Albert A. Newman
Albert Augustus Newman | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Weld, Maine, U.S. |
| Died | September 5, 1933 (aged 90) Arkansas City, Kansas, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, retailer, banker, politician |
| Known for | Founder and CEO of Newman Dry Goods Company; Mayor of Arkansas City; banking leadership in Kansas |
Albert Augustus Newman (January 19, 1843 – September 5, 1933) was a prominent American entrepreneur, retailer, and banker, recognized chiefly as the founder and chief executive of Newman Dry Goods Company. He significantly influenced commerce in Kansas, holding the office of Mayor in Arkansas City, presiding over multiple banking institutions, and leading the state's foremost dry goods business. Newman also pioneered Southern Kansas' inaugural flour mill and held the rank of colonel in the Maine State Militia during the American Civil War.
Early life and family background
The Newman family traced their lineage back to English settlers in colonial Massachusetts. Albert’s grandfather, Ebenezer Newman (born 1791 in Billerica, Massachusetts), was descended from a Revolutionary War veteran. His father, Augustus G. Newman (1821–1893), originated from Weld, Maine. Albert Augustus Newman entered the world there on January 19, 1843, as the oldest among five siblings. He received his education locally before attending Bates College (then known as Main State Seminary) located in Lewiston, Maine.
At age nineteen, Newman left Bates College to enlist in the Union Army amid the American Civil War, joining the Tenth Maine Infantry in 1862 and subsequently serving three terms with the Twenty-ninth Maine Regiment. His military service included participation in major engagements such as Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Antietam, and Chancellorsville.
Business career
Following his military tenure, Newman relocated to Fayetteville, Tennessee to engage in the dry goods trade, where he remained for three years before moving to Emporia, Kansas in 1868.
Ventures in Kansas
Upon arriving in Emporia, he began working as a general merchant and then transitioned to Arkansas City, Kansas in 1871. There he launched a general merchandise enterprise and established permanent residence by 1872. Newman was instrumental in shaping the growth of this nascent community.
Newman Dry Goods Company
He established the Newman Dry Goods Company, which grew to become Kansas’ largest firm within its sector. The business expanded notably in 1916 with the construction of a five-story facility located at Adams Avenue and Summit Street.
Financial leadership
Newman emerged as a key player in Kansas’ banking sector, initially serving as president of Cowley County Bank—the city’s second financial institution—before founding Home National Bank. His influence extended into infrastructure development through his involvement with Arkansas City’s water power projects and by creating Southern Kansas’ first flour mill, which he divested in 1879.
His leadership roles also included director of City Milling Company, president of Newman Investment Company, and head of Land and Power Company based in Arkansas City. Moreover, he co-founded Arkansas City Water Company along with Arkansas City Gas and Electric Light Company; these utility enterprises were sold in 1915.
Additional business interests
Newman presided over the Three K Cattle Company, managing an expansive ranch exceeding 40,000 acres situated on the Kaw Reservation within Indian Territory.
Political involvement
Originally affiliated with the Democratic Party, Newman later aligned with the Republicans and held office as Mayor of Arkansas City for two terms.
Personal details and passing
Newman wedded Mary M. Houghton in the year 1869. He passed away on September 5, 1933, in Arkansas City, Arkansas.