E. Newcomer and Son Jewelry

Could the oldest family-owned jewelry store in the State of Indiana have started in Locke? We do know that the jewelry store started in Nappanee in 1880. The original site of the store was near the northeast corner of Main and Market Streets.

Enos Newcomer was born in 1855 and resided on a farm until 1871. He purchased his stock from Mr. Stahly for $100. Enos was married to Emma Doering from Wakarusa. At one point, Mr. Newcomer had a partnership with one of his wife's relatives. They started in 1889 as an apprentice and later as a partner. The relative went on to open his own jewelry store in Wakarusa.

Mr. Newcomer was a watchmaker and bench worker. He was also a carpenter. He helped build the original B&O Depot and the Napanee House (Nappanee’s first hotel). He thought $8 was too much to pay for a watch.