Judge Samuel Noble

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 volume. 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 judgement.

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 Crane, of German lineage. To the parents 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 blcok 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. These 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 stockbroker 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 that 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, formerly 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 quantities 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-time 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 served for two years. He also served for some five years as a member of the City Council and did much to promote its interests. 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 motives 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.