Joseph Parkinson NEWSHAM, Congress, LA (1837-1919)

NEWSHAM, Joseph Parkinson, a Representative from Louisiana; born in Preston, Lancashire, England, on May 24, 1837; received an academic education; immigrated to the United States with his parents, who settled in Monroe County, Ill., in 1839; employed in a mercantile establishment for two years; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1860 and commenced practice in Edwardsville, Ill.; served during the Civil War in the Union Army as adjutant of the Thirty-second Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Infantry; resigned on account of disabilities incurred in action July 4, 1864; moved to Donaldsonville, La., in 1864; clerk of the fourth judicial district court of the Parish of Ascension; was admitted to the Louisiana bar in 1865 and practiced law in Donaldsonville, La.; moved to St. Francisville, La., in 1867; member of the constitutional convention in 1867 and 1868; upon the readmission of the State of Louisiana to representation was elected as a Republican to the Fortieth Congress and served from July 18, 1868, to March 3, 1869; established the Feliciana Republican in 1869; successfully contested the election of Michael Ryan to the Forty-first Congress and served from May 23, 1870, until March 3, 1871; was not a candidate for renomination in 1870; planter and merchant in St. Francisville, La., until 1913, when he retired; died in St. Francisville, West Feliciana Parish, La., October 22, 1919; interment in Grace Church Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present