Captain John Newcomb
Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 May 1877, page 2
DEATH OF CAPTAIN NEWCOMB
Another old time steamboat man, will known and highly respected, has just died. Captain John M Newcomb died at his residence, corner of Ninth and Vine streets, at half past four o'clock yesterday morning. Several years ago Captain Newcomb was attacked with a stroke of paralysis and became in a short time, perfectly helpless in bodily power and motion and also speech.
At an early age, he went on the river in the engineer department and by industry and economy accumulated an interest in a steamboat. He built and commanded various fine steamers in his day, among the number being the William Noble, Great Western and Idaho. The last named and most successful was built during the war and proved a good investment, but unfortunately, the Captain invested his means made by years of hard labor in speculations and lost heavily.
Since that period his health has become somewhat impaired and a gradual but sure letting down of the system followed. the United States Snag boat S H Long operated in the interest of the Government for some two years after completion under the command of Captain Newcomb. He was a kind husband and an indulgent father. He leaves a widow and son, with numerous lesser relatives and a host of friends to mourn his loss.
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John M Newcomb was born in 1810 in Ohio and operated out of Newport for many years.