Oxfordshire England

Descendants of Nathaniel Newcomb of Norton, MA

nath newcomb

Nathaniel Newcomb, born April 12, 1797, in Norton, MA, dedicated his life to the cotton manufacturing industry from 1814 until 1861, achieving success through diligence and integrity. Descended from the early settler Francis Newcomb, Nathaniel learned the trade under his brother-in-law and later established his own successful thread and wadding business. He married Betsey Lincoln in 1823 and had two daughters. Known for his sound judgment and community contributions, Nathaniel left a lasting legacy, including a memorial town hall, before passing on November 18, 1876.

Biography of Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith, born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1823, emigrated to the U.S. in 1830, eventually settling in Indiana. In 1847, he journeyed westward as a teamster, facing numerous challenges typical of pioneer life. He settled in the Willamette Valley, engaging in various labor, including rail-splitting, before establishing a ferry near Winchester. Smith became a prominent local figure, serving as a county commissioner and later as county judge. His marriage to Arethusa E. Lynn produced twelve children, contributing to his legacy in Douglas County.