America Newton

America Newton (born Dyer Newton; 1835 – 1917[1]) was one of the original African-American pioneers who helped to found the former mining town of Julian, California, in the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego.[2] She was among the earliest female African-American settlers in the area.[3] Newton was a former slave who provided laundry services in Julian during its gold rush days and beyond. She resided in Julian for more than 50 years.

Life

America Newton arrived in Julian in 1872, having come from Independence, Missouri.[4] Newton owned an 80-acre (320,000 m2) homestead near Julian. A gift shop in Julian is named in her memory, as well as a trail located near her cabin.[3] She died of pneumonia in 1917.[4]

Newton operated a laundry service for miners in the town, often delivering the clean clothes herself. Family friend James Cole provided her with the horse and buggy, making her one of the first African-American women to operate a business in the area. She was known for being friendly and talkative.[3]

According to census records, she was married and had a daughter. She went on to outlive her husband.[5]

America Newton died in 1917 and is buried in the Julian Cemetery.[6]

References
  1. "America Newton (1835-1917)". Find A Grave. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  2. The Canyoneers (August 3, 2016). "The mountain forest as it appeared before the 2003 Cedar Fire". San Diego Reader. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  3. "Black Pioneers in San Diego 1880 - 1920". San Diego History Center | San Diego, CA | Our City, Our Story. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  4. LeMenager, Charles R. (20 July 1992). Julian City and Cuyamaca Country: A History and Guide to the Past and Present. Eagle Peak Publishing Company. ISBN 9780961110253 – via Google Books.
  5. "America Newton – Ava Smithmier". Studies of Black History at the University of San Diego. May 7, 2019. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  6. Caterino, David M.; Mallios, Seth (20 July 2018). Cemeteries of San Diego County. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 9780738558219 – via Google Books.
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