MARTHA married NOBLE JOHN. JOHN was born in 1792 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England; died on 31 Aug 1878. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Ann lived at Janesville Road in Dover, Wisconsin. Ann was the only daughter of John Noble and Martha Dyson to live to adulthood and have children. Ann emigrated to USA when she was 25 years old. She lived in the Noble home until she married Peter Hankinson who was also from England. Peter was a widower with two grown daughters. He was a cabinet maker and stair building in the days when winding stars in the more expensive homes were built by hand. After Peter's death, she lived with her brother Lewis the last 7 years of her life. Ann's favorite expressions was, "I can do a bit."

Ann Noble, oldest child of John and Martha Dyson Noble, was born in England in 1816 and came to America with the Noble family at the age of 25. She married Peter Hankinson, and they lived on the Janesville road in the town of Dover. Two children were born: Martha, born in England, and who married James Sutliffe, and after his death married Simeon Whitely. Robert, who married Louise Hook. Martha Sutliffe had one son, James, jr., who married and had six sons. Martha Whiteley had three boys: Walter, Frank and Simeon and three daughters, Annie, Ella and Mary. Simeon lived in California and Mary in Washington.

Robert Hankinson had one son, Ray, in Washington, D. C., and one daughter, Hazel, in Detroit, Michigan.

Besides these eight grandchildren, there were great grand children and great, great grand children raising the total of her descendants to 82.

Ann Noble Hankinson lived in the home of her borther, Lewis, the last seven years of her life and served her many relatives by mending for them. Her favorite expression being "I can do a bit." She died April 26, 1890, at the age of 74 years.

From "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy"

ANN married HANKINSON PETER. PETER was born in 1811; died in 1883 in Wisconsin. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

James, the oldest son of Martha and John Noble was born in 1817 and died at Burlington, Wisconsin, in 1898. He married Zilpha Ferth, and they came to America with a baby son, John William in 1842. Zilpha died at the home farm in 1887 at the age of 68. They settled on what is now the Frank Squire farm. This farm has been owned and occupied by some member of the James Noble family ever since. Earl and Everett Squire being the sixth generation of the family.

To James and Zilpha, nine children were born. John William married Louisa Sheard. Thomas Allen, who married Olive Frost, Martha Ann who married Joseph Squire, Charles Frederick who married Susan Bell (and later Ida V.). Mary who died in infancy. Mary Jane, Ella Elizabeth, Anna who married John Bickford and Alice who married Frank Nealy. The James Noble family have the distinction of being the only branch of the family to have six generations to bear the Noble name in this country. Names, John, James, John William, Archie, Willard and his sons, Richard and Willard.

From "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy"

JAMES married FERTH ZYLPHIA in England. ZYLPHIA died in 1887. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Joseph's occupation was Methodist minister. He lived at Patterson, New Jersey. Joseph was the family poet and authored the following poem: Oh let us be Noble; not only in name, But in words and in thoughts and in action the same, And in all that is Noble, let us ever strive hard, And in Heaven reap a Noble reward.

Joseph, second son of John and Martha Noble, was born in 1819. He was converted at the age of 17. He was a member of the New Connection Methodist Church. His first winter in Wisconsin, 1842-43, he preached the first sermon at the English Settlement at the home of James Tinekr. He later moved to Burlington and finally to Petterson, New Jersey, where he and his wife made their home. He was a weaver fo fine silk. One son was born to them, Lewis, who died in his boyhood and one daughter, Etta, (Mrs. Hays), who had a daughter and sons, but no further record has been found of his descendants.

I his later life, he became interested in the Spiritualist religion. His brother, Dyson, died at his home in New Jersey and had never married.

Joseph frequently visited his brothers in Wisconsin and in 1893, he with his five remaining brothers had a group picture taken. they were all white haired men, Lewis being the youngest at the age of 62.

Joseph was the poet of the family, writing poetry for amny occasions. He gave the following helpful lines to his brothers and descendants:

"Oh let us be Noble, not only in name,
But in words and in thoughts and in action the same
And in all that is Noble, let us ever strive hard
And in heaven reap a Noble reward."

From "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy"

POEMS WRITTEN BY JOSEPH NOBLE

The following two poems were written by Joseph Noble, the son of John Noble. Joseph lived in Patterson, New Jersey.

The first poem was written for a friend residing in Clifton, England, and has references to the scenes and incidents of his early life.

MY NATIVE HOME by Joseph Noble

Forty-eight years ago, or mroe,
I left old England's briny shore,
And came to this far western land.

The keen regret I did imbibe,
To you I cannot now describe,
What I felt no tongue can tell,
When bidding living friends farewell.

I always love my native home,
And with regret I here did come,
But circumstances seemed to say
'Twas best for me to come away.

So here I came in search of health,
In search of fortune and of wealth;
An oh! What changes I have seen,
While in this foreign land I've Been.

Though I have lived here forty years,
'Midst shade and sunshine, storms and tears,
Though my adopted home I bless,
I love old England none the less.

I've traveled for away down east,
I've traveled far away out west,
Where'er I go, where'er I roam,
I never find a place like home.

My native home! Oh yes, 'Tis sweet
To think of that dear, sacred spot
Where I first breathed the vital air-
Where I enjoyed a mother's care.

I love the hawthorne and holly bough
From which we made our knurs, you know;
The wild brier, with its rose so sweet,
And those grand violets at their feet.

I love the skylark's thrilling notes,
As proudly in the air it floats,
The cuckoo, too, I loved to hear,
Reminding me that spring was near.

And I love those games and sports,
Those gala days and grand resorts,
With football, cricket, knurr and spell,
With shuttlecock, and kites as well.

And those excursions cheap, which rn
To London, York, and the Isie of Man,
To Harrogate, Hull, and Scarbro', too,
As at lightning speed on the rail we flew.

O what fond memories cluster round
Those bygone days, wherein I found
Those lovely scenes I can't forget
Those joys and sports I'd relish yet.

Although my memory has grown poor,
Alathough death is nearly at my door,
And old and feeble though I be-
These things all seem still fresh to me.

Tho' seven times I've crossed the sea,
Yet once again I'd like to be
Landed on that briny shore,
And see my native home once more.

But now I fear this cannot be,
For I am old and grey, you see;
I must forego that boon so dear,
And tarry, whilst I live, just here.

But soon I'll drop this mortal clay,
And rise to that eternal day,
And when in spirit life I reign,
I'll see my native home again.

I'll take my bearings from the sky,
And then, as quick as thought, I'll fly
On wings of love until I come
To that sweet place-my native home.

I'll visit first that humble cot,
Where nature first did cast my lot;
Where I first saw the light of day,
And started on life's thorny way.

Around that garden then I'll go,
Where I did cultivate and grow
Those flowers so grand, that fruit so sweet,
The flowers to view, the fruit to eat.

I'll visit then my childhood's scenes,
Which now to me look just like dreams,
Those places, when on pleasures bent,
In which my youthful days were spent.

I'll tread those fields, those lanes, that road
Where I, and my intended trod;
Where I, with her so bright and fair,
Built many castles in the air.

I'll see that church, which once we went,
With loving hearts and good intent,
To get that man with silvery tones
To tie the knot-'twas Parson Jones.

Those sacred places then I'll reach
Where I the word did use to preach,
Where many a happy day I've spent
In labours that were then well meant.

With my dear wife adn children then
I'll run o'er field and glade and glen;
I'll mount those rocks, I'll ford these rills,
I'll climb those grand old Yorkshire hills.

With nought to stay our progress there,
We'll run and ramble everywhere;
With pleasure we will often roam
Around that sweet, that native home.


The following untitled poem was composed and read by Joseph at the Noble Reunion and picnic held in the English Settlement on September 23, 1893.

UNTITLED by Joseph Noble

Dear brothers so loving, so faithful and true,
It gives me great pleasure to meet with you;
As well as those nephews, nieces and friends
With whom my feelings and sympathy blends.

Fifty-one years ago, or a little more,
You arrived on Wisconsin's lake bound shore,
You have pitched your tent, you here took your stand
On which was then this far western land.

With father and mother, Henrietta and Ann,
With Allen and Dyson you here began
To start a new life and build up a home
And citizens of this new country become.

Your prospects in life you then thought were bright
And so you prepared life's battle to fight.
That life has been checkered again and again
With sunshine and shade and pleasure and pain.

Dear Henrietta was first to be taken away
In the bloom of her youth, so cheerful and gay,
And then poor Dyson sickened and died,
Far away down east, close by my side.

And then dear father the summons obeyed
And in the quiet grave his body was laid.
And soon after that dear mother was called
To join the glad throng in the heavenly fold.

Eighteen years ago the rest of me met
On that old homestead that stands there yet
With sister, seven brothers and nephews and nieces;
All happy and pleasant with sweet smiling faces.

But very soon after poor Allen passed on,
And today we find sister Ann, too, has gone.
The youngest and oldest have reached that blest shore
Where those I have mentioned had passed on before.

Thus six have passed on and six are left here.
At this Noble picnic now we appear;
There's James and there's John, Simeon and John,
With Henry and Lewis following on.

Tough, old and feeble, we are here today;
Though careworn and tired, wrinkled and gray,
With the turmoils and troubles, disappointments and tears
That we have experienced the last fifty years.

In a few years more we shall all be gone,
One after another we shall soon pass on.
But O! What a host of nephews and nieces
Stand ready and willing to step in our places.

To give you their names it was my intention,
But I find them far too numerous to mention.
The young and the old, the large and the small,
It would take me all day to go through them all.

There's fifty-nine nephews and sixty-two nieces.
Which shows how this Noble family increases.
They have increased and scattered in rapid motion,
Until they now reach from ocean to ocean.

Away down east on the Atlantic coast
There are four of whom I am proud to boasst,
And away out west on the Pacific slope
There is one who is making his fortune I hope.

And between those seas they are sandwiched in,
So numerous I hardly know where to begin.
To give you their residence, their location relate,
For I find them in almost every state.

Some you find way off in Minnesota
And some you find in the state of Dakota.
In Iowa and Kansas the Noble's appear,
And both are well represented here.

And still I find there are a few more,
Far over the lake on the Michigan shore,
And as for Wisconsin, my how rank they appear,
If you don't believe it, just look around here.

O! What sweet memories will cluster around
The pleasures and greetings which among you I've found,
From the odlest and youngest all through the line;
To make me so welcome you have seemed to combine.

It's been Uncle Joe her, and Uncle Joe there,
It' been Uncle Joe, Uncle Joe everywhere;
I am greeted with this wherever I go
Even that little babe says how do you do, Uncle Joe?

Dear brothers, dear nephews and nieces too,
I thank you sincerely, I thank you all through;
Through all coming years, wherever I be
I shall never forget your kindness to me.

But soon we must part perhaps never to meet,
Again in this life each other to greet.
But let us all meet on that evergreen shore,
Where parting will never be known any more.

JOSEPH married UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Simeon lived at a farm, a portion the land owned at present (July 1996) by Alvin, and Walter Noble. Subsequently at a hosue in Rochester, Wisconsin.

Simeon emigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 19 years old.

Simeon and Ellen celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1894 with nearly 100 guests present including five of the Noble brothers. Joseph who lived in New Jersey was unable to attend but sent a peom which was read as a greeting. There was a program of singing, recitations, and speeches after which they were presented with a "purse of gold" to which all the guests had contributed. The presentation was made by Fred Noble of Manistee, Michigan. Among the gifts received was a gold lined sugar spoon from C. Tinker of Chicago, a tidy from Mrs. Reeves of Iowa, and a photgraph holder from Mrs. DeMoulpied of Mount Pleasant, Michigan.


Simeon Noble was born in England, June 11, 1821, and came to Wisconsin in 1842 with the girl who was to become his wife, Ellen Cocroft. She was born on February 6, 1829.

Simeon and Ellen were married on September 22, 1844, by Elder Adams, a Methodist minister. The ceremony was performed in a log house situated one mile west of the Yorkville church. They lived on a farm which was part of what is now the Leslie Noble farm. After leaving the farm, they bought a home in Rochester in 1872 where they spent the rest of their life. They had five children: Edwin, George, Etta, Eliza and Hannah. There were ten grandchildren, 15 great grand children, and 16 great great grandchildren. Etta married Robert Burns, Edwin married Mary DeMoulpied, George married Harriett Stenhouse, Eliza married Allen Gooder and Hannah married George Hardie.

Edwin Noble was a member of Company D 39th Infantry in 1864, and was a member of Company C 48ty infantry during the Civil War.

Mrs. Allen Gooder lived with her son, Elbert, in Seattle, Washington.

Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Noble celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in September, 1894. At this celebration, nearly one hundred invited guests were present while a large number of distant friends sent their regrets for not being able to attend. Five of the Noble brothers were present. Joseph Noble, who lived in New Jersey and was unable to come, sent a poem which was read as a greeting. They had a program of singing, recitations and speeches after which they were presented with a purse of gold to which all the guests had contributed. The presentationwas made by Fred Noble of Manistee, Michigan, in an able manner. Among the other gifts received was a goldlined sugar spoon from C. Tinker of Chicago, a tidy from Mrs. Reeves of Iowa and a photograph holder from Mrs. DeMoulpied of Mt. Pleasant.

Simeon Noble ided in 1897, and his wife, Ellen, died in 1896. They were both buried in the English Settlement Cemetery.

From "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy"

SIMEON married COCKROFT ELLEN on 22 Sep 1844 in Log house at Waite Corners, Racine County, Wisconsin. ELLEN (daughter of COCKROFT JOSEPH and UNKNOWN HANNAH) was born on 6 Feb 1829; died on 23 Dec 1896. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

John lived at a farm near English Settlement, Racine County, Wisconsin.
John and Mary had no children.

John Noble, son of John adn Martha Noble, was born in the parish of Halifzx near Rastrick, Yorkshire, England on February 22, 1823. He moved to New York with his parents, brothers and sisters in September, 1841. they remained there until spring and came to Wisconsin in May, 1842. They lived one mile northwest of Waterford until November when they moved to what is now known as English Settlement, where John Noble resided on a farmuntil hsi death in 1909, with the exception of one year wen he visited his native land.

He was married to Sarah Bancroft in 1844 and to that union seven chldren were born: Joseph, James, Fred, Dyston, Alvin, Mary Ann and Carrie. In 1886 he married Mrs. Mary Morris, his first wife have died in 1882. He was a man of good moral character and was loved by his neighbors. In politics he was an independent, voting for the man he thought best fitted for the office. At the age of 83 in 1906, his family gathered at his home for a suprise reunion. The family was nearly all present numbering 31.

At the time of the Centennial Celebration in 1942, of his immediate family, one was living. Carrie (Mrs. James Edwards) of Rochester was was the oldest descendant at the Centennial. Mrs. Eliza Gooder of Seattle, Washington was the oldest living descendant of the Noble family.

At that time, there were 22 grandchildren, six having died, 49 living great grandchildren, two having died and 39 great great grandchildren, one having died, making a total of 199 descendants which is no doubt the largest family of any of the second generation.

Alvin Noble, son of Jay Noble, and a great grandson of John Noble, was serving in the Navy in 1942. James Noble, son of John Noble, served in the Civil War, Francis Noble, son of John Noble also served in the Civil War. Francis Noble, son of Alvin Noble, lost his life in the World War. James Irwin Mealy, grandson of Sadie Noble Mealy, was lost at sea February 28, 1942.

Two golden wedding anniversaries were celebrated. Mr. and Mrs. James Noble at Superior and Mr. and Mrs. James Edwards at Waterford.
From "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy"

JOHN married BANCROFT SARAH in 1844. SARAH died in 1882. [Group Sheet]

JOHN married MORRIS MARY in 1886. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Henry's occupation was insurance agent at Norway-Dover Insurance Company.

He lived at Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England from 1828 to 1841. Subsequently at English Settlement, Wisconsin from 1842 to 1918.

Henry emigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 13 years old. In Wisconsin, Henry was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge adn a trustee of the English Settlement Church. He also served on the school board of the school district.

With Lydia's early death, Henry had to be both the father adn mother to his growing family.

Henry was a great lover of flowers adn made them his hobby during his declining years. He took great pride in his garden and in keeping a flower bed at the west side of the cemetery and also lovingly cared for the cemetery.

Two of Henry's desires were realized. One that he might live to be ninety years old thus outliving any other member of the family. And two that he might live to see the end of World War I. He passed away oen month and oen day after the end of the war and nine days after friends and relatives had gathered to help him celebrate his 90th birthday.

Henry Noble was born near Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, on December 3, 1828, and when thirteen years of age came to America with his parents, brothers and sisters in 1841. They spent the winter in New York and arrived in Wisconsin in May, 1842. He grew to manhood at the English Settlement, and on December 9, 1949, he and Oydia Woodhead were married. Eight children were born to them: William who married and lived in Manistee, Michigan, Mary, (Mrs. William Wood); Elisabeth, (Mrs. George Stenhouse), John, who married Minnie Gooder and lived at Orient, South Dakota; Sarah Ann, (Mrs. Henry Hook) lived at Brooklyn, Wisconsin; Benjamin and Allen (never married) and Joseph, who married Annie Haigh and lived in a Iowa.

Henry Noble served for several years at agent for the Norway-Dopver Insurance Company. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and a trustee of the English Settlement Church. He also served on the shool board of the school district. He was a great lover of flowers and made them his hobby during his declining years. He took great pride in his garden and in keeping a flower bed at the west side of the cemetery. He also lovingly cared for the cemetery.

Two of his desires were realized - one, that he might live to be ninety years old, thus outliving any other member of the family, and the other that he might live to see the end of the World War. He passed away December 12, 1918, nine days fater friends and relatives numbering 60 had gathered at the English Settlement church to help him celebrate his 90th birthday.

His wife died May 10, 1863; thus he had to be both mother and father to his growing family. At the time of the Centennial in 1942, there were 15 grand children, 25 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.

There were four great grandsons in World War II: Corporal Leonard Noble at an Army air base in New Orleans and Private Kenneth Noble at Fort Lewis, Washington. These are sons of Floyd Noble of Riceville, Iowa, and grandsons of Joseph Noble. Weston and Russell Noble, sons of Merwin Noble and grandsons of Joseph Noble, also served in the armed forces in World War II.

From "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy"

HENRY married WOODHEAD LYDIA on 9 Dec 1849 in English Settlement, Racine County, Wisconsin. LYDIA (daughter of WOODHEAD WILLIAM and TINKER LYDIA) was born in 1827; died on 10 May 1863; was buried in Eagle Creek Cemetery, Racine County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Lew lived at farm near English Settlement, Racine County, Wisconsin.


Lewis Noble was born in Yorkshire, England, August 5, 1831, and was ten years of age when he came with his parents, brothers and sisters to America. He married Hannah Turner, January 2, 1854; she having come from Huddersfield, England, with her parents at the age of four years in 1840. Thought the families had lived within a mile of each other, they were not acquainted until they met in Wisconsin. A short time was spent at Belleville, Wisconsin, but most of their married life, almost fifty years, was lived on the farm at the English Settlement, where his grandson, Herbert Noble, resided in 1942.

Eight children were born to them: Marth Jane (Mrs. Thomas Edwards); Harriet Ellen (Mrs. Andrew Hinchliffe); Emily Celia, who died at the age of eight years; Adelaide Hannah, (Mrs. Ellsworth Schofield); Estella Ann, (Mrs. John Saunders); Edith Mary (Mrs. Edwin Jacksono); Emma Blanche, (Mrs. George Clark) and one son, Lewis Henry, who married Louise Sheard.

Lewis Noble united with the English Settlement church in 1857 and in 1903 joined the Congregational Church at Rochester. He was at one time a school teacher, superintendent of the Sunday School at English Settlement and examined teachers for certificates. He was superintendent of the Sunday School at English Settlement for several years and for a time of the Belleville Sunday School. He was a lover of music and at one time taught the singing school He was called to the draft in November, 1863, but was dismissed on account of disability. He was also an ardent worker in the cause of temperance.

At the time of the Centennial in 1942, there were the eight children of Lewis and Hannah Noble, 11 grandchildren, 8 living, 21 great grandchildren, 18 living and 8 great great grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Henry Noble celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on December 22, 1941. Three of the Lewis Noble grandchildren have served as Sunday School Superintendents. Mrs. Edwin Hinchliffe, Walter Hinchliffe and Forest Jackson.

Mrs. Lewis Noble died December 16, 1903 at the age of 67. Lewis Noble died October 16, 1916 at the age of 85.

The only surviving children were Lewis Henry Noble of Rochester, Mrs. Stella Saunders and Mrs. Edith Jackson of Big Bend.

From "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy"

LEWIS married TURNER HANNAH on 2 Jan 1854. HANNAH was born in in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England; died on 16 Dec 1903. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Allen Noble was born in England, January 18, 1840, and settled with his parents, brothers and sisters in Wisconsin in 1842. He married Ada Crowther, and their home was in Rochester, Wisconsin. Their son, Howard Allen, lived in LaJolla, California, and was for many years connected with the Great Northern Railroad. Another son, Elmer, died at the age of 13 years. A daughter, Ida May, married Mr. Jones, and they lived in Milwaukee several years. She was a Christian Science healer. She then moved to New York State and lived with her son, Howard, and wife and daughter, Patricia Ann. A daughter, Clara, married Richard Watrous, and they lived in Milwaukee for a time and then moved down east. Three children were born to them and four grandchildren.

Allen Noble died January 30, 1878, age 38 years, and Mrs. Noble died March 2, 1915 at the age of 75.

From "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy"

ALLEN married CROWTHER ADA. ADA died on 2 Mar 1915. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Martha married Simeon Whiteley after James Sutliffe's death.

MARTHA married SUTLIFFE JAMES. [Group Sheet]

MARTHA married WHITELEY SIMEON. [Group Sheet]

ROBERT married HOOK LOUISE. [Group Sheet]

JOHN married SHEARD LOUISA. [Group Sheet]

THOMAS married FROST OLIVE. [Group Sheet]

MARTHA married SQUIRE JOSEPH. [Group Sheet]

CHARLES married BELL SUSAN. [Group Sheet]

CHARLES married UNKNOWN IDA V.. [Group Sheet]

ANNA married BICKFORD JOHN. [Group Sheet]

ALICE married NEALY FRANK. [Group Sheet]

ETTA married HAYS UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet]

EDWIN married DEMOULPIED MARY. [Group Sheet]

GEORGE married STENHOUSE HARRIETT. [Group Sheet]

ETTA married BURNS ROBERT. [Group Sheet]

HANNAH married HARDIE GEORGE. [Group Sheet]

ELIZA married GOODER ALLEN. [Group Sheet]

CARRIE married EDWARDS JAMES. [Group Sheet]

WILLIAM married PHIBBS HELEN. [Group Sheet]

MARY married WOOD WILLIAM B.. [Group Sheet]

ELIZABETH married STENHOUSE GEORGE. GEORGE was born in 1854; died in 1896. [Group Sheet]

JOHN married GOODER ERMENA. ERMENA was born in 1856; died in 1933. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Sarah and Henry had no children.

SARAH married HOOK HENRY in 1894. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Shortly after their marriage, they came as pioneers to Mitchell County, Iowa, and suffered the hardships of early pioneers. They settled north of Brownville and attended the Brownville Church which was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Conference. In 1894 they bought a farm west of Pleasant Hill school house. Two years later they traded with Gil Morey for a farm one-half mile east of the same school house.

This farm of 160 acres is owned by Lowell Lappin Noble, Dale Ross Noble, Jo Ann Ruth Noble (who all are Joseph's grandchldren), and Robert Darrell Noble (Joseph's great-grandchild). Robert farms the land.

In July, 1996, the farm was recognized as a Centennial Farm by the State of Iowa since the land has been owned by the Noble family for 100 years.

Joseph and Annie had nine chldren: Floyd Allen, Elva Grace, Merwin Henry, Ruby Mozelle, Orpha Gladys, Ross Allen, Merdith Alida, Marian Lucille, and Pearl Florence. Elva died at 17 from a ruptured appendix. Marian, twin of Merdith, died at 6 years.

On July 17, 1942, five menmbers of Joseph's family brance traveled to English Settlement, Wisconsin, for the Centennial Reunion of the Noble family coming to America. Making the trip were Joseph, his children Floyd, Ruby, and Orpha and grandson Weston. Two hundred and fifty descendants of John and Marth Noble gathered at the English Settlement.

It was a rare treat for Joseph Henry to return to his birthplace and visit the church where he sang tenor in the Methodist choir and where Annie Haigh played the organ before their marriage.

At the Centennial program, each Noble division was represented by a descendant and was elected speaker for that group. Orpha Noble spoke most ably for the Henry Noble branch. There was singing. Ruby recorded "Never before or after have I heard such melodic voices."

The English Settlement Church sitll remains and is served by a Methodist pastor from another town. A Noble descendant, Ray Hankinson, installed a campanile in memory of his mother. Music resounds trhough the countryside. Tourists driving by, stop to listen to the hymns.

October 1996 marked 150 years for the English Settlement Church. Even now most members are Nobles.

After their marriage in 1885, Joseph and Annie left English Settlement and settled in Mitchell County, Iowa. They rented a farm north of Mossville, Iowa, from 1885 to 1894.

In 1894, Joseph and Annie next purchased land at 3015 Highway 9. This farm (also referred to as the Greeley or Mauser farm) is located on the north side of Highway 9, 3.75 miles west of Riceville. In 1896, they traded this farm with Gil Morey for land 2.5 miles west of Riceville. Over the next 96 years the "Greeley farm" was owned by several people who were not in the Noble family. In 1900 the land was purchased and is currently being farmed by Joseph's great-grandson, Robert Darrell Noble.

The land obtained in the 1896 trade is the Centennial Farm. The 160 acre farm is located 2.5 miles west of Riceville at 3161 Highway 9. Records indicate the barn was constructed in 1903 and the house in 1907.

For three years, Joseph moved most of his family to Evansville, Wisconsin, so the children could attend school. Floyd remained in Iowa to farm the land.

Joseph farmed the Centennial Farm until approximately 1920 when it was sold to son Merwin Henry. At that time, Merwin and Ruth moved to the farmstead.

After selling the Centennial Farm, Joseph moved to a farm located north of Riceville for 2 years. In 1922, Joseph and Annie moved to a house in Riceville located east of the railroad tracks. Joseph used to walk the 2.5 miles out to the farm quite often after he moved to Riceville.

Part of Joseph and Annie's retirement years were spent in Southern California.

After Annie's death, Joseph lived in his house in Riceville with daughter Pearl. Then he spent several years living in Osage with daughter Orpha. His final days were spent living with his daughter Ruby and her husband Aldis Dunton in Riceville.

One lasting memory of Joseph was his tenor voice. Joseph would lead group singing in English Settlement and Riceville Free Methodist Church. Joseph and his daughter Ruby would also sing duets at church services.

Joseph died at Riceville, Jenkins Township, Mitchell County, Iowa on 29 April 1944, at the age of 81 year 7 month 2 days. The cause of death was inanition. Maritial status was widower. He was buried at Riverside Cemetery, Riceville, Mitchell County, Iowa on 2 May 1944.

Taken from "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy"

NOBLE FARM CENTENNITAL CELEBRATION

RICEVILLE, IOWA - On Saturday afternoon, July 28, a centennial farm plaque was presented to Robert and Jayne Noble by Dean Kleckner, the American Farm Bureau Association's national president, in observance of the Farm Bureau's recognition of the preservation of family farms.

This past weekend over eighty members representing five generations of the Noble family arrived in Riceville for a family reunion to celebrate the Centennial of the Noble Farm. Activities included a picnic at Lake Hendricks Friday night, a tour of family landmarks Saturday during the day and a program at the Community Center Saturday night. A service at the family church, the Free Methodist Church on Woodland Avenue, clased the weekend on Sunday. Descendants journeyed from as close as the opposite side of Highway 9 to as far away as California and Hawaii. Others assembled from parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, Idaho, Oklahoma, New Jersey and Maryland.

According to taped conversations with Joseph's son, Merwin Noble (now deceased), in 1896 the land was "wild country" then, "mostly brush and timberland." There were lots of wolves and only ten percent of the land was farmable upon purchase. It was twenty years before the entire 160 acre farm was cleared. Floyd Noble and Merwin Noble both continued the family tradition of agronomy, tilling land on or near Joseph Noble's original homestead until Harlan and Russell Noble took over the operation. Harlan, Merwin's oldest son, combined both farms and Harlan's son, Robert Noble, continues the famly tradition farming the land originally purchased by Joseph Noble in 1896. Per Robert Noble, "Wolves," however, "are no longer a problem."

The oldest attendee is Joseph's daughter, Merdith Noble Vinson (96) of Laguna, CA, who represents the original settler family. Her brother Ross Allen Noble (98) was unable to attend. Merdith Noble's reminiscences included racing to Riceville High School in a buggy pulled by her Indian pony, Fan. Concerned "old-timers" outside the livery stable complained to her father, Joseph, that Merdith's high speeds were a hazard to the community, "She comes in every morning (to the stable) on two wheels and leaves on two wheels."

Merdith recounted other aspects of her family and farm life including attending the one room school at Pleasant Hill. (Jenkins #2). At the behest of Merdith's teacher, Merdith's mother admonished her daughter to obey everything the teacher says, even if it was Merdith's sister, Orpha.

Of the reunion clan, 23 are former students, 20 are graduates and three are former substitute teachers of the Pleasant Hill one room school house. As the school no longer stands Saturday morning's activities included a visit to the Buresh one room schoolhouse outside Cresco and a visit to Hayden prairie.

On Sunday morning, July 29, two ordained ministers in the Noble clan shared in the sermon, "Our Roots, Our Past and Future." They were Rev. Mervin Russell, currently residing in California and Rev. Jeff Vinson O'Grady of Princeton, New Jersey. Many of the women assembled were presented with flower leis flown in from Hawaii.

Coincidentally this summer also marks the restoration of the original Joseph Noble farmhouse by Tim and Sheryl Noble, who will occupy the house with their children, Matthew, Nicholas, and Michelle this fall. The children were able to identify and meet some of the former occupants of their future rooms. When Matthew endeavored to find out where to place his bed to avoid early morning sunlight, his great uncle Lowell told hm "I can't rightly say, stayin g in bed past sunrise was never an option in that house." Computer modem and fax lines, not included in the home's original construction in 1807, have been added to enable Tim Noble, a software engineer, to be the farmstead's first telecommuter.

For the enxt reunion the California delegation invited the clan to celebrate another centennial in Laguna, California, in the year 2000 to observe the 100th birthday of Merdith Noble Vinson. The invitation was enthusiastically accepted by all.

The Noble family's Riceville, Iowa roots are cherished. The weekend served both as a time to bond and to pass on family history to a younger generation of a family that continues to grow and, many commented, gets better looking with each passing year.

- Dean Weston Noble

NOBLE FARM CENTENNIAL FACT SHEET
Research by Lowell Noble in 1996

1803Iowa part of the Louisiana Purchase. "The early history of the Riceville area consisted of an old Indian trail which crossed the Wapsie at the fork of the river coming from the east and leading out toward the western prairies, and the old a
war trail that led to the north to the familus battle ground of the Sioux and the Chippewas. Numerous arrowheads have been picked up in this vicinity, and a large lance head was found where the post office now stands." (from the Riceville Centennial History.)

Jo Dynes, long time resident of the Riceville area, was born in 1897 and had a farm located four miles west of town. Dynes claims he could recall seeing Indians camp along the Wapsie and erect teepees on the Dynes family farm. The Dynes statement has not been confirmed by any other sources.

"Indian tribes in the area included the Chippewa, Sacs, Fox, Menomenies, Winnebagoes and the Sioux.... The Indian bands roving through the area during the time of the first white settlers in the 1850s were friendly and no trouble ensued." Mitchell County Memories.

1846Iowa becomes a state.

Sioux and Winnebagoes were moved to Dakota around 1850. "They went unwillingly and for many years large numbers returned annually to visit the haunts of their chldhood, and sacred mounds where slept the remains of their fathers." History of Mitchell County, 1883.

1850First European settler in Mitchell County.

1854First permanent white settler in Jenkins township, James Foster. James Foster and Gilbert Rice broke the first land in Jenkins township.

1857Post office established and called Doran. It was located in the old farm house where Harlan and Nadine lived (current residence of Bob & Jayne Noble).

1857Jenkins township was organized. Named after Col. James Doran Jenkins.

1859Jenkins No. 2 (Pleasant Hill) school was organized and held in a shanty. In 1870 a frame building was built for the school; this frame building probably existed until the school closed in 1958. Marian Schmidt was the last teacher.

1883Population of Riceville was 250. Population of Jenkins township, 830.

1885Joseph Noble and his wife, Annie Haigh Noble, migrated from Wisconsin to Mitchell County.

1896Joseph & Annie Noble purchase the home farm located 2 1/2 miles west of Riceville. Earlier this farm was homesteaded in 1857 by T. Young. Merwin Noble bought the farm in 1920 and owned it until his death in 1985. Merwin's seven children inherited the land now farmed by Robert and Jayne Noble. When Merwin owned the farm he bought the 80 acres across the road, increasing the farm to 240 acres.

1923Floyd A. Noble farm dded from Esther Mosher to Floyd Noble. The Floyd Noble farm (home 80) is located 3 1/2 miles west of Riceville. Originally homesteaded by F. Densmore in 1857. Owned by Henry Assfahl (as spelled on abstract) in 1867. Owned by Monroe Mosher in 1900. Esther Mosher inherited the farm in 1908 (Mrs. Martha Noble, age 20, was listed as an heir in 1922). Esther Mosher was listed as deceased in 1923 and the farm went to Floyd A. No1937ble. Floyd died in 1979. On August 25, 1979, the Floyd Noble estate sold the farm to Harlan and Nadine Noble. Robert and Jayne Noble now farm the old Floyd Noble farm as renters.

1937Samuel Haigh and A. G. Dunton (Guardian of property to Samuel Haigh) sell "Sam haigh 80" to Floyd A. Noble. Property was originally homesteaded by Elijah Staats in 1857. Annie Gooder sold to Samuel Haigh in 1889 (Assignment of Mortgage: Thomas J. Bottomley to Henry Noble in 1893, Henry Noble to Samuel Haigh in 1899, Samuel Haigh to Reeves & Co. in 1900). Floyd Noble sold to Harlan and Nadine Noble in 1979. Robert and Jayne Noble now farm this 80 acres as renters.

1953Though Russell and Evelyn Noble did not own the Centennial farm, they did farm it from 1953-1965. When Harlan was farming he rented the Centennial farm (now 240 acres) and he owned another 240 acres; his farming operation totaled 480 acres. Robert and Jayne now farm 640 acres including the 160 acre farm (the Greeley or Mauser farm) which they recently purchased.



THE FOLLOWING IS A TRIBUTE MADE BY NADINE NOBLE AT THE CENTENNIAL FARM CELEBRATION (and family reunion of all descendants of Joseph Henry and Annie Noble).

I am a Noble by marriage but 55 years with the family made me want to say something that comes right from my heart.

Merwin loved farm life. He loved his farm. He felt it was an ideal place to raise their family. Ruth was a wonderful MOther. They were a happy, healthy family and no matter what came up they were honest, trustworthy and responsible. Merwin was proud of everyone of his 7 kids and he told me good things about each one.

The last few years of his life, MH. and I would unload all the corn and beans while Har combined them. Merwin was the brains and I was the brawn. He knew so well how to do it and enjoyed it. He knew what to watch out for when backing up big loads to the elevator to unload. If something went wrong or got stuck, he knew which motor to shut off first so that the corn didn't just keep running over. He never got excited or lost his head. He was really a very wise farmer.

We spent hours visiting about friends, neighbors, religion, world problems and of course, the farm.

Although he lived to be 93 years of age, I can hear him say, "I won't live to see the farm in the family 100 years but I hope Harlan does. Little did we know Boy would come back after 6 years of colelge and 2 years at Montford in Colorado and want to farm Gramps land. So the 4th generation is now farming the Centennial Farm. As frosting on the cake, Dustin, the 5th generation, rides along in the big combine watching as his Dad harvests his crops.

Now Harland and Jayne are doing the unloading.

Uncle Floyd loved the land and a farmers life. We rented his farm from him for many years. He was always out to putter around fixing fences, etc. On the day of his death, at age 91, he was out mending the fence. After his death we bought his farm and it is still good land and has produced a lot of corn and beans for us. Now Bob rents it and farms it in even a better and more knowledgable way than Har and I. Uncle Floyd always treated us like a son and daughter.

Farming is not an easy life - not a quick way to get rich. But it is kind of like a partner with God. So much depends on how He sends the sunshine and rain. One day I worried about how dry it was getting. The corn leaves were starting to curl but Merwin did not worry. He said "It was been dry before but the rains came and they will come again this time."

This is a proud and happy occasion and it is wonderful to have all of you here to help us celebrate the Century year of the Noble Farm. Merwin's family are having a great reunion and time together and I know Aunt Mer's and Uncle Floyd's family are having fun together too. I hope all of you take home good memories of the Noble Century Farm Celebration adn reunion. We look forward to seeing all of you at the next reunion.


INFORMATION REGARDING PLEASANT HILL SCHOOL (JENKINS #2)

Three generations of Noble's attended Pleasant HIll School - located 3 miles west of Riceville on Highway 9 - children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of Joseph adn Annie Noble.

It was organized in 1859 with first classes held in a shanty. In 1870 a frame building was put up and it is believed that this is the building that all 3 generation of Nobles attended.

All the children of Joseph and Annie, Floyd and Martha, and Merwin and Ruth attended Pleasant Hill. This made a total of 20 Nobles. Great grandchildren of Joseph adn Annie that attended the school were: Sharon and Douglas Noble (children of Harlan and Nadine), Sarah and Steve (children of Russell and Evelyn) and Jim and Jerry (children of Ken and Jean.

Pleasant HIll was a one-room country school. Children attended through 8th grade adn were required to pass state examinations before being allowed to begin their high school education in Riceville.

One teacher taught all eight grades!! She also served as janitor and had to start the fire in the coal and wood burning stove during the winter months.

The Noble have fond memories of recess and noon activities. Merdith said the girls often played the boys in ball and Orpha was frequently in charge of the girls team. Others remember the hours of sledding down the hill during the many snows of winter.

Noble who taught at Pleasant Hill were Rugy (1913-14), Orpha (1918. Dixie Noble, wife of Lowell, taught 2 years in a one-room school in Howard County.


GREENVILLE COLLEGE

Over the years Greenville College has played an important role in the higher education of the Noble family. Children of Joseph adn Annie that attended Greenville were Orpha, Merdith (2 yrs), and Pearl (1 yr). While at G. C. Merdith met Wes Vinson and they were later married. Merdith and Orpha were great lovers of sports and were often tennis champs while in college. Orpha held the distinction of being the first woman student boy president of G. C.

Leone Noble Russell, daughter of Floyd and Martha, attended G. C. and met his husband there - Mervin Russell. Their daughter, Joyce also attended the college and met her husband there - Bill Landrey.

Virginia Vinson Combs, daughter of Merdith and Wes Vinson, attended G. C. - thus representing the Family of Merdith Noble and Wes Vinson.

Children of Merwin and Ruth Noble that attended were Dale (2 yrs), Joe (1 yr), and Jo Ann (4 yrs). Joe taught at the colege for 3 years. Jo Ann spent most of her teaching career as a member of the Greenville College faculty: 31 years. She retired in May 1996.

The college is a 4 year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Free Methodist Church of North America.



A Service of Worship
Sunday, July 28, 1996
10:00 a.m.
Riceville Free Methodist Church
Riceville, Iowa

THE NOBLE FAMILY REUNION
The descendants of
Joseph and Annie Noble


PreludeJo Ann Noble
Welcome Rev. Jeffrey V. O'Grady
Invocation Rev. Merwin Russell
Call to Worship Ps. 42, 103 & 100 Joe Noble

Hymns All Hail the Power of Jesus Name p. 75
Great is Thy Faithfulness p. 43

Children's Sermon

Confession (in unison)
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all people, we confess
that we have sinned, and we are deeply grieved as we remember the wickedness of our past lives.
We have sinend against you, your holiness, and your love, and we deserve only your indignation
and anger. We sincerely repent, and we are genuinely sorry for all wrongdoing and every failure to
do the things we should. Our hearts are grieved, and we acknowledge that we are hopeless without
your grace. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father, for the sake of your Son, Our Savior, Jesus
Christ, who died for us. Forgive us. Cleanse us. Give us strength to serve you in newness of life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amern.

Assurance of Pardon
Prayer/Lord's Prayer

Offering
Doxology

Hymn In the Garden (see insert)

Reflections:
The Past Rev. Mervin Russell
Hymn Faith of Our Fathers p. 421
The Future Deut. 8:6-18 Rev. Jeffrey V. O'Grady

Hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross p. 510
(stanzas 1,2 &3-benediction-stanza 4)

JOSEPH married HAIGH ANNA in 1885 in Racine County, Wisconsin. ANNA (daughter of HAIGH THOMAS and HINCHCLIFFE ELIZABETH MARSHALL) was born on 28 Mar 1863; died in 1937 in Riceville, Mitchell County, Iowa. [Group Sheet]

MARTHA married EDWARDS THOMAS. [Group Sheet]

HARRIET married HINCHLIFFE ANDREW. [Group Sheet]

ADELAIDE married SCHOFIELD ELLSWORTH. [Group Sheet]

ESTALLA married SAUNDERS JOHN. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

A Poem written for the 1842 Centennial by Edith Noble Jackson. Taken from "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy".

A CENTURY IN AMERICA

With six generations of Noble descent
Can anyone realize what it has meant?

If we have given our best to the progress of life
Standing like rocks in a world of strife.

If we have been lending a hand along the way,
With faith in God growing from day to day.

If those we have met in our work and our play,
Have been made better for our passing their way.

If we have given comfort in sunshine and rain
Then the lives of these Nobles have not been in vain.

EDITH married JACKSON EDWIN. [Group Sheet]

EMMA married CLARK GEORGE. [Group Sheet]

LEWIS married SHEARD LOUISE. [Group Sheet]

HOWARD married UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet]

IDA married JONES UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet]

CLARA married WATROUS RICHARD. [Group Sheet]

FLOYD married MOSHER MARTHA. MARTHA was born in 1890; died in 1947. [Group Sheet]

FLOYD married ANDERSON LOIS. LOIS was born on 7 Apr 1887; died on 5 May 1974. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Merwin lived at farm 2.5 miles west of Riceville, Mitchell County, Iowa from 1920 to 1953. Subsequently at 407 Walnut Ave., Riceville, Mitchell County, Iowa from 1953 to 1985.

Merwin owned and operated 160 acres of land located 2.5 miles west of Riceville that was purchased originally by his father, Joseph Henry Noble. Merwin started farming the land 1920. After Merwin retired, the land was farmed by son Harlan Wilmer Noble. The land was willed to the seven children.

Merwin played baseball. He also sang duets at funerals with his sister Ruby.

Taken from "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy"

MERWIN married LAPPIN RUTH LILLIAN on 12 Mar 1920. RUTH (daughter of LAPPIN MARVIN E. and JONES HELEN) was born on 27 Feb 1900; died in 1983 in Riceville, Mitchell County, Iowa; was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Riceville, Iowa. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Ruby also worked at the First National Bank of Riceville. She traveled to Huddersfield, England, to perform Noble family genealogy research. Ruby and Aldis had no children.

RUBY married DUNTON ALDIS in 1919. ALDIS was born in 1885; died on 26 Apr 1962. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Orpha was educated at Pleasant Hill County School, Mitchell County, Iowa. Also was educated at Riceville High School, Riceville, Iowa. Also was educated at Evansville Jr. College, Evansville, Wisconsin. Also received a B. A. at Greenville College, Greenville, Illlinois. Also was educated at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. Also received a M. A. at University of Southern California, California. Her occupation was teacher at Salem, Illinois. Then teacher at Westfield, Illinois. Then teacher at Riceville, Iowa. Then teacher at Charles City, Iowa. Then Superintendent of Education for six years at Mitchell County, Iowa. Then teacher at Marengo, Illinois. Then teacher at Rockford, Illinois. Then Elementary School Principal at Rockford, Illinois. Orpha played tennis while attending USC.

ORPHA by Ruby Noble-Dunton
Orpha Noble grew up on a farm in Mitchell County, rode and drove horses, milded cows, helped with haying a harvesting, shocking oats. She also had her fun: ice skating, sliding down hills in winter, playing baseball with her borthers and at school.

She watched over her youngest brother, Ross. If the older boys at school abused him, she would fight with her fists and always won. that was her character as a child.

As a teacher, she taught at Salem, IL, Westfield, IL, Riceville, IA, High School, Charles City, IA, Washington School; Marengo, IL, and Rockford, IL. She began her teaching career in Howard and Mitchell counties. She was County Superintendent of schools in Mitchell County for 6 years; then to Rockford, IL, to teach and become principal of two different schools.

While in Osage, she took her orders in education from the State Superintendent of Schools, Des Moines, and passed the orders onto the schools of the County. She liked the Mitchell County teachers with whom she worked. She didn't always agree with the State Superintendent and a few schools failed to cooperate, but mostly she enjoyed her work. She was disturbed with the thought of closing the country schools and busing children so many miles. She couldn't believe that was a good plan, but she saw it coming and decided to go to Rockford, IL.

Her education was at the Pleasant Hill country school, Riceville High School, Evansville Jr. College (WI), Greenville College, IL, Northwestern University at Evanston, IL and Master's Degree at USC, (CA). She wrote articles for the Northwestern Review on experiences in remedial reading. She took refresher courses oftern.

Orpha said, "Good teachers are born teachers-age makes no difference." Some of her teachers were old, some very young. She had great disgust for teachers' strikes or boycotts. She said it was beneath the dignity of the profession. It bothered her that so many children had no sense of right or wrong, and she tried to teach them the difference. She said that whle she was County Superintendent, she learned to wait for results and not to expect them immediately.

When she applied at Rockford, IL, the Board offered her a chlice of different schools. She, with her msisionary spirit, chose a poor neighborhood, which included mainly blacks and Italians. The Board told her she should choose a much better district. She preferred to help the poor chldren. Soon she was promoted to principal of two different schools.

After her retirement and upon receiving a teacher's pension, she volunteered to teach remedial reading with no compensation to boys placed in "Boy's Farm" due to the commission of minor crimes. She was the only woman teacher, and the boys confided in her as a mother. She discovered that after the boys learned to read, they no longer had criminal tendencies. Her missionary spirit still strong, she loved every young boy, and they all loved Miss Noble.

In her last illness, she had letters from former students. Many said that they would have been dropouts had it not been for her encouraging them.

From "Joseph Henry Noble and Annie Haigh Noble Family History and Genealogy"

Living married COVER A.. [Group Sheet]

Living married VINSON W.. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Pearl and Paul had no children. The birth of Pearl is recorded in two books in Mitchell County Copurthouse. One book records the birth year of 1902 while the other is 1903.

PEARL married POTTER PAUL STAFFORD in 1938. PAUL was born on 15 May 1899; died on 30 Mar 1988 in Riceville, Mitchell County, Iowa. [Group Sheet]