By Beverly Belcher Woody
High above the winding waters of the Mayo River, in the High Point community of Patrick County, lived a man whose steady presence helped shape both the land and the lives around him. Samuel Zachary Taylor Newman—known to many simply as S. T. Newman—was more than a farmer. He was a builder, a supporter, and a guiding hand in a close-knit mountain community.
S. T. Newman was born on the 13th of August 1849 to Armistead and Frances Sharp Newman. He was one of at least seven children born to the couple. His paternal grandparents were Elam Newman and Nancy Elizabeth Shelton. His maternal grandparents were Captain Eliphaz Shelton and Nancy Ann Asher, all of Patrick County.
S. T. Newman married Miss Susan Ruth Shelton on the fifth of December 1872. Susan was the daughter of Thomas Nowlin Shelton and Elizabeth Allen of the Mayo River section of Patrick County. According to census records from 1850–1880, Thomas worked as a saddler.
S. T. and Susan had at least seven children:
George William Newman (1873–1960)
Zachary Taylor Newman (1875–1964)
Peter Taylor Newman (1877–1957)
Frances Elizabeth Newman Gilbert (1878–1966)
Mary Alberta Bertie Newman Gilbert (1880–1938)
Sallie Lou Shelton Clark (1881–1972)
Samuel Arthur Newman (1883–1975)
James Octavius Newman (1885–1973)
Mr. Newman made his living from the soil, raising tobacco and corn on his farm perched high above the Mayo. Like so many mountain farmers, his days were shaped by the rhythms of planting and harvest. Yet his contributions reached far beyond his own fields.
One of the clearest reflections of his leadership can be found in his work with roads and infrastructure. An Enterprise newspaper notice from November 16, 1911, recorded, “S. T. Newman, Supt. of Roads in Mayo River District, allowed $200 to be used on the public roads of his district.” In a time when travel was difficult and roads were often little more than rough paths, this work was essential to daily life.
Another account from the April 24, 1930 Enterprise tells of a major improvement near his homeplace: “It was ordered…that a wagon bridge be erected at the Newman Ford over S. Mayo River…on concrete piers, the residents of the neighborhood agreeing to furnish the bridge site, all necessary sand, and gravel free of charge.” The project was a true community effort—neighbors working together—and Mr. Newman stood at the center of it.
His name also appears in moments of joy and fellowship. One clipping from the August 25, 1932, Enterprise recalls a celebration at his home: “A Surprise Birthday Party was given S. T. Newman…Each one of his children’s family was represented.” It is easy to picture that home filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of kin gathered together.
Another treasured glimpse into that same spirit of family and community comes from a reunion held at Wayside Church. An account from the August 14, 1935, Martinsville Bulletin tells us, “A reunion of the Newman family was held Sunday in this county at Wayside church…Over 100 gathered from many points in Virginia, North Carolina, District of Columbia and elsewhere.” It had been many years since such a gathering, and the day was filled with joy as families “recalled incidents of long ago and became acquainted all over again.”
Mr. Newman’s life was not confined to his farm or public duties. He was also active in the Oddfellows Lodge, reflecting a commitment to service, brotherhood, and mutual care—values that echoed throughout everything he did.
The scattered newspaper clippings that mention S. T. Newman may seem ordinary at first glance—meeting notices, public orders, family gatherings—but together they tell a much larger story. They reveal a man woven into the very fabric of his community, present wherever there was work to be done or neighbors to be supported.
Susan Ruth Shelton Newman passed away at the age of 75 on the 25th of June 1923. S. T. Newman followed her to the grave on the 17th of July 1939. They were laid to rest at the Newman homeplace on High Point Church Road.
Samuel Zachary Taylor Newman did not seek the spotlight. Instead, he built his legacy through steady service, quiet leadership, and a deep commitment to the people and places he loved. In the High Point community, his influence could be seen in the roads that connected neighbors, the gatherings that strengthened them, and the shared efforts that carried them forward.
And in that Blue Ridge community above the Mayo River, his story remains—like so many Patrick Pioneers—a reminder that the strength of a place is often shaped not by grand gestures, but by faithful hands and willing hearts working together for the good of all.
For story ideas, questions, or comments, you may message Woody at rockcastlecreek1@gmail.com or 276-692-9626.
