William Robert C. Newell was my first cousin three times removed through my great great-grandfather, James Harris Potts.
William Robert C. Newell or Bert Newell, as his family and friends referred to him, was born in Mitchell County, Kansas, on July 9, 1880. His parents moved to Buffalo, Wyoming in 1883. In May 1898, at the beginning of the Spanish-American War, Bert Newell tendered his services to his country as a member of Company C in the Wyoming National Guard. While at Cheyenne, awaiting orders to move, he was made a corporal, and while serving in the Philippines, Bert Newell was promptly promoted to sergeant. He returned home with the Wyoming troops in 1899 and was mustered out with a record for excellent service.
On July 2, 1904, tragedy struck the close-knit community of Buffalo when Bert Newell, a well-respected young man, was struck by lightning and instantly killed. The news of his untimely demise spread like wildfire throughout the town, leaving its residents in a state of shock and disbelief. Late in the evening, a telephone message was received from Fort McKinney, reporting the discovery of a lifeless man and horse on the road just north of the old officers’ quarters at the Soldiers and Sailors Home. It was immediately surmised that they had fallen victim to the ferocious lightning storm that had been raging throughout the afternoon. Coroner C.W. Hill, Sheriff Kennedy, County Attorney Sweeney, and undertakers Stocks and Jones swiftly arrived at the scene; their faces etched with solemnity. With heavy hearts, they meticulously examined the tragic aftermath, trying to piece together the sequence of events that led to the devastating loss. In the days that followed, the community mourned the loss of Bert Newell. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication touched the lives of many. Whether it was his involvement in community service or his fervent pursuit of personal goals, Bert Newell’s impact was immeasurable.
In addition to his list of warm personal friends, Bert Newell had won the heart and hand of one of Buffalo’s brightest and most estimable young ladies. Bert Newell had just completed the building of a spiffy little home in north Buffalo and the household furniture and accoutrements had all newly arrived in anticipation of his bride. Bert Newell’s unlikely death occurred one day before he was to have led his loved one to the altar and henceforth claim her as his very own.
As Buffalo, Wyoming grappled with the aftermath of the accident, the memory of Bert Newell remained etched in their hearts, forever reminding them to cherish every fleeting moment and to treasure the bonds that held their community together.
And may the tragic passing of Bert Newell remind each of us to embrace each day with gratitude, for we never know when the storm of fate will strike.
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