My third great grandfather

Joseph Newcomb was born on 11 September 1785, in Fairton, New Jersey. At his birth, Joseph’s father, Joseph Newcomb, was 26 and his mother, Phebe Sheppard, was 23.

Joseph had only one sibling. Mary died at 10 years old.

Joseph was born four years after the Revolutionary War ended. At the time of Joseph’s birth, Richard Henry Lee was completing his term as President of the Continental Congress. He was followed two months later by John Hancock.

Fairton

Joseph’s great grandfather, Joseph Newcomb, moved from Edgartown in Massachusetts to Fairton before 1733.

In the early 1700s, settlers moved to southern New Jersey for several reasons:

Agricultural opportunities: The fertile soil and mild climate in southern New Jersey provided ideal conditions for farming, which was the main source of livelihood for many settlers.

Access to waterways: The southern region of New Jersey was dotted with streams, rivers, and bays that provided access to markets and allowed for easy transportation of goods.

Political factors: The British Crown granted large parcels of land in southern New Jersey to influential citizens, who in turn attracted settlers to the area through land grants and other incentives.

Religious freedom: Some settlers were drawn to southern New Jersey due to its reputation as a place of religious tolerance, where Quakers and other non-conformist sects could worship freely.

Proximity to other colonies: Southern New Jersey was located near major cities such as Philadelphia and Baltimore, making it an attractive destination for those seeking trade opportunities or seeking to escape the more crowded cities.

Overall, the combination of agricultural, economic, political, and religious factors made southern New Jersey an appealing destination for settlers in the early 1700s.

Fairton is in Fairfield Township of Cumberland County in southern New Jersey. This area was occupied historically by the Lenape and Nanticoke peoples, both part of the Algonquian languages family of the Atlantic coast. Their territory was encroached on by European-American settlers from colonial times. The first industry in Fairfield was a mill, established by English settler Samuel Fithian. He owned part of the Grist Mill on Forke Creek before 1702. In the 1810s, a pork and beef business was the principal industry in this area. In the center of town was a busy public wharf, from which were shipped vegetables, fish and lumber to large city markets.

Along with agriculture and glassware, Cumberland County is also known for its maritime industries. Cumberland County’s main maritime export was oysters until the 1950s when disease destroyed the oyster population. With the oyster industry came shipbuilding in 1780.

Joseph’s mother died in 1794 at the age of 32. His only sibling, Mary, died in 1801 at the age of 10. Joseph’s father died in 1803 when Joseph was 18. Thomas Harris Ogden was appointed his guardian until Joseph became 21. In his will, Joseph Sr bequeathed Joseph his 140-acre plantation at Sayres Neck and stated that Joseph would receive the residue of his estate when he turned 21.

Marriage

Joseph married Jane Dubois, a descendant of French Huguenots, in Pittsgrove, New Jersey, on 13 March 1807, when he was 21 years old and Thomas Jefferson was President.

Jane was the daughter of Barent DuBois (b. 1760) and Ruth Diament (b. 1755). The DuBois family moved from Ulster New York to Salem, New Jersey before 1719. Jane was born in Pittsgrove Township, which is in the neighbouring Salem County.

Their first son, Joseph, was born on 16 February 1808, in Fairton.

In 1812, Joseph and Jane deeded Charles Howell, Ephraim Nixon and Ephraim Lummis, Jr., Trustees for Harmony, “School House in Sayers Neck.” Charles Howell is Jane’s brother-in-law, the husband of her older sister, Leah.

On 12 June 1817, Joseph deeded to Joseph Miller, Jr., of Fairfield, 20 acres in Fairfield Twp. Cumberland Co. Records (Vol. C. 89). On 13 August 1817, he signed a declaration stating that “Know all men that I Joseph (6) Newcomb of Fairfield in Co. of Cumberland, N. J. being about to remove to Western Country do appoint John Howell of Twp. & Co. aforesaid my attorney to make title & convey lands of which I am seized.”

Move to Ohio

In the late summer and autumn of 1817 while James Madison was President, Joseph and Jane, along with their four children (Joseph, Ruth, Nathaniel and Sarah), moved to Ohio to pursue farming. Jane’s siblings, Leah and David, remained in New Jersey. Records suggest that Jane’s brother, Charles, might have also moved to Ohio. Charles seems to appear on the family’s 1820 census. It would make sense for Charles to join and assist the young family as they made the arduous journey. It doesn’t appear that any other of the Newcomb or DuBois (except possibly for Charles) family joined them on their journey to Ohio.

Following the Revolutionary War, for the next 25 years, Ohio became the primary destination of westward bound pioneers because of the fertile farmland in the Ohio River Valley. Some families stayed for the remainder of their lives. Others simply passed through on their way west.

Ohio was settled primarily by those claiming military land bounties or by purchasing small acreages from land speculators. Rufas Putnam’s “New Ohio Land Company” alone used 142,9000 military bounty warrants in exchange for land. The bounty land certificates issued to Revolutionary soldiers were originally valued at $1.25 an acre, but Putnam purchased these certificates for a fraction of their cost from veterans who chose not to uproot their families. Initially the government would sell land only in 640-acre sections, which at $2.00 per acre, were too large and costly for most families to purchase. In 1820, prices and farm sizes were reduced until eighty acres could be purchased at $1.25 per acre.[4]

In the early 1800s, settlers traveled to Ohio primarily by covered wagons on the National Road or by boat along the Ohio River. The National Road was a major transportation route that connected the Eastern United States to the Midwest, making it easier for settlers to travel westward. The Ohio River also provided a water route for settlers, who could travel by flatboat or steamboat. Some settlers also walked or rode on horseback to reach their destination.

The National Road of the 1800s reached from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois. It was the first major improved highway in the United States, constructed between 1811 and 1837, and was seen as a major accomplishment of transportation infrastructure in the early 19th century. The National Road made travel and transportation easier and more efficient, helping to open up the western frontier and enabling westward expansion. It provided a crucial route for settlers traveling to the Midwest and beyond.

By 1817 when the Newcomb family travelled the National Road had been complete up to Wheeling, West Virginia.[5]

Traveling by covered wagon along the National Road would have been the most common mode of transportation at the time. The journey would have been slow and difficult, as the road was often rough and steep, and the settlers would have had to deal with unpredictable weather conditions, as well as potential hazards like rivers, forests, and hostile wildlife. The journey could also have been delayed by problems with the wagon or horses, or by illness or injury.

Traveling by boat along the Ohio River would have been faster, but still far from a quick trip. The journey would have taken several weeks and would have been subject to the whims of the river, including low water levels, high water levels, rapids, and other obstacles.

Regardless of the mode of transportation, the journey from New Jersey to Ohio in 1817 would have been a significant undertaking, and settlers would have needed to be well-prepared for the challenges they would face along the way.

In 1810, settlers traveling from Cincinnati to Urbana, Ohio would have used a combination of land and water transportation methods. The journey would have involved several stages and could have taken several days to complete, depending on the weather and road conditions.

From Cincinnati, the settlers would have taken a boat down the Ohio River to the mouth of the Miami. Then navigated upstream on the Miami to the town of Piqua, which was located approximately 30 miles north of Urbana. From Piqua, the settlers would have continued on foot or horseback, following a network of trails and roads through the heavily forested region. This could have taken several days, as the roads were often rough and poorly maintained, and travel could be slow and difficult, especially during inclement weather.

Once the settlers arrived in Urbana, they would have found a growing and thriving community, with a mix of pioneer farmers, tradespeople, and merchants. Urbana was a hub of economic activity, and offered opportunities for settlers to build new homes, establish businesses, and contribute to the growth and development of the region.

Overall, the journey from Cincinnati to Urbana in 1817 would have been a challenging and sometimes hazardous undertaking, but it would have also been an exciting and rewarding experience for those who were seeking a new start and the chance to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Joseph continued selling off his land in New Jersey after he arrived in Ohio. On 28 Feb. 1818, his attorney John Howell of Fairfield Twp. attorney sold one acre of land to Lavicy Gandy lot in Fairfield Twp. which Joseph had bought from Silas Smith on 25 Jan. 1813.

Farming

In the early 1800s, agriculture was the main industry in Champaign County, Ohio, as well as the rest of the state. The fertile soils of the area made it ideal for agriculture, and farmers grew a variety of crops to feed themselves and the growing population of the region.

Some of the main agricultural crops grown in Champaign County in the early 1800s would have included:

• Corn: Corn was a staple crop in the region and was used for both food and feed.
• Wheat: Wheat was milled into flour to make bread and other baked goods.
• Oats: Oats were grown for animal feed and were also used to make porridge.
• Hay: Hay was an important crop in the area, as it was used to feed the many livestock that were raised on the farms.
• Tobacco: Tobacco was also grown in the area, and was a valuable cash crop for farmers.

These crops would have been grown using traditional methods, such as hand-plowing and hand-planting, and would have been harvested using hand tools and animal-drawn equipment.

Raising a family

Leah was born in 1819 – the first child to be born in Ohio. Her birthplace is unknown although some family trees place it in Yellow Springs, Clark County.

In 1820, the family of eight is living in Johnson Township of Champaign County, Ohio. One boy aged 16-25 is listed on the census. This could be Charles DuBois. [Males – 1 (<10) Nathaniel, 1 (10-15) Joseph, 1 (16-25) This could be a farm helper or nephew, 1 (26-44) Joseph; Females 3 (<10) Ruth, Sarah and Leah, 1 (26-44) Jane.] Peter Halterman is a neighbour.

Sheppard was born in 1822 and Howell in 1825.

Although the family is listed as living in Johnson Township in 1820 and Adams Township in 1830 it does not necessarily mean that the re-located. Johnson Township was subdivided to form Champaign. The 1820 census does not show a village or post office.

Johnson Township was named for Major Silas Johnson (Johnston) (my fourth great grandfather), who was a Revolutionary War veteran and the first white person to settle in the area in 1802.

It is unclear where the family lived from their departure from New Jersey in 1817 until 1823. There have been mentions of them in Clark County but we know by 1820 they are in Champaign. It is possible they rented in Carysville and worked as laborers … until the bought the family farm in 1823.

In 1823 (recorded on 24 October 1824 or 8 Aug 1824 Joseph paid $150 to purchase SE1/4 S18 T3 R12 of Adams Township from Jacob and Sarah Morgan. Morgan purchased the land from the government on 5 Dec 1823 and it measured 156.5 acres. A normal quarter section equals 160 acres. (See https://web.gccaz.edu/~lynrw95071/Township%20Range%20Explanation.html for explanation of townships) (Also see https://www.acrevalue.com/plat-map/OH/Champaign/?lat=40.216195&lng=-83.946959&zoom=14)

All that certain tract or parcel of land, beginning the south east quarter of Section Eighteen of Township Three and Range 12 between the Miami Rivers.  Containing one hundred and fifty six acres and fifty hundredths of an acre Which I the Sd Jacob Morgan assigned to Samuel Snodgrass hold by virtue of a patent obtained from the General Land Office at the city of Washington bearing date the fifth day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
Recorded in Volume 44 Page 310 and all the estate right title interest claim and demand of the said Jacob Morgan assignee to Samuel Snodgrass of in and to the said premises hereby.

Adams township is named after John Quincy Adams, lies in the northwest corner of Champaign County.

When Champaign County was organised, Adams township was embraced in what is now known as Johnson Township. In 1826 or 1827, the township was divided, that portion described as Township 3 and Range 13 being called Adams. In 1811, first settler, Asahel Wilkinson, a Virginian, settled in the township on Section 14.

In 1830, the family of eight lived in Adams Township of Champaign County. The family included Joseph, Jane, Joseph, Nathaniel, Sheppard, Howell, Sarah and Leah.

On 4 May 1832, Joseph sold 25 acres of OH-SE1/4 S18T3R12 to brother-in-law Charles DuBois.

On 4 April 1837, Joseph sold 25 acres of OH-SE1/4 S18T3R12 to his son Joseph.

In 1840 the family of five lived in Adams Township: Joseph, Jane, Sheppard, Howell and Leah.

In 1844, Nathaniel passed away at the age of 29, leaving behind four children. [Research note: How did he die? Accident? Only record of Nathaniel on newspapers.com is reference to selling his property after his death]

In 1850, Joseph and Jane continued farming in Adams Township. A 12-year-old named Elizabeth Merian, born in Ohio, lived with them. Sheppard and Howell managed the adjoining farms. Most probably, Joseph divided up the farm amongst the boys. The farm was most likely a few miles east of Rosewood in Section 18 of Adams Township.

Jane passed away on 28 March 1856, in Ohio at the age of 67. Joseph and Jane had been married 49 years.

An 1858 cadaster map of Champaign County shows that Joseph passed his property to Sheppard before his death. Sheppard owns the original 106 acres (160 minus 50 that was sold) in the SE corner of Section 18. Howell owns an adjoining 80 acres and the widow of Nathaniel owns 40 to the south.

In 1860, Joseph lived with Sheppard and his family on Sheppard’s property in Section 18.

Civil War

Abraham Lincoln became President and the country plunged into the Civil War. It doesn’t appear that any of Joseph’s sons served. Howell and Sheppard registered for the draft in 1863 but there is no sign they were called up. Most probably as they were 38 and 41 at the time. His grandson, Henry J. Newcomb, served in the Indiana 100th Infantry.

Final Years

Joseph’s eldest son, Joseph, died in Indiana in 1863 at the age of 55.

Joseph died on 3 February 1867, in Rosewood, Ohio, when he was 81 years old and Andrew Johnson was President – the 17^th President to take office during Joseph’s life.

He was buried in the Halterman Cemetery which is just a mile or so north of the Newcomb homestead. His wife, Jane, and son, Nathaniel, were already buried there when Joseph was laid to rest.

Legacy

Shortly after Joseph’s death, his son Sheppard sold his shares of the family farm and moved to California and then Oregon. Howell remained on the family farm his entire life. On his death, Howell would have probably divided the farm between his two daughters. Flora remained in Rosewood while Victoria moved away. In a 1894 map the two properties are owned by V.M and L. Bailar.

Joseph’s family Bible, printed 1816, in which he recorded his own and his wife’s birth dates and marriage dates, with birth and death dates of his children was passed down to his grandson Talmon Newcomb of Camas, Wash. The inscriptions indicated that Joseph was a man of education and strong character. The latest record in the handwriting of Joseph is the birth of his son Howell, 6 Oct. 1825. After this date the family record was continued by his son Sheppard, who failed to record his father’s death.