Nowells of Dewsbury

One of my other interests is Family History and I have found a link back to the Nowell Family in Dewsbury in the early 19th century. Checking out the internet, I have found details of an extensive Nowell family who were stone masons, then canal and railway contractors in the 19th century. As yet I cannot find a connection to them, although there are a lot of Biblical names such as Benjamin and Samuel in common.
I have been somewhat distracted by this contracting family who apparently were involved in all sorts of projects such as the abutments for the Gauxholme Viaduct and the piers of the Britannia Bridge. Much of this information comes from the Macclesfield Canal Society who have published an article from 1932 from the Dewsbury Reporter written by a family member. Check it out at http://adkins-family.org.uk/macclesfieldcanal/history/nowells.htm, it is a fascinating read.
I checked with various of my friends who are civil engineering historians but no one has heard of the Nowells which is surprising considering the types of important contracts they were dealing with. Back home in Dewsbury, the parish church has a number of monuments on the family tombs. Also remaining in the city is the home of the 'pater familias' , Quarry Hill House, which is now used as a convent. This is to be found in the area called Dewsbury Moor, where their original quarries were to be found. There is also a Nowell Street in the area.
The extended family continued to work in civil engineering until at least the middle of last century. Anyone know more? Or is anyone researching the name who has found Jacob Nowell, the missing one I am looking for. His son Thomas was a clothier in 1841 but I am convinced there is a link, perhaps further back with the masons.
Please help and put me out of my misery!