Obituary – The Ellis Review-Headlight June 8, 1923, p. 1

Death Claims Early Pioneer

J.S. Newcomer Who Died Last Friday An Ellis Resident Since 1878.

J.S. Newcomer, 76 years of age, an early pioneer in resident of Ellis since 1878 passed away last Friday morning at the home of his daughter, a victim of Bright's disease. Impaired health became evident about four years ago it was announced, following a lifetime career of active business which centered in and around Ellis. Despite the continual effort to restore his health from the onset, disease complication became chronic resulting in a gradual decline until he was forced into absolute retirement at which time he took up his abode with his daughter, Mrs. E.E. Kinzey.

The deceased gentleman was well known in this vicinity, especially by the older residents, as he was among the first to take up a homestead in the early days. Later by twist of circumstance he began a railroad career on the Union Pacific from which he resigned after being promoter to the capacity of engineer. He then entered into various commercial occupations among which was the management of the old Kansas house, conspicuously mentioned in early history of Ellis.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at the residence, the Rev. J.H. Jones officiating. Interment in Mt. Hope cemetery.

Obituary – The Ellis Review-Headlight June 15, 1923, p. 8

Jacob Samuel Newcomer was born in Layton, Fayette County on November 15, 1853, and died on June 1, 1923 at Ellis, Kansas, at the age of 69 years, 6 months and 16 days. In 1882 he was married to Luella Orgon to which union were born 4 children, Cecil Pearl, who died at the age of 6 years, Roy and Mrs. E.E. Kinzey of Ellis and Dewey of Omaha and one brother in Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Newcomer died in July 1912. Upon coming to Kansas Mr. Newcomer took up a homestead. Later he worked in the shops and still later was an engineer on the Union Pacific railway. The last three years had been marked by failing health and the last six weeks were spent in bed amid intense suffering.

He was a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security and also of the Order of Engineers.