Jacob Newcomer - A Horrible Disease

 

Jacob Newcomer at age 67, Monroe, Michigan.

Photo taken Oct. 16, 1899.

I came across the death certificate for my great-great grandfather, Jacob Newcomer.  it really told a sad tale of a man who suffered greatly from gastric carcinoma, stomach cancer. His doctor treated him before the days of any real advanced treatments for cancer. He was under care from September 6, 1920 until April 13, 1921, a long time of suffering. 

The Monroe Evening News reported on Tuesday, March 22, 1921:

"CONFINED TO HIS BED.

Jacob Newcomer, at Ida, who has been very ill for several weeks, is very week and confined to his bed.

He is the last charted member of the Evangelical church and has been a good supporter. Last year he gave a very generous gift of $250 for missions and benevolence.

He is being remembered by his many friends. His daughter, Mrs. Geo. Doty, is constantly by his side."

He was widowed by this time, so he was attended by my great-grandmother, Alice Newcomer Doty. The cause of death was starvation and exhaustion, difficult for the caregiver to witness, as well. He died at the age of 87 years, 7 months, 21 days, a farmer.

Jacob Newcomer on far right.
"

"JACOB NEWCOMER DIED YESTERDAY

Jacob Newcomer, a pioneer resident of this county and father of L. (Lewis) W. Newcomer of the Monroe Binder Board company, died at the home of a granddaughter at Azaila, Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Newcomer was 87 years of age, and lived in Monroe County for many years.

The funeral will be held at Azalia Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock, and at the Evangelical church, Monroe, at 2:30 o'clock. Burial will be made in Woodland Cemetery."

(The Monroe Evening News, Monroe, Michigan, Thursday, April 4, 1921.)