Person:Newton May (1)

Other than the fact that he was in the same household in the 1860 census, there is nothing to indicate that he was the son of Valentine and Lettie Risner as recorded in many family trees.

1. ↑ [1], in United States. 1860 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M653).

   in the household of Valentine and Lettie Risner:
   Newton May, age 7, born in Tennessee

   Many have assumed his name was Newton May Risner and that he was Valentine's son, but the census record doesn't suggest this. Middle names are not given in full on this page of the census - the only reason for a full second name is to denote a surname different from that of the head of the household, as can be seen in family #570. There is also a James May (age 13) living with the Josiah Bremer family on the same page (family #571), indicating a family of the name May lived in the area. Possibly the May boys were orphans.