Simon Newman
Simon Newman, #WS1415
Values Codes I – E – L – P
“It can be said that Stanislaus and Merced Counties are fortunate to have had a man of the caliper of Simon Newman. He recognized the almost unlimited opportunities of this fertile and productive farming region, one of the choice areas in California.”
– Edgar M. Kahn
Simon Newman (Neumann) was born in 1846 in Willmars, Baveria, to Josef and Monna Nussbaum Neumann.
Simon was the fourth of seven children: Ricka, Fanny, Solomon, Simon, Julia, Sigmund, and Marianne.
Along the way
Simon’s sister, Fanny Neumann, married Sol Wangenheim in 1859.
They were the first of the Neumann family to arrive in California. Sol had come to California in 1853, did well in merchandising, and made enough to return to Europe to marry Fanny – a common Jewish story in the Wild West.
In 1862, Sol Wangenheim arranged for his brother-in-law, Simon Neumann, to come to the American West.
Simon Neumann, now Simon Newman, took the fastest route, crossed the Isthmus of Panama, and arrived in San Francisco at the age of 16.
He was frugal and ambitious. He spoke Hebrew, German, and soon, English – all the while learning American customs.
In 1862 the Comstock Mines in Virginia City were booming. Wangenheim was partner in a wholesale food business there, and Newman went to work for him and learned “the trade.”
In 1864, when production slowed in the Comstock, Wangenheim moved his store to Markleeville in Alpine County and Simon came with him.
San Joaquin Valley
In 1869, Simon Newman, backed by his brother-in-law, went into business for himself at Hill’s Ferry in the San Joaquin Valley, situated at the junction of the San Joaquin and Merced Rivers.
Simon Newman’s business grew, and so did his reputation.
2,500 farmers and ranchers grew and raised wheat, vegetables, cattle and sheep, with Newman granting them credit on their upcoming crops.
The Newman Train Station at the “end of the line”
By 1877, Newman had his store and a 4,000-ton grain warehouse, and was shipping 15,000 tons of agricultural produce a year – all the while operating ranches, buying land, and raising cattle and sheep.
Family
In 1877, Simon Newman married Pauline Strauss of San Francisco.
Thereafter, he established his residence in San Francisco, traveling weekly by train to Hill’s Ferry.
His brother, Sigmund Newman, stayed on in the Valley as his resident manager.
Newman, California
When Simon Newman learned that the Pacific Railroad was to build its Valley Line into the San Joaquin Valley, he gave 320 acres of land to the railroad, just a few miles away from Hill’s Ferry, and there created a town site called Newman, where the railroad was to terminate.
Business in the new town flourished. The little town of Hill’s Ferry — both the people and some of its buildings — soon shut down and moved to Newman.
In 1898, Simon Newman consolidated all his ventures into the Simon Newman Company.
Lemon Packing in Newman, CA Vintage Postcard
Newman was also one of the organizers of the Pacific Vinegar and Pickle Works, and an investor in the North Alaska Salmon Company.
By 1970, still in family hands, the Simon Newman Company was one of the largest family-held agricultural enterprises in California.
Civic
During the Civil War, Simon Newman was a member of the Virginia City Militia, spending many days and nights guarding gold and silver in government offices from Confederate sympathizers.
In 1903, Newman founded the Bank of Newman. The bank grew and was eventually merged with the United California Bank.
Simon Newman Store in Newman — still there today but not open. His faded name can be seen on the building. #WS1412
Fraternal
Simon Newman joined the Odd Fellows in 1875 and remained an active member until his death.
Community
In San Francisco, Newman became a pillar of Congregation Emanu-El. He was member of the Board of Directors and also served a President of the Congregation.
Family
In 1877, Simon Newman married Pauline Strauss of San Francisco, the daughter of Louis and Lena Strauss. Rabbi Elkin Cohn of Temple Emanu-El officiated.
Simon and Pauline had five children: Rose, Minnie, Louis, Edwin, and S. Walter.
Simon Newman died in 1912.
He is interred in the Home of Peace Cemetery of Temple Emanu-El in Colma.
Source
- Edgar M. Kahn, “Simon Newman and Newman, California,” Western States Jewish Historical Quarterly 2/1.
Newman sign today; Newman exit in route #5, just north of the Harris Ranch, then about 4 miles east