Noll, Thomas Jefferson 1844-1943

NOLL, STUART

Posted By: Marilyn Norris Holmes (email)
Date: 4/26/2010 at 13:33:00

The Grinnell Herald-Register (Grinnell, Iowa)

"TAPS" ARE SOUNDED FOR GRINNELL'S LAST CIVIL WAR VETERAN

Funeral services for Judge T.J. Noll, Grinnell's last surviving veteran of the Civil War, were held from the Smith Funeral Home Thursday afternoon conducted by Rev. W.J. Stewart assisted by Professor J.D. Stoops. Services had been held in the morning in Des Moines, where Judge Noll had been living since 1938 on account of his official duties with the G.A.R. He was commander of the Department of Iowa at the time of his death at the age of 98. The G.A.R. was represented at the funeral by John M. Gudgel of Shenandoah, one of the 27 Iowa survivors of that great host who wore the blue.

Pall bearers, all members of the American Legion were Russell George, Eldon Olds, Howard Dimit, Ed Jantzen, Fred Norris and Ed Speth. Russell George and Floyd Pugh sounded "Taps" at the grave in Hazelwood cemetery.

THOMAS JEFFERSON NOLL

Thomas Jefferson Noll was born in Lycoming County, Pa., on December 12, 1844, and passed away in Des Moines on August 31, 1943, in his 99th year.

When he was a child of eight years the family moved to Illinois, where he grew to young manhood. He received his pre-college education in a private school for boys. In 1875 he graduated from the University of Iowa Law school.

1875 was destined to loom large on the horizon of his life. In this year he was united in marriage with Sarah Stuart at Green Mountain, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Noll were the parents of four children. They survive their father.

Mr. Noll practiced law at Grundy Center and at Grinnell. While at the latter place he was elected Judge of the Superior Court. He came to Des Moines in 1938 after being appointed Assisting Adjutant and Quartermaster General of the Department of Iowa G.A.R.

Thomas J. Noll served his country during the Civil War in Co. C, 146th Illinois Infantry from July 8, 1864 to July 8, 1865. He was a member of the regiment which stood guard at Lincoln's grave. Many honors have come to him as a Civil War Veteran.

In 1932 he was elected State Commander of the G.A.R. He was again elected Department Commander in 1943. In 1938 he was appointed Assistant Adjustant and Quartermaster General of the Dept. of Iowa. In 1940 he was appointed National Judge Advocate of the G.A.R. He served in this office until death.

His patriotism was marked by a spirit of goodwill and charity. He held no malice for his brothers of the south. His was, indeed, a truly Christian love of country.

While in Grinnell he was active in the Congregational church. As a citizen he was always interested in making his home community a better place in which to live. Throughout his life he extended a helping hand to the needy and was known as the poor man's friend. He was a blessing to his family, his church, his friends, his community and his country.

Mrs. Noll preceded him in death on July 18,1939.

He leaves to honor his memory four children: Ashley of Tacoma, Wash., Warren of Sioux Falls, S.D., and two daughters at home, Mrs. Grace Noll Smith, and Amy Noll. Besides these he leaves 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

It may be truly said of him: "A great life has gone into the tomb and there awaits the requiem of the winter's snow."

NOTE: Fred Norris, listed as a pallbearer is the grandfather of this transcriber.