Newellton itself was founded in the early 19th century by the Routh family, for whom the defunct Routhwood Elementary School was named.

The first African American in the position, Davis unseated the 34-year incumbent Edwin G. Preis Sr.,[10] a white businessman, in the nonpartisan blanket primary held on October 7, 2000.

[11] A native of Oak Grove in West Carroll Parish, McVay was formerly the Newellton police chief.

[16] Fuller earlier was among 582 Louisiana elected officials named to former Governor Bobby Jindal's "Kitchen Cabinet Leadership Team".

Two other Tensas Parish officials appointed to the panel were Assessor Irby Gamble and Coroner Keith D. Butler, both of St.

[18] As of 2013[update], there were four police officers and Chief Gales in Newellton, with two marked cars and one unmarked, and eighteen volunteer firefighters.