The Ancestors of My Grandchildren

     Reared on the home farm in Damascus, Dr. Noble began his literary education in the public schools of the neighborhood, and later attended the academies at Prompton and Damascus, leaving school at the age of sixteen years. Three years later he went to Wellington, Ohio, where he studied or- namental painting, and subsequently engaged in that work at Honesdale until 1874. He commenced studying medicine under the direction of Dr. Charles Beach, in the fall of 1871, continued his studies under Drs. Keefer and Jones, at Honesdale, and took his first course of lectures at the University of Wooster, Ohio. He afterward took two courses at the Medical and Surgical University, Cincinnati, where he graduated in 1875, and returning to his native county he opened an office in Salem, where he engaged in practice until 1877. While there the Doctor was married, in July, 1876, to Miss Anna M. Walker, a daughter of S. T. and Malissa Walker, old and prominent residents of Salem. Her mother died in 1896, and her father is now living in Wyoming county, Penn. In their family were seven children: Linda (who died when a young lady), Anna M., Marshall K., Joel J., Bert B., Harry J. and Ernest S.
     On leaving Salem Dr. Noble removed to Rileyville, where he continued practice until 1881, and then spent the following two years in traveling over the New England States, after which he and his family removed to Clyde, Ohio, where he practiced until 1885. Returning to Wayne county, he located in the village of Pleasant Mount, where he purchased a fine residence, and also bought a good farm, which he has greatly improved. He still follows his profession, however, and has buil up a large and lucrative practice, to which his skill and ability justly entitle him. He is a very progressive physician, and keeps thoroughly posted on the latest discoveries in the science of medicine and surgery.
     Dr. and Mrs. Noble have had five children: Martin J., born August 24, 1877, at Rileyville, Wayne county, who received a fine education and is now a druggist on Long Island, N. Y; Ray, born in Nicholson, Penn., March 11, 1881; Bessie, born in Clyde, Ohio, who died there in infancy; Homer C., born at Pleasant Mount, April 19, 1886; and Marshall, born at Pleasant Mount. June 13, 1888.
     The Doctor’s ancestors were identified with the Whig party, and he is a stalwart Republican in politics. Socially he is member of the Masonic fraternity, of Freedman Lodge No. 400, I.O.O.F., and of the Knights of Honor, while in religious connection he belongs to the Christian Church, and his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is not only one of the leading physicians of Wayne county, but is also one of the prominent and influential citizens of Pleasant Mount — one who takes an active interest in the public welfare, and gives his support to every enterprise calculated to benefit the community. His name is a true index to his character. He is of a genial, kindly nature, is broad and liberal in his views, and he and his worthy wife are among the most refined and highly respected citizens of Pleasant Mount.¹