History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, profusely illustrated with portraits of early pioneers, rare pictures and scenes of olden times, and portraits of representative citizens of today, [Vol. 2]

BIRCH RUN TOWNSHIP

335

in various positions of trust and responsibility he has acquited himself with
honor. In 1896 he was elected highway commissioner, and in the fulfillment
of the duties of this office promoted a scheme for the improvement of the
town roads. Afterward he introduced a resolution before the Board of Supervisors, which carried provisions for the prevention of floods and for the
reclamation of waste marsh lands in this county. This resolution was acted
upon and has already resulted in alleviating the serious flood conditions in
Saginaw Valley. The government work in preliminary surveys, it is expected, will eventually bring about the reclamation of thousands of acres of
valuable marsh lands.
As school inspector Mr. Newman was also noted for his activities for
the betterment of the educational facilities afforded; and as treasurer of the
township, in 1903-4, he earned the gratitude of the people. He was also
largely instrumental in securing E. P. Robinson, an experienced agriculturist,
as county agricultural agent.
In 1892 Mr. Newman was married at Coleman, Michigan, to Miss Sabra
Tower, who was born in Livingston County on July 30, 1871. Her father's
family was among the well known pioneer families of that section of the
State. Four children have been born to them, namely Charles S., who is
now deputy clerk of Saginaw County; Marion, who is employed in the office
of Charles Wolohan, at Birch Run; and Alice and Helen, who are now
attending school. Throughout his life Mr. Newman has been identified with
the Methodist Protestant Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Order
and the Birch Run Grange.

MOTORING ON IMPROVED ROAD TO BIRCH RUN