The Ancestors of My Grandchildren

Sexton Noble grew to manhood in his native town and received his schooling in the public institutions of learning, which in his boyhood were not as completely equipped as the schools of the present day. He followed farming all his life, commencing on his own account after his marriage, when he purchased a partly improved place in Damascus township — the property on which he ever after resided. The tract comprises eighty acres, now under profitable cultivation, and a comfortable dwelling and all necessary outbuildings have been erected and numerous other improvements added which have materially enhanced the value of the place.
     In addition to general agriculture he engaged in lumbering to some extent, giving his principal attention to these branches of industry, but he also proved his ability in other lines of business and was regarded as a good manager, capable of making a success in anything he undertook. Like his father, he spent years of patient toil in his efforts to provide a comfortable home for himself and family, and he kept up the reputation borne by members of the family generally for honest industry and perseverance in his work, holding an enviable place among the intelligent, well-to-do agriculturists of his neighborhood and making a record for integrity second to none.
     Mr. Noble possessed an unusually retentive memory, and he kept himself posted on local and National affairs of general interest, though he did not take a particularly active part in public affairs. He was liberal-minded and fair in his intercourse with his fellow men everywhere, and gained and retained the respect of all who came in contact with him, his genuine worth and uprightness manifesting itself in his dealings with all. Mrs. Noble shared with him the hardships and toil of their early years, and she also shared with him the esteem of their friends and neighbors throughout Damascus, by whom she is much beloved.
     The Noble family has always done its share in supporting Churches and religious work, giving liberally of their time and means to that end, and they are actively interested in the religious welfare of the community. Mrs. Noble is a member of the M. E. Church, but Mr. Noble and his family have always adhered to the Disciples Society, though he had liberal views in this matter as in everything else. He was originally a Whig in political faith, and supported the Republican party after its organization, especially in National affairs.³