Robert was the last child born to Dude and Sarah Newell. He was the laughing, mischievous, curly-haired child who could alternately delight or exasperate his mother and siblings. He was a typical "baby" of a large family--learning early how to work one elder against another. He could do some rather outlandish stunts, but ultimately had everyone laughing.

There was always an assortment of chickens running loose at the Newell yard. On one occasion there appeared a rather strange-acting hen going around drunkenly with her head sticking out at right angles to the body. When questioned about this odd fowl, Uncle Dude dismissed the whole thing with an explanation something like this, "Aw, (chuckling) Robert was trying to learn to wring a chicken's head off." I suspect no one knows what happened to that hen to this day.

Robert was a real source of frustration and aggravation to Howard, 3 years his elder, and of a more serious nature. It was not unusual for Robert to pluck an apple from one of the orchard trees, pretend to eat it--then ZING!--send it flying to hit Howard at an opportune time.

Robert's sisters alternately spoiled and then scolded him. It seemed Robert was O.K. with either action since he was the center of their attention.

Despite his fun-loving nature, Robert was a master mechanic. One man who had hired him to work said this, "Robert could fix anything! A hay truck, tractor, bulldozer, motorcycle, car--anything with a motor was no challenge for him." Additionally, he was skilled at brickwork, carpentry, and other creative jobs.

Capable, daring, personable, prankish--all these traits Robert posessed.

- Janet Tate