William Harvey Newton, was born in Mississippi, April 27, 1841. In 1854 his parents emigrated to Lincoln County, Arkansas, and this has been the home of "Uncle Harve," as he is familiarly called ever since.

He was married to Miss Mary Going July 5, 1860. In 1910 they celebrated their Golden Wedding. They had been married about two years when he was called upon to serve his country in the Civil War. This call he obeyed in active service until the close.

During a revival in August 1868, in the village of Cornersville, conducted by Rev's. Elam Waddell and Joseph Wilman he was happily converted, and in December of the same year joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In July 1870 he was elected to the office of ruling elder. At a meeting of Bartholomew Presbytery convened at a church near Hot Springs in October 1873 he was enrolled as a candidate for the ministry.

He was ordained September 25, 1876, but on account of poor health was not permitted many years to follow the work so well begun, yet he has done considerable pastoral work, until recent years. However he takes a cheerful view of life, and sometimes entertains his friends with humorous incidents from his experience while out in field of service. We give this one: At Monticello, Arkansas, where he had gone to fill an appointment, he was spending the night with Brother Enscore. At the hour of family devotion the chapter had been read and all knelt for prayer. A calf had gotten into the lot with his horse and just as he was beginning his petition to the "Giver of all good gifts," the calf began a terrible alarm. Whereupon, the preacher cried: "Amen' the horse will kill the calf.'" He calls this his "unfinished prayer."

He is a firm believer in the Tithing system, as God's method of financing the church, and proves his faith by his works. He also believes that the doctrines of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are the best that have ever yet been formulated, and that it has an ecclesiastical right to exist. When that memorable event, the "Parting of the Way" came to his Presbytery, with the spirit of his Master thrilling his heart, he said" "Let's sing 'Amazing grace, how sweet the sound'--and take the parting hand." This done, he with the rest of the loyal Cumberlands retired to the woods, leaving the Union brethren in possession of the house. Pausing under the famous "hickory tree' they assembled and "Uncle Harve" was chosen Moderator, of Bartholomew Presbytery. The afternoon session, also convened in the silent grove. The following day they were permitted to occupy the school building some distance away. He has quite frequently been chosen to fill the honorable position of Moderator, and always gives evidence of that beautiful Christ-like spirit of humility and justice.

As to financial remuneration for his ministerial service, he tells of having served one congregation for a period of nearly two years, traveling a distance of forty-five miles, and for this term of service received less than six dollars. From this, it is quite evident that he was not coveting earthly store, but laying "up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal."

Many happy hours have been spent in our home with "Uncle Harve." We always regarded him as a loving father, and trusted leader in paths of righteousness. He has done what he could for the Master. Going and preaching when and where he could, regardless of compensation--"Seeking only souls to win from the deadly paths of sin." Many men and women have been influenced for Christ by the preaching of this noble man of God. Often have we heard the glad shouts of souls redeemed from sin, as he preached to them of the love of God for the sinful and lost; of a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. Some of the happiest hours of our lives were spent under the old camp-meeting shed at Union Springs. He has always been faithful to his Presbytery, only missing about four out of seventy-five; and when the Presbytery needed a good soul-stirring prayer to set everybody in working order they called on "Uncle Harve" and he never disappointed them.

He is now past the Meridian of life, and is on the Western slope of time, but is growing richer in grace; and the fruits of a Surrendered Life are ripening fast for the grand "Harvest Home."

And finally, we deem it only just to pay one tribute of honor to Sister Newton, who has been so faithful in helping her husband over the rough places of life. Together they have toiled, wept, rejoiced. Together they have been busy here and there gathering and sending up material to beautify the "mansion" which Jesus said he was "going to prepare" for those that love Him and keep His commandments. "And they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy."

[Source: Our Senior Soldiers: The Biographies and Autobiographies of Eighty Cumberland Presbyterian Preachers. Compiled by The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication. The Assistance of Revs. J. L. Price and W. P. Kloster is Greatfully Acknowledged. Nashville, Tenn.: The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1915, pages 161-164]