NOBLE, THEODORE, a notable example of a self made man, is a successful farmer of Cartwright Township, Sangamon County. He was born in Rushville, Schuyler County, Ill., November 29,1 854, a son of William L. and Louisa (Johnson) Noble, the former born near Louisville, Ky., and the mother's parents being born in England. The parents of William L. Noble brought him to Schuyler County in boyhood and there he reached maturity. They were among the early settlers of the county and the young man learned the trade of cooper. He sold his early product to a packing house at Rushville and was one of the leading citizens of that village. He was a man of public spirit, was a Whig in early life, later helping in the organization of the Republican party. He was elected to various offices of public trust, and served as a Justice of the Peace and Collector for some time. For fifteen years he was City Marshal and Street Supervisor and during the war was appointed by President Lincoln to the office of Deputy Marshal of his district. He was never known to shirk a duty or betray a trust, and was called into many dangerous places in arresting deserters and traitors to the Government. In his capacity of Deputy Provost Marshal he became known throughout his district a fearless upholder of justice.

To William L. Noble and wife children were born as follows: John W., a farmer and merchant of Richland, Ill.; Theodore, of this sketch; Josina M., wife of J. W. Lawler, of Rushville; Simon died in infancy. The mother of these children died when Theodore Noble was about eight years old and, in 1862, his father married Susan Goodwin, by which union he had two daughters and three sons: Mollie, wife of William Frazelle, of St. Louis; Roland, of Rushville; Thomas, a traveling salesman whose home is in St. Louis; Nellie, wife of George Bateman, of Joppa, Ill., James, the first-born died in infancy, and William was killed while working on a railroad, near Peoria. The mother of these children died about 1902.

William L. Noble still calls Rushville his home, but spends much time visiting his children in Sangamon County, and other places. Although born in 1826 he holds his own well and has always taken an active interest in local affairs. He is a Republican and during the war was one of the true patriots of Schuyler County. He has long been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Rushville, and during the war belonged to the Union League and to the promoters of the Underground Railroad.

Theodore Noble was educated in Rushville schools, and after leaving school began working at farming by the month. Being a young man of industry and perseverance, he was able to save money and make a start in life for himself. He remained near his home until he was about eighteen years of age, and in 1872 came to Sangamon County, though at that time his cash capital was but seventy-five cents. For eight years he worked for others and, as a result of his economy, had become able to marry. He was united with Miss Amelia R. Croney, about 1883. She was born in Cartwright Township, where she has always lived, a daughter of Henry and Caroline (Rose) Croney, both natives of Germany, who settled on Lick Creek, Sangamon County, but both are now deceased. After marriage Mr. Noble rented land and began farming on his own account, thus beginning the career in which he has been so successful. In 1886 he purchased eighty acres of land on Section 16, Cartwright Township, which was in a raw condition, soon after purchasing a small frame house which he moved on to his place. He improved his farm, set out shade and ornamental trees and shrubs, tiled part of the land, and brought it into a high state of cultivation and it is now one of the most productive farms in the county. About 1901 the old house was removed and a handsome two story seven room dwelling erected on its site. Mr. Noble had been successful as a farmer and stockman and raises a high grade of stock. His wife is an enthusiastic raiser of chickens, and has high grade White Orpingtons that are pure bred and fine fowls. For many years she has raised Partridge Cochin chickens, and has about 300 of this kind. She has reaped success in her endeavors in this direction and takes great interest in the work.

Four daughters and on son have been born to Mr. Noble and wife, namely: Maude, at home; Mary, wife of Hiram Parkes, a farmer of Cartwright Township, Theodore Clyde, who assists his father with the farm work; Gertrude Lane, at home; and Fannie Bell, at home. Each child has been given a good common school education, and the son took a three year course in a business college at Springfield.

For the past four years Mr. Noble has operated 360 acres of land in addition to the eighty acres which he owns, and is regarded as a practical and capable farmer. By dint of good management and untiring industry he has reached a point in life where it would be possible at any time for him to retire. Like his honored father, he has always supported the principles of the Republican party. He has held various township offices of honor and trust in which he has given excellent service and fraternally is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No. 130. His wife is a member of the Court of Honor, and she and three other members of the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pleasant Plains. During the thirty-nine years of his residence in Sangamon County Mr. Noble has witnessed many changes there, and has done his full share in promoting the general progress of events.

The parents of Mrs. noble, Henry Croney and wife, were neighbors in their native land and both came to America in youth. They were married in New York City and not long afterward settled on Lick Creek, Sangamon County, but in 1865 he purchased a farm on Section 16 of Cartwright Township. He first purchased eighty acres of land and later added another eighty to it, and at the time of his death was considered one of the well-to-do citizens of his township. He lived there until after the death of his wife in 1883, and then removed to Springfield, where he died about 1892. Five of their children reached maturity. Four of these are: Lucy, wife of Edward Lynder of California; Caroline, wife of Charles Purcell, of Paola, Kan.; Frank, of Des Moines, Iowa; Mrs. Noble.