An Earlston Worthy - John Newton (1822-1893) of the Red Lion.

John Newton was a well-known figure in Earlston  in the late 19th century.  as the  man for over 30 years  behind the Red Lion Hotel in Earlston.  Newspaper reports give us a picture of his personality and contribution to life  in the village. 

An obituary, written in the  effusive and wordy journalistic style of the time,  appeared in  "The Southern Reporter " of 18th November  1893: 

"John Newton came to Earlston  from Melrose and he succeeded the late Mr. James Shiels.  The  Berwickshire Railway   came to Earlston [in 1863]  which  tended to enliven the quiet little town and gave an  impetus   to the  business of the place.

Mr Newton was well fitted for his post and he was able assisted  by his help-meet,  the late Mrs. Newton, who was deservedly popular and highly esteemed for her large-hearted charity and kindly disposition.

Under their united skilful management, the Earlston hotel took a position in the estimation of the public  almost unequalled by any similar house in this part of the country. 

Mr Newton bore a high character for honesty and integrity and his good name was never sullied by any of those failings and frailties,    which are commonly supposed to be the heritage of a landlord of a country inn and which,   at least not seldom,   mark the course of the man whose occupant of a country inn, exposes himself to many temptations.

Besides the hotel,  Mr. Newton also held the tenancy of a small farm on the Mellerstain estate of the Earl of Haddington."

A few years before his death, on March 27th 1889, John Newton was entertained to a public dinner and presented with an illuminated address "as a mark of the esteem in which he was held by his  community".  

"The Berwickshire News" of 2nd April 1889 reported:  

After lengthy "loyal and patriotic toasts", readings and songs, the chairman Mr Dunn concluded:

"During your long residence in Earlston, you have earned for yourself the character of being an upright, honest and exemplary man, diligent in business, kindly in disposition, sincere and warm-hearted as a friend."

The certificate was recently returned to  the Red Lion,
by Australian descendants of John Newton.

Postscript: 

The Newcastle  Daily Chronicle, along with local  newspapers,  advertised in December 1893 and May 1894 the sale by public roup [auction] of John Newton's estate which included: :

"Six horses and cobs, a milk cow, 1000 stones of clover and ryegrass hay, 1 landau, 1 brake, 2 wagons,  1 chapel cart, 2 luggage barrows, harnesses and stable utensils, and horse clothing.

Farm implements incl.  carts, wagons and a turnip sowing machine.

The whole of the hotel furnishings incl dining tables, parlour tables,  sofas,  couches, curtains, whatnots, time-pieces, cabinets, mirrors, and carpets.  

French and canopy bedsteads, bedding, blankets, carpets, basin stands, dressing tables, fenders and fire-irons,

Kitchen and scullery utensil. crockery,  dinner sets, crystal,
electro-plated spoons and forks,

Terms - Ready Money.

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 A crowded wagonette outside the Red Lion, 

as the Church Choir set off on their annual outing, in 1907.

Sources:  

• British Newspapers:  1710-1963 on Find My Past website
• British Newspaper Archive
• Auld Earlston Collections
  

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