That section of Evansville, now known as Rosedale, was first inhabited by blacks and carried the name of Newtonville, which was the name of the first family to settle in this area.
Morris and Annie Newton, who were of Indian, Negro, and French parentage, whose parents were slaves, married in Owensboro, Kentucky in March of 1882. They came to Evansville on May 2nd of the same year and settled in a wooded area that later became known as Rosedale.
The Newtons were among the first black business people in Evansville. They made a living by selling coal and wood. They had from 10 to 15 work horses and employed a good number of men. The Newtons bought 3 lots across from their home which was used for the wood and coal yard.
