Bryant B. Newcomb

Bryant Baxter Newcomb (August 23, 1867 – February 1, 1945) was an American Republican Party politician, who served as Mayor of Long Branch, New Jersey and on the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Biography

Born in Vineland, Cumberland County, Bryant B. Newcomb came as a child to Long Branch, where he made his home for the rest of his life. He worked as a bookkeeper prior to working at the F. M. Taylor Publishing Co. (Later the Monmouth County Publishing Co.), publishers of the Long Branch Record.

Newcomb was a firefighter with the Atlantic and Independent Fire Companies of the Long Branch Fire Department. He served as Long Branch City Clerk before being elected to the City Commission, where he was chosen to serve as Mayor for the years 1912 through 1916.^[1]

Newcomb was elected to the Board of Chosen Freeholders in the 1918 general election, and served six three year terms. He served as Director of the Board from 1921 through 1933.^[2]

Bryant B. Newcomb's tenure on the Board of Freeholders coincided with the increased use of the automobile during the 1920s, and millions of dollars were invested in the county's infrastructure during this time. Many miles of concrete roads and new bridges were constructed.

In 1933, Newcomb and his running mate, Arthur Johnson, were defeated by Democrats Arthur Pryor and Henry W. Herbert.

After leaving the board, Newcomb retired from politics, remaining in the newspaper business. On February 1, 1945 he died from injuries sustained from being struck by a taxicab.^[3]

See also

• List of Monmouth County Freeholder Directors

Notes and references