Robert C. Newton

Robert Crittenden Newton (June 2, 1840 – June 7, 1877) was a noted lawyer, politician, and Confederate Colonel in Arkansas during the American Civil War. He is most remembered for his involvement in the Brooks-Baxter War. Robert C. Newton Camp # 197 of Little Rock was named for him and was the oldest continually run camp of the Arkansas Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, as well as the oldest continually active camp west of the Mississippi River.

Robert C. Newton
15th Treasurer of Arkansas
In office
May 1874 – November 1874
GovernorElisha Baxter
Preceded byHenry Page
Succeeded byT. C. Churchill
Member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
from the Pulaski County district
In office
November 5, 1866 – April 2, 1868
Preceded byThomas Fletcher
Succeeded byredistricted
Personal details
BornJune 2, 1840
Little Rock, Arkansas
DiedJune 7, 1877(1877-06-07) (aged 37)
Little Rock, Arkansas
Resting placeCalvary Cemetery
Little Rock, Arkansas
SpouseCassandra Reider
RelationsJohn Allen (grandfather)
John T. Newton (uncle)
Parent
Alma materWestern Military Institute
ProfessionLawyer
Known forBrooks-Baxter War
Military service
Allegiance Confederate States
Branch/service Confederate States Army
Rank Colonel

Early life and education

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, son of Thomas W. Newton and Eliza Allen Newton. His father had been a state legislator and a representative in the 28th Congress. Newton was also the grandson of Col. John Allen, who was killed leading his “Bark” at the Battle of River Rasin, January 22, 1813.[1]

Newton was educated at the Western Military Institute in White House, Tennessee. He studied at the University of Nashville, in Nashville, Tennessee, and studied mathematics and languages with a private tutor. He was admitted to the bar in 1862 and practiced law in Little Rock.[1]

American Civil War

He joined the Confederate army as a private in 1861 and was promoted lieutenant and assistant adjutant-general on the staff of Thomas C. Hindman. He took part in the battles of Woodsonville, Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, Prairie Grove, Helana, Little Rock, and Jenkin's Ferry. He was regularly promoted, becoming colonel of the 5th Arkansas Cavalry Regiment, and was acting brigadier general in command of the Arkansas state troops at the close of the war. He was a commissioner from Arkansas to authorities at Washington in 1866 to secure representation for the state in congress.[1]

Brooks–Baxter War

Newton arrested Elisha Baxter for treason during the American Civil War and brought him to Little Rock, the state capital. After the war, when Baxter was governor, he appointed Newton Major General in charge of the Arkansas State Militia. During the coup by Joseph Brooks known as the Brooks-Baxter War, Newton was the commander of the Baxter militia. After the war, Baxter appointed Newton as state treasurer.[1]

References
  1. Shinn, Josiah Hazen (January 1, 1898). The History of Arkansas: A Text-book for Public Schools, High Schools and Academies ... Wilson & Webb Book & Stationery Company.
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