Samuel Noble ^{1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9}

  General Notes:

Source: A Memorial and Biographical Record of Iowa, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1896

Judge Samuel Noble, a retired merchant, who for many years was prominently connected with the commercial interests of Albia, and who has been the promoter of various enterprises calculated to advance the material welfare of his adopted county, is certainly deserving of representation in this history. The high place he occupies in the regard of the public is well known and his life record contains many valuable lessons showing what can be done by energy and earnest labor, directed by sound judgment.

Judge Noble was born in Huntingdon County, now Blair County, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1819. His father, John Noble, was born in the Keystone State in 1796, and died in 1871, in Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa. He was a son of Samuel Noble, who was a native of Ireland and the founder of the family in the New World. The Judge's mother bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Crane, and was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Her father was Abram Cran, of German lineage. To the parent of our subject were born ten children, of whom nine were sons, and nine of the number yet survive.

Samuel Noble spent his boyhood days in the Keystone State and acquired his education in the subscription schools. He has been identified with Iowa's history since 1845, the year previous to the admission of the State into the Union. He first located in Fairfield, where he remained until 1849, when he removed to Albia and embarked in general merchandising, which he continued with excellent success for sixteen years. On selling out his store, he turned his attention to loaning money and renting property. In 1890 he erected the Noble block on the northwest corner of the square, 44 X 132 feet, which is rented for store and office purposes. He also owns two good farms which are operated by his sons. They are located near Albia, and comprise 250 acres of valuable land. Judge Noble has made judicious investments in real estate, and these have yielded to him a handsome return. He was a stockholder and director in the Monroe County Bank for a number of years, and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

In February, 1842, the Judge was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Matthews, of Pennsylvania, who died in the State a few years later. In 1849 he was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary J. Shipler, of Jefferson County, Iowa, daughter of Samuel Shipler, formally of Pennsylvania. Three children were born to them. Emmett E. and Ira, who are engaged in farming; and Mary, wife of Charles Thorpe, of Chicago. Mrs. Noble died on the 14th of October 1892. She was a loving wife and faithful mother, possessed of many excellencies of character, and her many noble qualities won her the love of all. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, and the poor and needy found in her a friend.

In politics Judge Noble was an old-line Whig, but on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks. In 1860 he was elected County Judge of Monroe County, under the old law, and serviced for two years. He also served for some five years as a member of the City Council and did much to promote its interest. On the organization of the Presbyterian Church in Albia, he became one of its members and has since been active and faithful in its work. In this materialistic age, an age in which almost every one seems imbued with but one idea, that of the rapid accumulation of wealth, it is refreshing occasionally to meet with one who has other ambitions, other thoughts and immeasurably higher motive in life. Such a one is Judge Noble. For thirty-eight years he has served as Elder of his church and has been an active promoter of all interests calculated to uplift humanity.

The Albia Union, Tuesday, May 3, 1904

GONE TO HIS REWARD: JUDGE SAMUEL NOBLE LAID AT REST IN OAKVIEW CEMETERY SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

Judge Noble is no more. He passed from life at 8 p.m. April 29, 1904 after rounding out 84 and one half useful and pleasant years. He was perhaps the best preserved pioneer settler in Albia, careful and painstaking in his daily habits and ordinarily free from the worries and turmoils that bring on premature age to most men, his more than four score years sat lightly upon his brow and his old age was truly blessed with peacefulness and fruitation on too often the lot of suffering humanity.

About two years ago he began to decline in health, but not until last winter did he yield to the inevitable and confine himself to his home to await that summons to that borne whence no traveler returns. He patiently endured the suffering and pain that seemed his lot to bear and prayerfully sought release from the confines of his temporal house that he might depart and be at rest. Though life was sweet and home a pleasant place to be he realized that his years were full and that his life was ended. He passed away as one asleep in the presence of his wife and three children. He had the best of care and every anticipated want was supplied with that patience and tireless energy that can belong to none other than a truly devoted self-sacrificing wife.

The funeral services were conducted from his late residence by his Pastor, the Rev. W. Allison, in the presence of a large concourse of friends and relatives. Rev. Allison spoke words of comfort from the words of the Palmist "My Days are like a Shadow that Declineth." The lesson of his text impressed those present with the importance of utilizing every passing moment from early youth till the decline of one's sun for the service of God and for a conscientious preparation for the Judgment seat. Such had been the life of the deceased and to those left to mourn his departure he commended that example fit for their emulation and one worthy to be followed. "Rock of Ages" and "Pilot Me" were two appropriate hymns sung sweetly by members of the Presbyterian Choir, and after a word of prayer the remains were viewed by the friends under the direction of undertaker Thomas H. Zook, who had charge of the funeral obsequies.

The cortege to the grave was attended by many friends who saw the remains lowered to rest beside those of his wife who passed away to the better world October 11, 1892. The pall bearers were Hamilton Scott, Homer Duncan, B. P. Castner, A. A. Mason, Mose Edwards and Dr. S. T. Gray.

Samuel Noble was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., Nov. 30, 1819. His father was John Noble and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Crane. Both were natives of the Keystone State, his father having been born in 1796. His grandfather, Samuel Noble, was a native of Ireland, and founded the Noble family in this country. The old family bible dated 1809 which has long been in the possession of Judge Noble, will now pass to his brother C. E. Noble of Fairfield, who is the oldest remaining member of the family.

Samuel Noble came to Iowa in 1845. He located in Fairfield from whence he came to Albia in 1849 and for sixteen years he was a prominent merchant of this place. He was stock-holder and one of the directors of the Monroe County bank and by judicious investments amassed considerable wealth during the years of this active business life.

His first marriage was contracted in his native state to Miss Sarah Mathews who lived only a few short years. In 1849 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Shippler of Jefferson Co., Iowa. To this union were born three children; Emmett E., Ira and Mrs. Mary Hammond, all of whom are living. On March 17, 1897 his third marriage was entered into with Miss Clara Hamilton who was to him a faithful and devoted helpmate for the rest of his life; and for whom the deepest feelings of sympathy and kindliness prevails to her in her bereavement.

The Political aspirations of the deceased when young secured for him in 1860 the County Judgeship which he successfully held for two years.

(I omitted here two long paragraphs on his work in the Presbyterian Church.)

Besides his wife and children, there survive him, three brothers; C. E. of Fairfield, Frank of Villesca, George W. of Colorado and E. Mart of Albia; and one sister, Mrs. Margaret Ash of Dallas, Illinois. (It says 3 brothers, but names four.)

Those attending the funeral from out of town were C. E. Noble of Fairfield, and a nephew Frank Noble, of Fairfield, who was accompanied by his wife. Mrs. Mary Hammond came from Los Angeles, California several weeks ago and was with her father during his last days. She will remain for a short stay.

Samuel bought 90 acres in Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa, on 1 Jan 1847. The document refers to him as Samuel Noble Junior. At the time of the 1850 census, Samuel was a merchant in Monroe County, Iowa. He had real estate valued at $1000. At the time of the 1860 census, he was a merchant in Albia, Monroe County, Iowa. He had real estate valued at $3000 and personal assets of $15,000. At the time of the 1870 census, Samuel was a farmer in Albia, Monroe County, Iowa. He had real estate valued at $35,000 and personal assets of $11,000. A domestic servant, Ella Blubaugh 20 born in Indiana, was listed with the household. At the time of the 1880 census, Samuel was a banker in Albia, Monroe County, Iowa. Katie Abrams, 20 born in Iowa of Irish immigrants, was listed in the household as help. At the time of the 1900 census, he was married to third wife Clara. His occupation was landlord. He owned his home free of any mortgage.

  Additional Information:

• Alt. Birth, 1820. ¹⁰

Samuel married Sarah Mathews on 10 Feb 1842 in Pennsylvania. (Sarah Mathews was born in 1820 ⁸ and died in 1845 ⁸.)

Samuel next married Mary Jane Shipler on 14 Jun 1849 in , Jefferson County, Iowa. (Mary Jane Shipler was born on 6 Oct 1830 in , Jefferson County, Pennsylvania,⁸ died in 1892 in Albia, Monroe County, Iowa ⁸ and was buried in Oak View Cemetery, Albia, Monroe County, Iowa ^{8 11}.)

Samuel next married Clara E. Hamilton on 17 Mar 1897. (Clara E. Hamilton was born in Oct 1863 in Illinois ⁷.)