Eddy Newcomb died at his home in Acme Township last evening at 5:30. Mr. Newcomb was one of the early pioneers of this part of the state, (Northern Michigan), having been a resident for more than forty-five years. Mr. Newcomb was born in New Brunswick, Feb. 14, 1822. When twelve years of age he moved with his parents to Harwich, Canada, and when 16 years of age served in the "Patriot" war. At 17 he went to learn the millwright trade and helped build a number of mills in Canada. He was married March 16, 1852, to Elizabeth Burgess of Canada, who died last Friday. In 1854 Mr. Newcomb built a mill for himself, running it about two years when in 1858 he moved to Port Huron.

In September, 1860, Mr. Newcomb came to Grand Traverse and went into the milling business with C.T. Scofield at East Bay. In 1861 he built the Norris Grist Mill on the west side of the bay (Grand Traverse Bay) and in 1862 he repaired the Hoxie Mill and put in the grist mill on East bay. In the spring of 1863 Mr. Newcomb bought 122 acres, afterward buying forty acres more, making the homestead in Acme Township which he occupied until his death.

A few years ago, the handsome house, fine barns, and other buildings were built, making it one of the finest farms in the Grand Traverse region. Like all other farms in Grand Traverse County, when Mr. Newcomb bought this it was in timber, and for many years pioneer work was done in clearing the place and put it in cultivation.

Mr. Newcomb can truly be called a typical pioneer of Northern Michigan. Of genial temperament and kindly disposition, Mr. Newcomb found much in life worth living for and he, with his companion of more than fifty years, lived a happy, contented and prosperous life in the home they had made. Honored and respected by all Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb have both, in the few days past, passed from this life, leaving many happy memories to a wide circle of friends.

The children remaining are: Mrs. Sarah VandeVenter, East Jordan; Andrew and David Newcomb, Acme; John Newcomb of East Bay and H.C. Newcomb of Yuba.

The services will be held at the M.E. Church at Yuba on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. The Revs. Risley, Wood and J. J. McLaughlin of Elk Rapids will officiate.

Thomas H. Semelbauer/ Kalamazoo, Michigan/February 14, 1999/ tsemelbaue@aol.com
Mother was Thelma (Newcomb) Semelbauer (*1908)
Grandfather was: Andrew Newcomb (*1858)
Great Grandfather was: Eddy E. Newcomb (*1822)

converted to html, Ken Newcombe February 14, 1999