In 1884, Newkirk moved to Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he founded the Williamsburg Times newspaper. Newkirked moved back to Michigan in Lake County to publish Luther Enterprise in 1888. Newkirk was appointed to the position of interim Lake County prosecuting attorney in 1889. He was elected to this position in 1890, and served in it until 1892.[1] In 1892, Newkirk was an alternate delegate to Republican National Convention from Michigan. On November 8, 1892, Newkirk was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives where he represented the Osceola County district from January 4, 1893, to 1894. Newkirk served as Washtenaw County probate judge from 1897 to 1900. In 1899, Newkirk became the namesake for Newkirk Township, Michigan.[2] On November 6, 1906, Newkirk was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives where he represented the Washtenaw County 1st district from January 2, 1907, to 1910. He was once again elected to his position on November 7, 1916, and served from January 3, 1917, to 1918. Newkirk served as mayor of Ann Arbor from 1931 to 1933.[1][3]