[2] While a student at Ogdensburg Free Academy in New York, he dropped out of school at age 16 to learn the architecture business from his father.

[3] During 1901, he is credited with designing the following Honolulu structures:[4] The architectural partnership received favorable coverage in the media.

[5] Newcomb gave a presentation at the Honolulu YWCA, drawing a correlation between a culture's headwear and its architecture.

[7] He returned with his sister Sarah Newcomb, and gave a lengthy interview about the United States interest in Hawaii.

[8] A local civic club held its meeting in Newcomb's home in 1904, listening to a presentation of his vision for beautification and improvement of Honolulu.

[11] Newcomb was selected, along with Edward Lippincott Tilton, to design the Carpenter Memorial Library in Manchester, New Hampshire.