29 December 2009

Catherine Eliza Monk

Catherine Eliza Monk, born 3 Aug 1873, was the daughter of William Monk (b. 16 Aug 1831) and Margaret Anne Newcomb (b. 23 Jan 1834).  John Bearse Newcomb said that Margaret and William had no children. B.M. Newcomb indicated that this child was born to them after 21 years of marriage, when Margaret was 39 years old. Not impossible, but somewhat unusual. Catherine may have been adopted.

26 December 2009

Alberta Kintz

Alberta Kintz (b. Jan 1879) was the second wife of James Wilbur Newcomb (b. 1 Mar 1859, BMN #1435).  B.M. Newcomb thought her surname was Kurtz, but public records and her descendants verify that it was Kintz.

20 December 2009

Cynthia Anna Garman

Cynthia Anna Garman (b. 11 Sep 1912) was the daughter of Ira S. Garman (b. 4 Sep 1847) and Bertha Gertrude Newcomb (b. 1 Aug 1887). B.M. Newcomb listed Cynthia as the daughter of Ira and Bertha, and she is listed in the 1920 census as their daughter. However, according to BMN, Ira's son Raymond also had a daughter name Cynthia, born at about the same time. Cynthia was also the name of Ira's first wife (Raymond's mother). None of Ira and Bertha's other children were born in Arkansas, whereas Raymond's daughter Marie was born in Arkansas. Were there really two little girls named Cynthia, one born to the father and the other born to the son? Or was there just one Cynthia? If she was staying with her grandparents the census taker may have listed her as their daughter.

17 December 2009

Paul Z. Burrell

Paul Z.  Burrell married Hazel Delight Newcomb (b. 3 Jun 1889) in 1909.  B.M. Newcomb said he was "of Nashville, Tenn" and that they resided in Los Angeles. I think it highly unlikely that Paul ever lived in Los Angeles. In 1910, he and Hazel lived in Kansas and Illinois. Paul died sometime between 1910 and 1915. By 1920 Hazel was separated from her second husband, Benjamin Jordan. She was living in Los Angeles County, using the name Burrell.

14 December 2009

Harry B. Houghton

Harry B. Houghton was the son of  Harry B. Houghton (b. Sep 1858) and Lottie (b. Aug 1861).  The 1900 census states he was born Aug 1879,  but I am inclined to think that this is wrong, just because there are so many other numbers that were crossed out and corrected, some by as much as 10 years. A birth date in 1879 doesn't fit with the likely date of his parents marriage, which was probably around 1882. There is a Harry B. Houghton Jr. of Ohio who appears in the census in 1910 and 1920 who would have been born around 1889.

11 December 2009

Simon and Simeon Newcomb (1660's)

Simon (BMN #4) and Simeon (BMN #3)  Newcomb were sons of Lt. Andrew Newcomb (BMN #2) and his first wife Sarah. I have run across a number of websites made by people who think that Simon and his brother Simeon are the same person. This leads to a lot of confusion, especially since Simeon's name was sometimes incorrectly written as Simon.

Looking for info on George Mosby Newcomb born Dec.1861 Virg.

He was the son of George Henry Newcomb and Molly Sled and lived in Bontetourt Co. near Troutville Vir. until immigrating to Ark. and Mo. in 1890

09 December 2009

Looking for B.M. Newcomb Book

A reader asked:

Can someone give me a source where I can purchase the Newcomb Book by B.M. Newcomb. Thank You

08 December 2009

John McAvoy (ca 1908)

John McAvoy was the son of  John Vincent McAvoy (b. 11 Jul 1878) and Marian Newcomb (b. 21 Nov 1877).  The old Newcomb books state that John was born 10 July 1910. However, he appears in the 1910 census already two years old. It was his brother Richard McAvoy who was born in 1910.

05 December 2009

Sarah Maria Lewis (b. 1802)

Sarah "Sally" Maria Lewis (b. 26 Jul 1802) married Harvey Courtland Newcomb (b. 1 Oct 1803, BMN #311).  According to the old Newcomb books, she died in 1860, but she was still alive in the 1870 census, living with the family of her daughter Margaret.

02 December 2009

Elizabeth Beman/Beaman (b. 1762)

Elizabeth "Mary" Beaman was born 22 Feb 1762.  She married Kinner Newcomb (b. 15 Jun 1777, BMN #297) in 1807.

Are her dates of birth and christening (1762) really correct? If so, it would mean she was 15 years older than her husband and that she married at age 45 and went on to have three children, the last born when she was 49. None of this is impossible, but it's statistically unlikely. This requires more research.

The old Newcomb books indicate she was the sister of N.S.B. Beaman, but a descendant of Nathan Sidney Smith Beaman reports that she was his aunt.

01 December 2009

Sarah Louisa Newcomb (b. 1856)

B.M. Newcomb wrote: She is the author of several stories, in which she shows a remarkable insight into character. She established in Honolulu, her residence for many years, a home for inebriates, which is still [1924] in successful operation. This institution is self-supporting, being run on money made by the men in the home, each one of whom is taught some agreeable occupation. These men are treated as members of one family, the motto being "All men are brethren." Mrs. Newcomb took an active part in Red Cross Work during the war, and established a Prison Unit for that society, the members of which were engaged in knitting for many months.

29 November 2009

Bertha W. Young (b. 1887)

Bertha W. Young (b. 21 Mar 1887) was the daughter of Oramill Young (b. 24 Mar 1842) and Carrie A. Newcomb (b. 30 Sep 1854).  B.M. Newcomb said she died in 1909. But in the 1900 census, her mother states that of four children, only two are living. Those two are Clarence and Carrie.

27 November 2009

Diantha St. John (ca. 1840)

Diantha St. John was the daughter of James Harvey St. John (b. 8 Aug 1811) and Priscilla Newcomb (b. 12 Jul 1814). She married George Knapp. B.M. Newcomb said she was born in 1850, but this is not correct. Her oldest child was born around 1858, and she was listed as age 30 in the 1870 census.

26 November 2009

Jonathan Newcomb (1774-1865)

J.B. Newcomb wrote: At the organization of the Union Church of Weymouth and Braintree, he became a member by letter from the Quincy church in 1811; elected deacon 1833. In almsgiving, Deacon Newcomb, in proportion to his means, abounded. He was engaged in furnishing granite for building purposes in Boston; was very successful. he gave away a great deal of money, and it seemed that "the more he gave away the more he had". From his private diary it appears that before 1832 he did not regard the amount of his donations, which were known to have been liberal; but in that year he made, as he termed it, "a solemn covenant" that from that time he would appropriate to charitable and religious objects all his net income; accordingly, as long as he was able to transact business, he fulfilled his promise, giving, within the period of 16 years, to needy individuals and various objects of religious interest, $12,467. As an example of the devout habits of his mind: as he often consulted his pastor respecting the appropriation of his funds, on one occasion he committed to him a sum of money to be transmitted to a certain society, and soon met with a serious loss by the sinking of a vessel with a valuable freight. His pastor, thinking that the event might modify his intention to give so much, called on him and suggested that it might be so. "No," replied Deacon Newcomb, "I have not changed my purpose respecting the amount to give, except that I have concluded to double it; for I had a son in that vessel whose deliverance from death was almost miraculous, and I feel bound to express in this manner my gratitude to God." He died at his home in Quincy, Sept. 28, 1865, aged nearly 91. "Venerable in his person, devout in his life, ready for every good word and work, he was for many years a pillar to the church and a light to the community around him."

23 November 2009

Wealthy J. Newcomb

Wealthy J. Newcomb (b. 2 Feb 1874) was the daughter of  Alexander Newcomb (b. 30 Apr 1849, BMN #1086) and Amelia Allen (b. 10 Jan 1851). She married Inglis Peppard in 1896.  B.M. Newcomb said she died in June 1910, but in April 1910 the census shows her husband had already been remarried a year. More likely she died in 1909 (or earlier).

20 November 2009

Sally Estella Newcomb (ca. 1858)

Sally Estella Newcomb was the daughter of  Norman Butler Newcomb (b. 16 Jul 1819, BMN #1024) and Jane Randall.  B.M. Newcomb said that she died before Nov 1862, but she was alive for the 1870 census.

17 November 2009

Lionel E. Newcomb (b. 1885)

According to B.M. Newcomb, Lionel Everett Newcomb (b. 12 sep 1885, BMN #2428) married Jessie M. Roundthwait (b. 27 Aug 1885) in 1906 and had a son named Robert Dobson Newcomb (BMN #3378), born in Yakima WA in 1907. In the 1910 census, a Lionel E. Newcomb appears in Seattle, married 4 years to an unnamed wife (born in Canada, age 24) and a son also named Lionel E., age 2, born in Washington. So far, I have been unable to find either of the two Lionels in either the 1920 or 1930 census, or anywhere else.

In the 1920 census, Lionel's brother Glee (BMN #2429) is in Los Angeles Co. with a wife named Jessie M. (born in Canada, age 34) and a son named Robert D., age 12, born in Washington. Since Glee was still single and living with his parents in 1910, it seems unlikely (although of course not impossible) that this is his natural son. This same family also appears in the 1930 census

Did Lionel die before 1920 and, if so, did Glee marry his brother's widow?

14 November 2009

Richard Newcomb (b. 1811)

Is there a mixup among two Richard Newcombs, their parents, and their wives?

According to B.M. Newcomb, Elisha Newcomb (#189, b. 1776 d. 1848) married Phebe Thayer. They had a son named Richard (#529) born in 1811. He married Jane F. Homans, daughter of Treston and Hannah, a second marriage for both. BMN does not list their children.

Also according to BMN, Elisha Newcomb (#174 b. 1774) married Phebe Atkins Newcomb (his third, her second). They had a son named Richard (#485) born 28 Jan 1811. He married, first Sarah Currier, second Martha. BMN lists five children for this Richard Newcomb.

So, we have (possibly) two Richards, both born in 1811, both with parents named Elisha and Phebe, both with more than one marriage.

Richard #529 had a brother named Sylvanus. Richard #485 had a son named Sylvanus.

In the 1850 census, Richard #485 (identified by his two surviving children living with him) is in the same household with Jane F. Homan, age 28, born in New Hampshire. Also in the household are William A. Homan, age 28, Lucy Homan age 7 and William A. Homan age 5. Richard's occupation is  fisherman. In the 1860 census, there is a Richard Newcomb, fish dealer age 48, born in Massachusetts, with Jane F. Newcomb age 37, born in New Hampshire, and William A. Homans, age 15, as well as Lemuel W. Newcomb (son of Richard #484). Is this really Richard #174, as BMN would suggest, or is it Richard #485? I tend to think that the Richard (#485) who was living in the same household with the Homans family would be the same Richard who later married Jane.

It would be easy for JBM to have confused the two Richards, since they were both born the same year and had parents with the same first names, and they all lived in Massachusetts. However, if we believe JBM was confused, we still don't know which Richard actually belongs to which parents. It's also possible there was only one Richard, accidentally attributed to two different families because of the parents' similar names. There are other Richard Newcombs with wives named Martha, but those I have identified in the census so far are not either of the Richards in question.

While BMN gives the impression that Jane's maiden name was Homans, looking at the census records makes it seem that it was her married name. On Ancestry.com, "Massachusetts Marriages 1633-1850" lists the marriage of William A. Homans to Jane J. Fall, 25 Jan 1843, Ipswich, Essex Co.

Wealthy N Newcomb 1797-1841, Ct & RI

A reader wrote:

My great grandmother was Laura Delacy Lillibridge Dingley, d/o Wealthy N Newcomb and Kenyon L Lillibridge. We have Laura's marriage certificate to William Henry Dingley 25 Apr 1853, Providence, RI. We  are unable to locate Wealthy or her parents. She is buried in the Israel Angell Cemetery, Johnston, RI  1841. Her parents are posted on the grave stone as Amos Nucumb and Delase.

With so many potential leads, and extensive research, Wealthy and her parents remain elusive. Bearse shows a Wealthy N Newcomb 1779 but married to the wrong husband (Ketchum). Any information would be so much appreciated.

Lynn

11 November 2009

Orlando S. Newcomb (b. 1830)

Orlando S. Newcomb (BMN #886) was born 20 May 1830. He married Hulda Carter (b. 29 Apr 1831).  B.M. Newcomb stated that Orlando died in 1894. However, he was still alive for the census in 1900.

08 November 2009

Norman Simeon Newcomb (b. 1836)

Norman Simeon Newcomb (BMN #2033) was born 4 Nov 1836, the son of  Hiram Newcomb (1810-1889) and Almira Baxter (1815-1890).  Was Norman's name (or middle name) really John? Or did he perhaps change it to John? Or did B.M. Newcomb have him confused with someone else? He does not apepar with his parents in the 1850 census, although there is a Norman Newcomb of the right age living with the Ladd family in Tolland CT. In the 1860, 1870 and 1880 censuses, there is a John Newcomb whose wife and children are exactly the ones BMN attributed to Norman. I have listed those census records with Norman, and have kept the wife and children with him, but I am not convinced it's the same person.

05 November 2009

Lora Newcomb (b. 1849)

Lora Newcomb (b. 24 Apr 1849) was the daughter of Silas Austin Newcomb (b. 22 Feb 1911) and Adelia Experience Osborn (b. 11 Sep 1824). She married Almon F. Hoyt, who was born around 1846 in Vermont.  B.M. Newcomb stated that because of her husband's death, Lora "lost her mind". He did not give a year for Almon's death (although he placed it in Albuquerque). In the 1900 census, in Walton Co. FL, there is a Lora N. Hoyt, born April 1848 in Michigan, parents born in New York, married for 14 years to Francis M. Hoyt, a carpenter born May 1850 in Vermont, parents born in Vermont. (In the 1910 census his name is written as Flavius Hoyt). Perhaps Lora recovered her mind and married another Hoyt.

02 November 2009

Lizzie Bell Newcomb (daughter of Richard)

Lizzie Bell Newcomb was the daughter of  Richard H. Newcomb (b. 1 May 1857, BMN #1078) and Elizabeth Burnham (b. Mar 1873).  B.M. Newcomb thought she was born in 1913, but she was five years old in the 1910 census.

01 November 2009

James Edward Newcomb (1857-1912)

Here is what B.M. Newcomb wrote:

Dr. Newcomb was educated in the public schools of New London, Conn., graduating as a valedictorian of the first class from Bulkeley High School; for a year engaged in business with his father; then entered Yale, graduating, B.A., 1880; graduated, 1883, among the first ten of a very large class, from College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York city; then for eighteen months intern at Roosevelt Hospital, NY, where he later was a member of the permanent staff - consulting laryngologist to the hospital; chief of the nose and throat clinic, physician to the training school for nurses, member of the Roosevelt Hospital Alumni Association. At the time of his death he had complete thirty years' service to the hospital. When Medical Department of Cornell University was established in 1898, Dr. Newcomb was made clinical instructor in laryngology; June 1909, assistant professor and placed at head of department of diseases of nose and throat. For many years chief of Nose and Throat Clinic, Demilt Dispensary; physician at the Home for the Indigent and Destitute Blind, New York city; at one time lecturer on materia medica, New York Veterinary College; lecturer of Society for Instruction in First Aid to the Injured; one of the Sanitary Inspectors, New York Board of Health; for several years lecturer on laryngology, Columbia College. His private practice was successful from the start, and he gradually specialized in diseases of the nose and throat. For eleven years secretary, American Laryngological Association, then president, 1911. He was also a member of N.Y. Acad. Med.; Am. Acad. Med.; N.Y. Med. Soc.; Greater N.Y. Med. Soc.; Hosp. Graduates' Club; Am. Med. Soc.; life member, New London Co. (Conn.) Hist. Soc.; trustee, Calvary Bap. Chh., New York city, for many years, also, treasurer. He was editor of the American edition of Grunswald's Atlas of Diseases of the Mouth, Pharynx and Nose; co-author with Burnett and Ingals of "Diseases of the Nose and Throat"; contributor to Wood's Reference Hand-Book of Medical Sciences and to Twentieth Century Medicine. Dr. Newcomb was also interested in the propaganda against tuberculosis and was a member of the Medical Board and one of the examining physicians for Stony Wold Sanitorium. He left one thousand dollars to Calvary Church; three hundred dollars for a foundation, income to be given as annual prize in English composition, Bulkeley School; books and pamphlets on rhinology and laryngology to Dr. Swain of New Haven; rest of medical library to New York Academy of Medicine; residue of estate to Mrs. Newcomb.

This is from <i>The American Biographical Library</i>:

Doctor James Edward Newcomb, a talented physician who stood at the head of his profession. He was valedictorian of his class at Buckley School; was graduated at Yale in 1880; and ranked among the first ten of his class at the College of Physicians and Surgeons (Columbia University), where he was graduated M.D. in 1883. Having served as intern at Roosevelt Hospital, he entered the Department of Laryngology of that institution. Later he became Laryngologist of Roosevelt Hospital; about the same time he was appointed Professor of Laryngology at the Cornell Medical College, New York City, serving in that capacity until the time of his death on August 27, 1912. For many years he was Secretary of the American Laryngological Association, and he was an active fellow of many other medical organizations, as well as of philanthropic societies. He was also prominent in the field of medical literature. As Editor of The Transactions of the American Laryngological Association, and he was an active fellow of many other medical organizations, as well as of philanthropic societies. He was also prominent in the field of medical literature.

29 October 2009

Julia Newcomb (b. 1873)

Julia Newcomb (b. Dec 1873) was the daughter of  Norman Simeon Newcomb (b. 4 Nov 1836, BMN #2033). She married Gustave Rich (b. Oct 1871).  B.M. Newcomb said she died in 1895, but she was alive for the 1900 census.

26 October 2009

Jesse Newcomb (b. 1883 or 1885)

Jesse Newcomb (b. 1 Jan 1961, MBN #1341) was the father of Jesse Earl Newcomb (BMN# 2451).  B.M. Newcomb's book states that Jesse Earl Newcomb was born in 1883 and that he was the son of Jesse Newcomb's first wife, Jennie Cady. However, census records indicate that he was born in 1885, which would make him the son of Jesse's second wife, Annie Hallam. BMN has a death date for Jennie in 1884, and a marriage date for Jesse and Anna in 1885. The length of their marriage is given as 16 years in the 1900 census, which would suggest 1884 rather than 1885. But it is given as only 20 in the 1910 census, which would make it 1890; this seems unlikely since their sons Guy and Charles were both born before 1900.

23 October 2009

Harold W. Newcomb (b. 1888)

Harold W. Newcomb was born 12 Sep 1888 and died 11 Apr 1965. He marred Erma Radunzel (b.  Dec 1891).  B.M. Newcomb stated that Harold was the son of James Newcomb (BMN #1435) and Lucy Carter. However, in the 1900 census, he is living with Lucy and is clearly listed as her stepson, not her son. Both the 1900 and the 1910 censuses list Lucy as the mother of two children (George and Percy), not three. The 1900 census lists Harold's birthdate as 1886, not 1888 (as indicated by BMN).  In 1910, George was living with Lucy and Harold was living with James. (James and Lucy were divorced. James remarried, to Alberta Kintz, in 1911).

22 October 2009

Aaron Smith Newcomb (b. 1847)

B.M. Newcomb wrote:

Mr. Newcomb was educated in the common schools of Grant Co., Wis.; graduated, 1872, from Platteville State Normal School. After teaching school at Sun Prairie, Wis., keeping a general store, Belmonst, Wis., prospecting near Georgetown, Colo. during the gold excitement of 1875-76, and selling sewing machines in western Iowan, he was ordained in 1882 as a minister, his first charge being the Congregational Church of Pattersonville (now Hull), Ia. While there he founded the Pattersonville Educational Institution, a Christian academy which had many years of successful existence, becoming unnecessary with the establishment of public high schools.

In 1885 he moved from Iowa and was pastor at Clintonville, Kaukauna, Eagle River, Windsor, Ithaca, Pine River, Green Lake, and Osseo, Wis. In 1917 he moved to California, becoming pastor at Orange. In 1910 at Wester Park, Kans., following residence at San Diego, Calif., for his wife's health. Later at Ivanhoe, near Rockefeller, Ill.; again, resided Alto Pass, Ill. All of the churches under his care grew in educational, literary and charitable movement, he persisting in his guiding motive to "make the world better for my having lived in it."

21 October 2009

Frank Newcomb (b. 1857)

Frank Newcomb (BMN #1039) was born 13 Aug 1857. He married Maragaret D. Hall (born 11 Jan 1869).  B.M. Newcomb said that Frank had conducted a vaudeville company for twenty-five years. Yet his occupation as listed in the census gives no hint of this. In 1880 he was working on his father's farm, in 1900 and 1910 he was a farmer and in 1920 a fireman, and in 1930 had no occupation.

17 October 2009

Calvin Newcomb (b. 1822)

Calvin Newcomb (b. 20 Oct 1822) was the son of Luther Newcomb (b. 13 Apr 1786, BMN #363) and Narcissa Babcock (b. 13 Oct 1786).  B.M. Newcomb said that he died unmarried. But in the 1850 census we see him at age 27, living with his mother Narcissa, age 64, and with Rebecca Jane, age 21, and Otis F. age one. In the 1860 census we find Calvin Newcomb still with Rebecca and Otis, and with four more children. It's true, the 1850 and 1860 censuses do not list family relationships, so it's possible that Calvin wasn't married to this woman and that the children weren't his. But that seems unlikely. In the 1870 and 1880 census, we see Rebecca and some of the children with her second husband, Frank Chapman.

14 October 2009

Eliza Ann Newcomb (b. 1834)

Eliza Ann Newcomb (b. 24 Feb 1834) was the daughter of Reuben Newcomb (b. Aug 1796, BMN #207) and Ann Sparks (b. Jul 1804). She married Burroughs Stackhouse (b. Dec 1832). B.M. Newcomb said she died in 1878, but she was alive for the 1880 census.

11 October 2009

Andrew Rollins Newcomb (1879-1963)

Andrew Rollins Newcomb (b. 20 Nov 1879, d. 1 Sep 1963, BMN #2539).  There is something odd here. I found listings for the Los Angeles National Cemetery and the California Department of Health for Andrew Rollins Newcomb and Ralph A. Newcomb, both born  on 20 Nov. 1879, both died on 1 Sept. 1963, both with mother's maiden name Boydston. The National Cemetery has them both buried in plot 304 8 F. B.M. Newcomb listed Andrew but did not list Ralph. It seems very unlikely to me that there were really two men. While it is not 100% impossible that twin brothers died together and were buried in the same plot, it is so extremely unlikely that I do not consider it an option. I wonder if Andrew changed his name, or if there was some other kind of name mixup that resulted in his being listed twice, under different names. This needs further research.

08 October 2009

Horatio Victor Newcomb (1844-1911)

Here is what B.M. Newcomb wrote about him:

Mr. Newcomb was a banker. He was formerly of the firm of Newcomb, Buchanan & Co. of Louisville, and was at one time president of the Louisville & Nashville R.R. He was, later, a partner of Warren Newcomb & Co., New York. In 1880 he organized the United States National Bank of New York and was for several years its president.

This biography appeared in America's Successful Men of Affairs: An Encyclopedia of Contemporaneous Biography, 1896:

HORATIO VICTOR NEWCOMB, railroad president and banker, is one of the group of vigorous spirits who have come to the metropolis from the Southern States during the last fifteen years and identified themselves prominently with financial affairs. Born in Louisville, Ky., July 26, 1844, he springs from New England ancestry, being, through the line of his father, Horatio D. Newcomb, a descendant of Hezekiah Newcomb and Jerusha Bradford, who were married Nov. 4, 1716, the latter being a daughter of Thomas Bradford and great-granddaughter of Major William Bradford, who came to America in the good ship Mayflower in 1620 and for many years ruled the Plymouth colony as its governor. Through the line of his mother, Cornelia Washington Read, Mr. Newcomb is collaterally descended from George Washington, the father of his country. The Newcomb family traces its line back through the history of America and England as far as 1189. In Kentucky, it has always belonged to the ruling class in the South, being conspicuous both in public affairs and business enterprises.

Victor received an excellent education, beginning in schools at home and continued in England and France. From his books, he brought an active mind and earnest nature into the counting room of the firm of H. D. Newcomb & Bro., commission merchants in Louisville, Ky., and, when fitted for the responsibilities of a career, became a partner in Warren, Newcomb & Co. in New York city. He proved a bright, competent and active business man, and his firm, which subsequently took the name of Newcomb, Buchanan & Co., at Louisville, enjoyed a large trade and a prosperous career while he was at the head of it.

Horatio D. Newcomb, father of the subject of this sketch, is remembered as one of the most enterprising of the residents of Louisville, being largely engaged in Southern trade, the operation of steamboats on the rivers, the management of a large possession in land and, as president of the corporation, in the direction of The Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Upon his resignation in 1880, a series of extremely complimentary resolutions were adopted by the directors of the corporation, some of whom were older railroad men than he, who attributed to his foresight, energy and progressive spirit, the great growth and prosperity of the Louisville & Nashville system. Mr. Newcomb was the youngest executive officer of a railroad during his time and bore the title of the "boy president."

"Mr. H. Victor Newcomb having, for reasons relating to his personal health, tendered his resignation as president of this Board, the Directors cannot permit the occasion to pass without an expression of regret at the loss of his Valuable services as the head of this company. The name of Mr. Newcomb is intimately associated with the origin, the subsequent growth and the rapid development of The Louisville & Nashville Railroad. His father, H. D. Newcomb, was one of its founders. From the organization of the company to the day of his death in 1874, he was continuously in its services in the capacities, successively, of director, vice-president and president.

"In 1874, upon the death of his father, H. Victor Newcomb was elected a director to succeed his father, later vice-president of the company and then president. When Dr. Standiford became president, he was an active member of the board of directors and an efficient adviser and coadjutor of the president. During the incumbency of Dr. Standiford, the services and exertions of Mr. Newcomb were invaluable to the company toward the acquisition of the additional lines of road, which have supplemented and completed the great Louisville & Nashville Railroad system. The continuation of the line by the way of Montgomery and Mobile to New Orleans and the establishment of the Southern terminal stations of the road upon the Gulf of Mexico at Mobile and upon the Mississippi levee in New Orleans, was his special project, and its successful accomplishment was substantially the result of his sagacity and energy.

"Resolved, That we accept with regret the resignation of H. Victor Newcomb as president of this Board; and upon his termination of our official relations with him, made necessary by causes beyond his or our control, we most cheerfully bear testimony to his ability and fidelity in the discharge of his laborious duties and responsibilities as chief officer of this company. To his acknowledged wisdom and foresight and to the courage of his convictions, the stockholders of the company are substantially indebted for the late valuable additions to the property of the company, resulting in the perfection of the present great railway system of The Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company; and he is entitled to and receives the hearty thanks of the stockholders and of this Board for his kindness and manly bearing toward us, his associates, officially and personally. We render to him our kindest wishes for all the future."

In 1880, Mr. Newcomb removed to New York city and organized The United States National Bank, of which the stockholders elected him president. In this institution, he was associated with Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, Morris K. Jesup, William R. Travers, Col. John J. McCook, and other well-known men. Within fourteen months from the time this bank had opened its doors, the deposits had grown to $7,000,000, an achievement the like of which had never been heard of before. He was, it is believed, the youngest bank president in the United States; and whatever may be said of the subsequent history of the institution, it is a fact that while Mr. Newcomb held the position of president, the bank never sustained a single loss.

Mr. Newcomb has been at times a large and active operator in Wall street. He began dealing in stocks before he left Louisville and became conspicuous for the brilliancy of his manoeuvres. He thought quickly, acted without hesitation, and generally succeeded in his ventures. The manner in which he developed the value of the stock of The Louisville & Nashville Railroad was the subject of much flattering comment.  As a director in The New York & West Shore Railroad at its organization, Mr. Newcomb was an active factor in the construction of that line.

Dec. 26, 1866, he was married in Louisville to Florence Ward Danforth. Two children have been born to them, Herman Danforth Newcomb, and Edith, wife of Reginald Henshaw Ward, formerly of Boston. The family dwell in a handsome house at 683 Fifth avenue and have figured prominently in the social life of the city. The introduction of their daughter Edith to society was the occasion of a brilliant function. Mr. Newcomb is a member of the Union, Tuxedo, New York Athletic, Suburban, Driving, Riding and other clubs, and an active supporter of every public spirited and philanthropic enterprise which commends itself to his judgment.

05 October 2009

Albert Newcomb (son of Samuel)

Albert Newcomb (BMN #1477) was the son of Samuel Newcomb (b. 8 Dec 1811, BMN #638) and Abigail Coolbroth. B.M. Newecomb indicated that Albert was born around 1847. However, he does not appear in the census records until 1870 at age six (and again in 1880 at age 16), which would make his birth date around 1864.

02 October 2009

Adelia Eliza Newcomb (b. 1825)

Adelia Eliza Newcomb (b. 25 Oct 1825) was the daughter of  Asahel Newcomb (b. 25 Feb 1799, BMN #873). She married Daniel Dodge (b. 15 Jul 1820).  B.M. Newcomb said that Adelia died in 1871. Yet her husband, Daniel Dodge, is listed with their children and his second wife in the 1860 and 1870 censuses. Were Adelia and Daniel divorced? Or was BMN wrong about her death date? I have not been able to find her after 1850.

01 October 2009

Mary Ann Meeting (b. 1829)

Mary Ann Meeting (b. 6 Nov 1829) married George Henry Newcomb (b. 9 Aug 1831, BMN #652).  B.M. Newcomb said she died in January 1909, but she was listed with her daughter's family in th 1910 census.

29 September 2009

Mary Ann Meeting (b. 1829)

Mary Ann Meeting (b.  6 Nov 1829) married George Henry Newcomb (b.  9 Aug 1831, BMN #652).  B.M. Newcomb said she died in January 1909, but she was listed with her daughter's family in th 1910 census.

26 September 2009

Horatio Dalton Newcomb (1809-1874)

This biography is from B.M. Newcomb's book:

At the age of twenty-one, Horatio D. Newcomb left home and went to Louisville, Ky., where he continued to reside. Was for many years a wholesale grocer, of the firm of H.D. Newcomb and Brothers. The brothers were Warren and Francis; the firm was dissolved during the war, Warren going to New York city, Francis remaining with the firm until he died. Mr. Newcomb was president of the Cannelton, Ind., cotton mills, of which he owned the largest share. His reported income, 1867, $61,316.00; also president of Western Financial Corporation, Galt House Co., Louisville and Nasvhille R.R., and director of Texas and Pacific R.R. his portrait on steel (in group of seven persons) may be found in Richard H. Collins' History of Kentucky, published in 1874.

This one is from America's Successful Men of Affairs: An Encyclopedia of Contemporaneous Biography, published in 1896:

Horatio D. Newcomb is remembered as one of the most enterprising of the residents of Louisville, being largely engaged in Southern trade, the operation of steamboats on the rivers, the management of a large possession in land and, as president of the corporation, in the direction of The Louisville & Nashville Railroad.

And this one is from Biographical Encyclopedia of Kentucky of the Dead and Living Men of the Nineteenth Century, 1878:

Newcomb, Horatio Dalton, merchant and manufacturer, son of Dalton Newcomb, a distinguished farmer of Massachusetts, was born August 10, 1809, at Bernardston, near Springfield, Massachusetts. He received a good practical education, and, after working on his father's farm for a time, he taught school in his native state, but, being dissatisfied with his prospects in that direction, took the agency for a book, and traveled through several of the states, finally locating at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1832. He engaged, for a while, as clerk in a small business house; afterwards, in various mercantile enterprises, but which he accumulated some means; entered the commission house of E.E. Webb; was soon after admitted to partnership, and began a career of remarkable mercantile success. In 1837, he went into the liquor business; and subsequently established a large grocery trade, with his brother, Warren Newcomb, under the style of H.D. Newcomb & Bro., becoming one of the largest grocery establishments in the West. In 1863, his brother retired from the business, and a few years afterwards died in New York, a millionaire. The house soon became Newcomb, Buchannan & Co., devoting themselves entirely to operations in whisky. In 1850, after the projection of the Cannelton Cotton Mills, at Cannelton, Indiana, by J.C. Ford, Hamilton Smith, and others, when the enterprise was on the eve of a failure, he came forward with a large secured capital, placing the establishment on a sure foundation, and, though his commercial interests were valuable, a great part of his fortune was made in connection with the Cannelton Mills. In 1856, in connection with his brother, Dwight Newcomb, he leased the Cannelton Coal Mines, form which he retired after several years' successful operation, In 1871, having amassed a large fortune in the legitimate channels of trade, he abandoned active commercial pursuits for his own interests, and devoted himself, with great energy, to the cause of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, and was its most influential and substantial friend. He took large stock in the road; worked hard for its success, loaning his own credit for the establishment of that of the company; for sixteen years was one of its directors; at the death of Hon. James Guthrie, in 1859, became its president; as such carried the road through its financial embarrassments; and, for some time, bore the financial burdens of the company. Mainly through his great business ability and inexhaustible resources, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad was made the most successful and powerful railroad enterprise in the South. While actively engaged in business pursuits, he never lost sight of the interests of the city. After the burning of the Galt House, through his instrumentality, chiefly, the present magnificent hotel was built. He was one of the organizers of the Louisville Board of Trade, and was its first president; erected some of the finest buildings, and was variously concerned in most movements of importance to the city of Louisville. He was a man of marked peculiarities, as well as marked talents. He was a clear-sighted financier, steady and self-confident rather than aggressive, at all times conservative and safe; was valued among his acquaintances for his liberality and kindness of disposition; his tastes were always upward, and, although not ostentatious in his patronage, he was concerned in all art and public improvements; possessed of extraordinary gifts, he had few equals in the business world, and the withdrawal of such great resources as he possessed was a loss to his adopted city. He died of apoplexy, at his house in Louisville, in 1874, and probably left behind him no enemies, for he was a man singularly without malice. Mr. Newcomb was twice married; first, in 1838, to Miss Cornelia W. Read. The only remaining child of this marriage is H. Victor Newcomb, of Louisville, Vice-President of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. In 1872, he was married to Miss Mary C. Smith, eldest daughter of John B. Smith, of Louisville, a lady who has ever been distinguished for her beauty of person, and brilliancy of mind and manners.

23 September 2009

Clara or Nina Idleman (b. 1860)

Nina/Clara Idleman (b. 28 Sep 1860) married Sidney C. Newcomb (b. 18 Apr 1853, BMN #2097).  B.M. Newcomb said that Sidney married Nina Idleman, born 28 Sep 1860 in Morrow Co. OH, daughter of Amos Hosea Idleman and Sarah Hippard. Nina and her parents are listed in the 1880 census, in Jackson OH, just a few addresses away from Sidney and his first wife. However, all census records shows Sidney's wife's name as Clara P. (In the 1880 census, Nina's middle initial is also P.) Florida records show a marriage for Nina C. Newcomb in Hillsborough County in 1927 (groom's name not found). I'm inclinded to think that Nina's middle name (or nickname) was Clara. But where did the P come from?

20 September 2009

Isabel or Elizabeth Hosford (b. 1847)

Isabel Hosford (b. 6 May 1847) married Jefferson Newcomb (b. 9 Aug 1844, BMN #1036).  B.M. Newcomb thought her name was Elizabeth, but census records indicate that it was Isabel.

19 September 2009

Harley Newcomb (1836-1913)

From the biography in B.M. Newcomb's book:

Mr. Newcomb began the study of music at the age of eight years, and had the advantage of both vocal and instrumental instruction in Germany, France and Italy. He began teaching music in 1855, moved to Boston in 1858 and to Washington DC in 1873, devoting his time to the teaching of music in each place.

He composed operas, one of the most worthy of mention being "The Recluse", which was successfully presented in New York City under his own direction. He composed operettas, dramas, librettos and many hymns, and is the author of "Gloria", a book which was used extensively in Sabbath schools.

The last nine years of his life were passed in California, near Los Gatos.

17 September 2009

Samuel Higgins (b. 27 May 1786)

Samuel Higgins married Lucy Holbrook Newcomb (b. 20 Mar 1789). She was the daughter of Lemuel Newcomb (b. 7 Apr 1757, BMN #102).  B.M. Newcomb stated that Samuel died in 1842, but went on to say that his will was dated in 1863 and probated in 1864.

16 September 2009

Ethel Newcomb (1875-1959)

She was a well-know concert pianist in Europe and the U.S. She studied with Theodor Leschetizky, and wrote a memoir of him, published in 1921, Leschetizky as I Knew Him.

From her obituary in the New York Times:

She made her debut in 1903 with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The next year, she played in London with the Queens Hall Orchestra at a concert conducted by Richard Strauss. She became known in Germany and the United States as a soloist and in ensemble, especially in Beethoven programs. Before World War I she returned from Europe and established her studio in the U.S. Students came to her from all over the world.

14 September 2009

Ruby Culver (b. 4 Nov 1789)

Ruby Culver was the wife of  Thaddeus Newcomb (b. 12 Jun 1792, BMN# 408).  B.M. Newcomb thought she died in 1862, but she was alive for the 1870 census.

13 September 2009

Bethuel Merritt Newcomb

B.M. Newcomb is well known to family historians as the author of  Andrew Newcomb and His Descendants, his revision of John Bearse Newcomb's original 1874 "Genealogical memoir".

Here is the autobiography he included in his book:

By reason of the death of his father, when Mr. Newcomb was but four years of age, he was early thrown upon his own resources; obtained his education at the public schools, with a few terms at private institutions. At the age of nineteen he passed a successful examination to teach, and taught a winter term in New Gloucester. Upon expiration of the term, he accepted a position with the firm of Woods & Conant, retail grocers, at Belfast; at the end of two years, Mr. Woods disposed of his interest in the firm and Mr. Newcomb was offered and accepted a position with William B. Swan & Co., wholesale grocers and coal and grain dealers, where he remained six years, advancing continuously to bookkeeper and collector, having full charge of the office.

In the spring of 1876 he resigned his position with the intention of going into business in a western state, but was offered a position with the firm of William Pitcher & Son, dealers in hay, grain and coal, where he remained two years.

Early in 1878, he took a course in mineralogy, metallurgy and assaying, removing to Colorado; was one of the early arrivals at Leadville, where he opened a public assay office in July; later superintended the operation and evelopment of mines near Rosita, Silver Cliff and Breckenridge; in 1884, operated a mine in Sonora, Mexico.

In 1886 he was employed by an eastern syndicate to superintend the operation of a large quicksilver mine in California. His management was so successful that, later, several other mines were purchased and placed under his charge. His improvements in mining, transportation and reduction of ores rendered the properties very remunerative to the stockholders, and he became an acknowledge authority, particularly upon the reduction of quicksilver ores, and was rated high among the successful miners of the Pacific Coast.

In 1916, after thirty years association with this syndicate, and after forty years of active mining life, he resigned and retired in order to attend to personal business matters and the completion of his Revised Edition of the Newcomb Genealogy which he began in 1912.

In the Masonic order, Mr. Newcomb was a member of Timothy Chase lodge, Belfast, Me.; Napa Chapter, R.A.M., Napa, Calif.; Napa Commandery Knights Templar; San Francisco Bodies Scottish Rite 32º, and Islam Temple A.A.O.N. Mystic Shrine; other societies, Society of Mayflower Descendants in the state of California, of which he was historian; society of Colonial Wars; Sons of the American Revolution; past president of State of Maine Assoc. in California; life member of the New England historic Genealogical Society; member of Society for the Preservation of N.E. Antiquities; California Genealogical Soc., and many years an active member of American Mining Congress.

11 September 2009

Henry Allen [Warren] (b. July 1860)

Carrie B. Young (b. 29 Jun 1874, d. 26 Feb 1914) was the daughter of  Oramill Young (1842-1909)  and Carrie A. Newcomb (b. 30 Sep 1854), and the granddaughter of Norton Newcomb (BMN #991). She married a man named Henry.  B.M. Newcomb said that Henry's surname was Warren and that he was the son of Pardon Warren and Lydia Allen. However, after examining the census records, I believe he was the son of Pardon Allen, who lived in Warren MA. His mother's name was Lydia, but I don't know her surname.

08 September 2009

Lucy A. Carter (b. 31 Aug 1861)

Lucy A. Carter was the first wife of  James Wilbur Newcomb (#1435 in B.M. Newcomb).  B.M. Newcomb thought she died in 1899. However, she appeared in the 1900 census with her three children, and in the 1910 census as a divorced woman, living with her son George and her mother, Sarah A. Carter.

Correcting the Newcomb Genealogy

J.B. Newcomb published his Newcomb genealogy in 1874, and B.M. Newcomb published his revised edition in 1923.  Their work serves as the starting point for anyone doing serious research into the Newcomb/e name. A lot has happened since then.  Genealogical research has been revolutionized by the ability to use electronic databases, to share information over the Internet, and to use specialized software to organize our information. JBN and BMN didn't have access to census records or to the thousands of other sources we now take for granted. They certainly didn't have software to assist in finding duplicate and erroneous information.  Now that we have all this information and these tools available to us, we can update, improve and correct their work.

During the years that I have been working on updating and revising the Newcomb genealogy, I've found many entries that are either obviously incorrect or that raise significant questions. Periodically, I upload my gedcom file to Rootsweb/Ancestry, and it includes my notes and corrections. However, since there are over 100,000 names currently in my database, it may not always be easy to find these important changes. So, from time to time, I will be posting some of these corrections on this website, where I hope it will be easier for other researchers to locate them.

18 August 2009

Looking for Info on Timothy Frank Newcomb

A reader wrote the following:

Timothy Frank Newcomb was Married to Eva L. They had 2 daughters, one name Nellie and one named Edith. I cannot find out any information on Timothy or Edith after 1880. I am pretty positive that I am the great grand daughter of Nellie and I know what happened to her and her and her mother Eva L. I noticed that several people have her as Died in Alameda Ca and no date. I think that is because that is the last place someone knew she went or something. Anyway, she did not die in Alameda, she and her daughter Nellie moved to New York. If anyone is interested in the rest of the story or has any information on whatever happened to Timothy Newcomb and his daughter Edith, I would really like to know.

25 July 2009

03 June 2009

Sandford Newcomb-Antlers,OK my gguncle

A reader wrote the following:

Sandford Newcomb 1853-1932, Antlers, OK is the brother of Charles Craig Newcomb 1855-1943, Spearmen, TX. I would like to contact descendants of Sandford. I am writing a family history for my grandchildren. Including the Sandford line, especially a picture my great great uncle would be wonderful. Any information on the Newcombs of Antlers, OK is appreciated.

Francis Newcomb to Arnold to John R Newcomb to Sanford and Charles.

31 March 2009

Thanks for the Information

I just wanted to post a quick note to let everyone know that I very much appreciate the information, corrections, and updates you send me. I have been involved in a number of high-priority projects lately that take considerably time, so I haven't been able to update the Newcomb data as often as I would like. But rest assured that I have all the material that has been sent to me, and the updates will get done!

11 March 2009

Can Newcomb College Be Saved?

In 1886, Josephine Louise Newcomb founded the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College at Tulane University, in memory of her daughter who had died young. Over several years she donated money to create a permanent endowment for the college. Now, 120 years later, the current president of the university has decided to dissolve the college and use the endowment for other purposes. Heirs of the original donor have filed lawsuits to stop this action.

In addition to the loss of a renowned educational institution, there are other important issues here. There is great concern among philanthropists and nonprofit organizations that people will be less inclined to fund important causes if they cannot be assured that their money will be used as agreed.

The Future of Newcomb College, Inc. (TFoNC) is a nonprofit organization, which, among other activities, raises funds to support Howard v. Tulane.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals and many other organizations support the Donor Bill of Rights to ensure that charitable contributions are handled ethically.