unreadable - but death occured August 27, 1919)

A Pioneer Gone

Death took from Blandinsville one of her oldest, best and most beloved citizens when Newton J. Gordon passed away at his home on south Main street on last Wednesday, August 27, 1919.

Mrs. Gordon was born in Kentucky March 3, 1835 and made his home there till he reached manhood. When about 25 years old he came to Blandinsville. This was nearly 60 years agoand the town was a scattered village. Here he began farming and his industry and intelligence brought him success and his kidness and courtesy and sterling character brought him friends.

He was married to Miss Nancy Grigsby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Grigsby, one of the oldest of the pioneers here and whose familty was among the most prominent in the community. To them were born 11 children. One died in childhood and the oldest one, William died some years ago. There remains, Joseph, Mrs. Ollie Pendarvis, Miss Nina, Mrs. Pearl Kempher, John, Mrs. Ruby Kerr, Miss Crete, James and Miss Donna. With the exeption of Mrs. John Kerr at LaHarpe, the children all live and Blandinsville and Misses Nina, Crete and Donna are at home with their widowed and heartbroken mother. Mr. Gordon was for many long years a faithful and active member of the Baptist church and to the day of his death, made its welfare one of the chief of his interests.

He was a man of more than ordinary itelligence and insight and died possessed of a considerable estate. He was honest and upright and his clean life and clean character gave him a high standing in the community. Besides the sorrowing wife and children his death brings sorrow to a wide circle of relatives and to every citizen of this community.

Funeral services were held at the home at 3:00 pm on Friday, August 29, and a great concourse of friends and neighbors congregated to join in this last sad ceremony. The body was laid to rest in Glade City Cemetery.

Contributed by Linda Worstell