Noblitt Family History

(submitted by Lynda Noblitt Lucas/ originally copied by Brenda Rickman)
 
A.S. Noblitt Birthday Party and Anniversary
 From the Rock Port Democrat, Rock Port, Missouri,
August 9, 1888

Mt. Carmel and Vicinity

Mr. A. S. Noblett enjoyed a pleasant surprise last Thursday.  About 65 of his relatives assembled to celebrate his birthday.  A splendid dinner was served and a good time enjoyed by all.  The Squire was presented with a large easy chair in which he now enjoys himself.  Mr. Noblett is one of the oldest settlers of this county and has a great many neighbors and friends who hope he may enjoy many happy birth-days.

From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri,
August 17, 1888

MT. CARMEL

A reunion took place at the residence of A. S. Noblett, August 2, in honor of Mr. Noblett’s 72nd anniversary.  Eight children were present and three absent, while twenty-eight grandchildren and one great grandchild kept up the usual music fof the day.  The forenoon was passed with joyful congratulations and hand shaking, followed by the presentation of an elegant ratan rocking chair by the children present, J. S., Charles, Geo., Jasper, John, Mollie, Lillie and J. C. Noblett, in which we hope Mr. Noblett may enjoy many hours in his declining years.  A large table had been erected upon which was spread all the delicacies of the season.  Each being seated according to his or her age, that is, the oldest first, middle aged second and little folks last.  In fact it was a grand feast for all as the supply was greatly beyond the demand, richly prepared by the Esq’s amiable wife, whose generosity and hospitality is unequaled.  After all had supplied the inner man we were highly entertained by Mr. Noblett in his usual witty and intelligent way, while Prof. Kennel gave the little folks some fine selections of music.  Mr. Noblett settled on the farm he resides, in April 1848, when the wild turkey gobbled on his door step, and although very fleshy, weighing 300 pounds, is enjoying perfect health.  A brother of the Esq. Was expected from Salem, Oregon.  His letter of regret was received, also stating the death of his (C. W’s.) wife.   Among other relatives we noticed H. O. Robinson and family, of which one member was very sick, David Holly and family, I. J. Robinson and family and Albert Holly.  In conclusion we would say that we noticed the greatest respect and love shown Mr. and Mrs. Noblett by their children, grandchildren and friends.  “Union is strength,” and Mr. Noblett is blessed with this throughout his entire family. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Charles V. Noblitt Obituary
 Charles V. Noblitt Obituary
 
The last of the real pioneers of this community passed on to his reward the past week, one who came to the community as a child in 1848, and lived his entire life in the vicinity of Hamburg.  Chas. V. Noblitt saw the country develop from raw prairie to the finest of farm land, farm methods advance from ox-drawn equipment to the modern tractor, and the conveniences of life go forward from the most meager to the point where it is difficult to indicate luxury, in our way of living.
Moving to Grange Hall with his parents when but two years old, he lived in that community until his retirement to Hamburg a number of years ago.  As a lad he drove six-yoke of oxen across the plains from Nebraska City in a wagon train of twenty wagons, and had many experiences with indians, saw the Mormans along the trails, and lived in the open for a year.  In 1871 he purchased the farm, which he owned at the time of his death, for $10.00 per acre, and he erected a two room house for his bride.  Corn was 20c per bushel and hogs sold for $2.50 per 100, yet the young man paid out on his farm.  As a youth one of the delights was to come to Hamburg with grain for the steamboat landing and to hear of the news of the world by conversations with river men.  Mr. Noblitt was a man among men, always to be depended upon, and was held in high regard by all.  He was a member of the Christian church and lived up to the teachings of his master in every way.
Charles V. Noblitt was born in Liberty, Mo., November 26, 1846, the son of A. S. and Nancy Noblitt, and died at his home in Hamburg June 6, 1944.  On February 29, 1872 he was married to Jane Burg, and to this union three children were born, Leora and Addie preceding him in death.  On May 13, 1883 he was married to Elizabeth Katherine Maupin, and to them two children were born.  He leaves three daughters, Mesdames Lumina Halliday and Dora Johnson of Hamburg and R. T. Smith of Orlando, Florida, one stepson, J. H. Maupin of St. Joe., nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren, also three half-sisters, Mesdames Ethelinda Noblitt of Lone Wolf, Okla., Mollie Stoner and Gratz Brown of Rock Port, to mourn his passing.  He has three grandsons in the service, Charles F. Johnson, Ralph Hatten and Joe E. Maupin.
Funeral services were held at the Johnson Funeral Home Friday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. D. N. Gillett, and interment was in the Hamburg cemetery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CHAS. NOBLITT IS 96
 CHAS. NOBLITT IS 96

Came to Grange Hall Community When But Two Years of Age

The following interesting sketch of a man who is nearing the century mark is taken from last week’s Hamburg Reporter, and will be of interest to his many friends in North Atchison county.  This man, who reached his ninety-sixth birthday on Thanksgiving day, is well preserved for a man of his advanced years.
Thanksgiving Day 1942 marked the 96th birthday of one of our finest young men, and surrounded by his children, grandchildren and friends, he is going to have one of the most happy days of his life.  And is that Thanksgiving feast going to suffer when it faces Charles Noblitt!  If he eats too much there is just one remedy - go out and spade up a little of his victory garden for 1943.
November 26, 1846, Liberty, Missouri, did not make much of a fuss when a son was born to one of the town’s families.  Of course the neighbor women had to come in, as was the custom of the day, and of course, along with the mother, they thought the little red-faced baby who had been named Charles was about the prettiest babe they had seen.  Two years later his parents moved to Grange Hall, where his father had taken a claim.  Linden, then a bustling little town, was the county seat of Atchison county, and the trading place for the Noblitt family.  There was no Hamburg at that time, and had there been it would have been a little too far to drive with oxen or team.  Mr. Noblitt’s father rode over the Wing land, now owned by the Athens, when the wild grass was almost as high as the head of his horse, and wild grass in those days was as common as could be.
In 1871 Mr. Noblitt purchased a farm in Grange Hall community, which he still owns.  It was raw land and he bought it for $10 an acre, and still owns the farm, which has never had a mortgage on it since he paid off the land speculator with twenty-cent corn and $2.50 hogs.  This banker and land speculator used to make his rounds on horseback, and carried large sums of money back to his bank in Cameron, Mo.  The Younger and James gangs were busy in those days, but the banker sent word to the gangs that he wanted no trouble, either on the road or at his bank.  They knew what he meant and let him alone.
Mr. Noblitt and his bride built a crude two-room house on the farm and then set out to improve the raw land, surrounded by other settlers who were doing the same thing.  Times were hard, but they did not expect life to be easy or soft.  Pennies were hoarded in order that they could have money to pay taxes and buy small items which their farm produce did not cover.  It was not a drab life, for there were neighbors in those days, even though they lived many miles away.  For entertainment they provided their own.  Before the days of the churches in the community, ministers would preach in the homes.  Barn raisings, shucking bees, spelling matches and the like provided community activities.  The jug was usually present at barn raisings, but the law of the community did not look with favor upon over-indulgence.
As a lad Mr. Noblitt made a hand in the field.  He liked to work oxen, for they were the best at breaking land.  And then all you had to do was feed them, throw on the yoke and crack the whip.  Harnessing and curry-comb work was out.  Back in those early days young Charles wanted to have some added thrills, so he became engineer for six yoke of oxen on a freighter trip to the West, leading out of Nebraska City on a wagon train of twelve wagons.  Oh yes, Indian fighting, Mormons on the way west and wild nights in the small posts along the way.
The old stagecoach road ran east of Hamburg, a station being on the Jones Finnell farm.  The crossing of the Nishna was at Austin, some miles north of Hamburg, which was Fremont county’s first county seat.  The old Goldenrod road was one of the first in the county, and was a trail to the east, Belford and other towns east being served by freight from the boat landings just below Hamburg.  The Narrows, Linden, Sidney and Hamburg Landings were a few of them.  El Paso was a thriving town in those days, located on the Pritchard land, just south of Hamburg.
Mr. Noblitt remembers well Bill Lewis, an early day gangster, who resided in this community, and who in spite of his fame was often bested.  He was brought into court on murder charges, but was always able to go free.  In spite of his operations he died a poor man and a natural death.  The Jayhawkers visited this community but once, killing a Mr. Fugitt in Madison township, and driving off his live stock, as well as that of other settlers.  They did not take into account the Madison Protective Society, captained by Mr. John Allen, who met the gang at the E street bridge.  One man was killed, another wounded, and some say a few hangings took place at the large elm tree still standing, just west of the present bridge.  Giles Cowles and Cornelius McKissick accounted for two more of the gang near the pop works.  The remainder of the gang was chased to the river near Nebraska City, but little was said by the group from Madison township when they returned.  Word must have spread to Kansas, for that was the last raid.
Through the years, Mr. Noblitt has seen this country develop from a raw, unsettled country to its present state of high cultivation.  He has lived through the greatest age of advancement the world has ever seen, and is just as interested in developments as he was a small youngster.
 
A.S. Noblett obituary
 From the Atchison County Journal, Rock Port, Missouri,
September 21, 1893

Death of A. S. Noblett

    A.S. Noblett, of Polk Township departed this life on Saturday last, Sept. 16th 1893, and his remains were interred at George Hall’s Cemetery on Sunday afternoon following, a host of friends, relatives, and neighbors being in attendance.  The service was conducted by Elder W. H. Hardiman, of the Christian Church of this city.
    A, S. Noblett, was born August 2nd, 1816 in Grayson County Virginia from whence he moved to Tennessee at the age of twenty-one years, and then he was married in 1838.  Shortly after his marriage he moved to Ray County Missouri, and thence to Atchison County ten years later, where he settled on land owned by him at the time of his death.
    He was twice married and both wives preceeded him to the unknown country.  He leaves a large family of children and grandchildren.
    Mr. Noblett was a worthy citizen and a man of character.  He belonged to that class of sturdy pioneers who are rapidly passing away, whose generous hospitality was always extended to the new comer, and of which this writer was the recipient more than thirty years ago.
 
Ida Noblitt
 Ida Noblitt


The subject of this sketch, Ida Noblitt, was born in Marion county, Iowa, April 2, 1865, the daughter of Elijah and Louisinna Lyon and third in a family of nine children.  On April 2, 1879, she was united in marriage with John Ballard, son of James and Elizabeth Ballard.  Mr. Ballard died June 27, 1885.  On February 2, 1890, Mrs. Ballard was married to (James) Seneca Noblitt, in Atchison county, Missouri.  Mr. Noblitt died on March 6, 1893.  He was the son of A. S. and Nancy Noblitt.
    By the first marriage there was one child, namely: Katie, born Dec. 24, 1880.  By the second marriage there were two children - Besse, born June 8, 1891 and Gaylon (Gaylord), born Sept. 11, 1893.
    Mrs. Noblitt owns and lives upon a farm of fifty acres, ten miles north of Rock Port.  The residence is a neat cottage, in size 16 X 16 feet and 12 X 36 feet.  The barn, in size, is 16 X 22 feet, with 14-foot posts.  There are also all necessary outbuildings, an arch cellar, and an orchard and vineyard.


Foot Notes:
This article and picture are from the History of Atchison County, Missouri.  As you can see, there are many errors in the write up.  First is the death date of James Seneca Noblitt, which really occurred on March 09, 1894.  The second is the name of her last child, youngest son of James Seneca Noblitt.  Though written as Gaylon, it is Gaylord Carlyle Noblitt.

 
FATAL ENCOUNTER
 From the Atchison County Journal, Rock Port, Missouri, March 8, 1894

FATAL ENCOUNTER

James Owens Kills his Father-in-law, (James) Seneca Noblett!

On Tuesday night last, the home of Seneca Noblett, in Polk Township, was the scene of a tragic encounter in which Noblett lost his life.  It appears that Owens, who was Noblett’s son-in-law, had separated from his wife and she had returned to her father’s house, on Friday morning last.  Owens had visited his wife daily and tried to induce her to return to his home, and thought she would do so.
On Tuesday he started to the residence of his father-in-law with a buggy intending to try to induce his wife to return home with him.
On the way the team became frightened and ran away with him and damaged the buggy somewhat.  By the time he had fixed the buggy it was nightfall and it was eight o’clock before he arrived at his destination.
He knocked at the door and was invited in by a member of the family.  He went in and told his wife that he wanted to talk with her, Noblett said he didn’t want to hear any more talk and rose and started at Owens in a threatening manner.  He told Noblett to stand back-that he would harm no one, but wanted to talk the matter over, and thereupon drew his gun-a 32-caliber self cocking revolver.  Noblett stepped back and in an instant made a sudden rush at Owens, clinching him about the body.  Owens raised his hand and fired the first shot in the air, the shot taking effect in the ceiling or wall of the room.  Noblett’s son, a young man of sixteen rushed to the rescue of his father and aided in the assault.
Owens then fired two shots at the old man both taking effect, one in the abdomen and one in the breast-either of which would have caused death.  Owens stayed about the place for an hour or two and then went to Sam Egbert, who is Constable, and gave himself up.  On the morning following, he was brought to this city and arraigned before Squire Hurn, waved an examination and was sent to St. Joseph jail to await an examination of the grand jury.
The trouble in this lamentable affair originated in the marriage of James Owens to the daughter of Noblett, which took place over five years ago, and which was opposed by the father.
The young couple ran away and after their marriage went to live in southwestern Missouri.  Two children were born of the marriage.  The wife came north to visit her people and returned to her husband and last season the little family moved to this county, and at the time of the separation was living on the farm of S. S. Noblett, about a mile distant from the home of Seneca Noblett, from which place the wife went to her father’s home on Friday last.
James Owens is a young man of about 26 years of age and has the appearance of a straightforward and rather good natured man.
Seneca Noblett was the oldest son of A. S. Noblett, was born in this county and was a well-to-do farmer.

From the Atchison County Mail, March 9, 1894

SHOT BY HIS SON-IN-LAW

We are sorry to record the sudden death of Seneca Noblett at the hands of his son-in-law, James Owens.  We are indebted to Jacob Brown for the following facts in the case:
On Tuesday evening, March 6, James Owens visited the home of Mr. Noblitt with the avowed purpose of effecting reconciliation with his wife, Fanny Owens who at the time was residing with her father, the husband and wife having heretofore separated.  An altercation ensued between Owens and Noblett, resulting in the shooting of Mr. Noblett, who died instantly.
Owens immediately left the Noblett residence, going to that of Mr. VanMeter and informing him of the facts.  After this he visited the residence of Samuel Egbert, acting Constable of Polk township, and gave himself into the custody of the law.  He was brought to Rock Port the next morning and turned over to Sheriff Shackleford, who left with his prisoner the same morning for St. Joseph, where he was placed in jail for safe keeping.

From the Atchison County Journal, March 15, 1894

Owens, The Murderer of Noblitt
In St. Joseph Jail
  Owens was brought to this city at 2:15 this afternoon by Sheriff Shackleford, and lodged in the county jail for safe keeping.  Not only is the jail at Rock Port a not very secure place, but the indignation against Owens was so great that it was thought best not to keep him there.
  When placed in jail in this city, Owens wandered aimlessly through the corridors, staring at the other prisoners and asking questions as to the mode of management and other inside details.  To a Daily News young man who called on him, he said, “I hain’t got nothin’ to say to the papers,” and he kept his word.
  While the reporter was present, however, he said he thought the jail would be a lonesome place to stay it.  In answer to the question, “Did you kill your father-in-law in self defense?”  Owens again repeated his determination to make no statement touching his crime.
  Owens is, in appearance, about 27 years of age and looks like a poorly-fed farm hand.  There is not the least indication of intelligence or refinement in his make-up.  He is dressed in a rough suit of working clothes and wears his pantaloons tucked down in his boot tops.
  He was equally reticent when talking to the officers. - St. Joe Daily News, March 7.


From the Atchison County Journal, March 22, 1894

Death of J. S. Noblett - The other Side.
MAGNET Mo., March 19, 1894
ELITOR JOURNAL:--

Since there are so many different reports about the killing of J. S. Noblett, by James Owens, and the papers have published Owen’s side of the story, claiming that the deed was done in self defense, which is far from being correct.  It is thought but right, just, and due to the family of J. S. Noblett, that the other side should also be given to the public.  And it has fallen to my lot to give the leading facts in the case, as told by the family.
Some five years ago J. S. Noblett’s daughter, Fannie, aged 16 years and James Owens were married against her fathers will.  Owens proved to be as Mr. Noblett suspected, a worthless fellow.  But as Fannie had run away from home to marry him, she did not like to ask her father to let her come back home.  And held out under the cruel treatment of her husband as long as she could.  But the time came when human endurance gave way, and she left her husband and went home.  Her father, like any other father would have done, took her in.  Owens went to see his wife several times and tried to persuade her to live with him again.  But his wife refused to go.  Mr. Noblett did not interfere with his coming there.  Said to his daughter “Fannie, you know just how he has treated you, now do as you please.”  Owens became enraged because his wife refused to go with him, and told different parties that he was going to kill her.  And after the deed was done said that he went there to kill his wife, and as Senaca interferred he shot him.  Owens had threatened his wife's life time and again before she left him.
The fatal day was on Tuesday, March 6th, Owens had been to Rock Port and also at Linden.  About 8 o’clock at night he came to the house of J. S. Noblett.  The family were all in the kitchen, and no one knew that Owens was on the place until he opened the door, without rapping, walked in, closed the door with a bang, leaned on a high chair by the door (the only door in the room), and drew a pistol from his hip pocket.  Mrs. Owens saw it and said “Oh, Pa, he has a pistol,” and jumped behind her father.  Owens waved his pistol over his head and said, “Stand back or I will kill every one of you.”  “Stand back Seneca.”  Noblett said “Put up your pistol Jim.  I don’t want any shooting.”  Owens put his pistol down in his front pants pocket without taking his hand off of it, and kept cursing and abusing Noblett.
Noblett went to him, offered him a chair and tried to get him to sit down and behave himself.  Owens informed him that he did not come to sit down and again drew his pistol and commenced shooting.  The two first shots were defeated and went into the wall.  The third shot took effect in the lower part of the bowels, and the fourth shot went through the heart and Noblett fell dead upon the floor.  As the first shot was fired Mrs. Owens went out of the window and took her little boy with her and hid in a hay stack.  Owens waved his pistol over the dead body of Noblett, cursing him and saying “You see what kind of a man I am now, I am a desperado.”  He then shook Mrs. Noblett, and held his pistol to her face and said he would shoot her too, but as he had but one ball left he had better save that for the first person that came to the door, but that if she said one word he would kill her.  He then made like threats to one of the little girls.  In the mean time the little boy got out and called S. F. Bell.  As Mr. Bell came to the door Owens drew his pistol on him and told him to stand back or he would kill him.  Bell said “I won’t hurt you Jim.  I want to see Seneca.”  Owens said ”Seneca is dead, I shot him all to pieces,” and let Mr. Bell come in.  As soon as Bell saw that Noblett was dead and began to make preparations for calling help, Owens left.
If Owens went there to talk to his wife as stated in one of the papers, what use did he have for a loaded pistol, a sharpened razor and a whisky bottle?  And why did he take off his overcoat and shoes before entering the room, and then take his position before the only door in the room so no one could get out?
J. S. Noblett, aged 51 years, 4 months and 23 days, was born in Ray county, Mo.  He came to Atchison county with his parents when but a child, and spent the remainder of his life in Polk township.  He was a farmer, a good citizen, a devoted husband and father.  All who knew anything about his home life, know that he was an exceptionally good man to wife and children.  When his first wife died she left him with five little children, one a baby nine days old.  Mr. Noblett employed a man to look after his out-door work and he took care of the children, including the young babe.  And no one could have singled out his children as motherless, for they were as neat and well cared for as any person’s children.  His bereft family consists of his second wife, six children, one stepdaughter, two grandchildren and many relatives.  His untimely death is deplored by the entire community.  But as our heart goes out in sympathy for the bleeding hearts of the bereft family, we remember that this is only one family among many thousands thus bereft.  For the sun never rises but to shine upon many just such scenes as the people of this vicinity have been called upon to witness.  And why?  Because of “drink,” for almost invariably one of the possessors of the murderer is a whiskey bottle.  In one single year 4004 drunken husbands killed their wives.  We do not need a magnifying glass to see that alcoholic drinks degenerate humanity; for we can see it on every side.  We know that drink destroys everything good and noble in man, and leaves him a human fiend.  We also know that there is a law in heredity, and that we inherit the weaknesses and evil propensities of our ancestors as well as their good qualities as far back as four generations.  For God with his own finger wrote upon the tablet of stone and said:  “The iniquity of the fathers shall be visited upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.”  And we also know that where the drink curse is followed from generation to generation, that each generation gets it a little worse than the last.  Then what right have we as a Christian nation to license, protect and perpetuate that which we know degenerates humanity.


From the Atchison County Journal, March 22, 1894

The road, leading by the house where Seneca Noblitt was killed, is often called “Bloody Lane.”  Miss Edna Morrow, it will be remembered, was shot near where Mr. Noblitt was murdered.
Mrs. Owens, wife of the murderer, has a little boy three years old for whom she wishes a home, and would be willing to let a responsible party adopt him.  He is said to be a rather bright little boy.



From the Atchison County Journal, October 4, 1894

VERDICT OF GUILTY
______

James Owens found Guilty of
Murder in the First Degree

  The trial of James Owens for the murder of Seneca Noblett, in March last, commenced on Monday morning.  The prosecution was assisted by John C. Hunt and L. D. Ramsey.  The defence was made by C. R. Barrow and W. R. Littell.  The evidence was all in before 6 o’clock Monday, and Tuesday was devoted to presenting the instructions of the Court, and making the arguments, which took up the greater part of the day.
  The jury was composed of the following named persons:
  Rush Kincannon, John H. Wilson, Jerry Evans, George Prettyman, Walter Curry, Sanuel Kincannon, Huston Harris, James Clevenger, John B. Pierce, William J. Sellers, Edward Hamilton and Arthur Smith.
  The jury was out only a little less than six hours when the following verdict was brought into court:-
  We the jury empanelled and sworn in the above entitled case do, upon our oathes, find the defendant guilty of murder in the first degree.  John H. Wilson, Chairman.  The prisoner was this morning brought into court and sentenced to be hanged November 16, 1894.
 

From the Atchison County Mail, October 5, 1894

MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE

Such was the Verdict of the Jury in the Owens Case

The September term of the Atchison County Circuit Court for 1894 will be recorded as a memorable event, Friday morning, September 28, at 9:15 o’clock, James Owens, having been previously indicted for the murder of Senica Noblitt, was brought into court.  At 9:25 o’clock the court began the work of selecting the forth men from whom were to be chosen the jury to try the case of the State against Owens.  Eighty-three men were drawn before the forty legally qualified tryers were selected.  Seventeen were excused on account of conscientious scruples, twenty-three because of previous opinion and three for dullness of hearing.  At 11:30 o’clock the work of empaneling the select forty was completed, whereupon the Judge said:  “Gentlemen, you will now be excused until Monday morning at 9 o’clock, when you will appear in this court room and answer to your names.  At that time twelve of your number will be selected to try the case of the State against James Owens, now pending in this court.  In the meantime it will be necessary to so arrange your business that it will provide for itself as the jurors selected will not be permitted to separate until the end of the case is reached.  We will expect all to be on time, as no excuse will be taken.  You are excused for the present.
Monday, Oct. 1, not withstanding the rain, the court room was filled at an early hour.  At 9 o’clock a.m. Sheriff Shackleford called the court to order and ten minutes later the names of the forty select men were called and all answered to their names.  At 9:20 o’clock defendant Owens was brought into court, after which the following named jurors were sworn in to try the case:  Rush Kincannon, John H. Wilson, Jerry Evans, George Pettyman, Walter Curry, Samuel Kincannon, Huston Harris, James Clevenger, John B. Pierce, William Sellers, Edward Hamilton, and Arthur Smith.  The witnesses on both sides of the case were sworn and then separated.  At 10:30 o’clock Judge John Richards took the witness stand, he being the first witness introduced.  Up to 12 o’clock, all five other witnesses had testified on the part of the State.  So ended the morning session.
At 1:30 p. m. the case was resumed and upon the examination of a half dozen witnesses the prosecution rested their case at 3:10 o’clock.  After a short recess defendant took the stand and testified in his own behalf, after which attorney L. J. Miles announced that defense rested their case.  The jurors were then excused and a short recess taken by the court for the purpose of preparing instructions.  Later it was ordered that the court stand adjourned until 8 o’clock Tuesday morning.
Court convened at 8 o’clock and argument of the case resumed.   L. J. Miles made argument for the defense and was followed by John C. Hunt, who closed the argument for the State.  The case was submitted to the jury at 3:10 o’clock p. m., after due consideration, the jury returned the following verdict:  “We the jury, upon our oath, find the defendant guilty as charged in the indictment.”
About five years ago James Owens married the daughter of Seneca Noblitt, an old resident of Polk township in this county.  It seems that Owens had so neglected his wife and two children that it was necessary for them to seek refuge at the home of her parents.  It appears that on the evening of March 6, 1894, Owens entered the residence of his father-in-law, under pretense of seeking a reconciliation with his wife, at the same time holding a revolver in his hand in a concealed manner.  Mrs. Owens made the discovery and becoming alarmed, said:  “Pa, he has a revolver and will shoot you.”  At this Noblitt stepped in front of Owens, who drew the revolver and fired.  Noblitt struck Owens’ arm and the ball entered the wall.  A second shot was fired into the wall, as the course was changed by Mr. Noblitt’s fifteen year-old son striking up Owens’ arm.  The third shot entered Mr. Noblitt’s chest passing downward in the direction of the heart.  The fourth bullet passed directly through the abdomen and death ensued immediately.
The verdict meets the approval of all good people who are informed as to the facts in the case.  In our next we will give our readers a brief history of Owens.

From the Atchison County Mail, May 31, 1895

OWENS IS DEAD

Killed While Resisting Officers

  James Owens, the well-known criminal and escaped prisoner, is dead.  His capture and death occurred last Thursday afternoon, May 23rd, and happened in the following manner:
  On the morning of that day he made his appearance at the farm of Fritz Klute, 14 miles north of Rock Port.  He had worked for Mr. Klute in years past.  Mr. Klute informed him that he could not harbor him, but Owens declared his intention of remaining over the day and put his horse in the barn and proceeded to make himself at home. Mr. Klute went about his work as usual, but succeeded in getting word to his neighbor.  Judge C. R. Rolf, who came to this city and notified the authorities.  Deputy Sheriff J. W. Young, accompanied by City Marshal G. H. Fleming, P. F. Drake, Wm. Welch and Wm. Clayton, immediately started for the Klute farm, reaching there about 2 o’clock p. m.  Upon Owens discovering the posse he ran from the house to the barn.  The officers surrounded the barn and one of them had just started to the barn to tell Owens to surrender quietly and he would not be hurt, when Owens came out with his horse.  While he was mounting the horse Wm. Clayton ordered him to halt.  He whirled his horse, and, cursing Clayton the while, fired two shots at him from a revolver, neither of which took effect.  Mr. Clayton fired twice at Owens but did not hit him.  Owens had turned and was riding at full speed for the main road, when he unexpectedly met the remainder of the posse and fired twice at them.  The fire was returned and Owens was shot from his horse and expired instantly, two balls having passed entirely through his body.  None of the officers were injured.  The body was placed in a wagon and brought to this city, arriving here at 6:30 o’clock in the evening.  An inquest was held over the remains and all other necessary legal proceedings were compiled with.  Internment took place at Elmwood cemetery in this city, on Saturday, at 4 o’clock p.m.  Owens’ brother and a number of intimate acquaintances being present.
  While the remains of Owens were at Petry’s undertaking establishment they were looked upon by hundreds of people.  On Friday and Saturday crowds were seen passing down Main street to look upon the lifeless form of the murderer and escaped prisoner.  In this case speedy justice has been executed.  All approve the acts of those who aided in the capture.  Justice meted out to one often proves an act of mercy to others.  It is believed to be true in this case.  Owens mission to this county was, without a doubt, to duplicate the crime for which he was a fugitive at the time of his death.  It is thought that he intended to kill his wife or some of the Noblitt family on the night he met his death.  However, no advantage was taken of him.  He took up arms and perished by them.  His end was the product of his own sowing.  His death was a blessing to society, as he had become an outlaw and was ready to perpetrate crime on all occasions.
  Owens murdered his father-in-law, Seneca Noblitt, on March 6th. 1894, and was convicted of the same at the following September term of Circuit Court and was sentenced to be hung.  He was taken to St. Joseph jail for safe keeping and escaped on last New Tear’s night in company with train robber Crow.


From the Atchison County Mail, February 26, 1904

TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

Chas. V. Noblitt, administrator of the estate of J. S. Noblitt, deceased, advertised a public sale of live stock, etc. for March 24th.
On March 6 James Owens shot and killed J. S. Noblett, an old resident of Polk township.  Owens was taken to St. Joseph jail for safe keeping.  Later he escaped from that jail and was killed while trying to escape from a posse in this county.

.
 
Noblitt Deaths - Atchison County Missouri News Papers
 Noblitt Deaths - Atchison County Missouri News Papers



From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, February 17, 1905

The death of Mrs Charles Noblitt occurred at her home in Polk township.  Mrs. Noblitt was the daughter of J. G. Burg and was an estimatble lady.


Obituary

John Franklin Noblitt was born May 2, 1868 in Atchison County, Missouri and departed this life September 8, 1925, aged 57 years, 4 months and 6 days.
He was married to May L. Ringer in Atchison County, Missouri, March 25,1894.  They moved to Nucholls County, Nebraska, April 6, 1894 where they lived for 25 years.  They moved to Holt County, Nebraska in March, 1919 where they lived for about five years.
Seven children were born to this union:  Harry, Mabel, Jesse, Louis, Johnny, Helen and Dale.  Harry of Hastings, Jesse of Hardy, and Louis of Nora are married.  Mabel is supervisor of a hospital in Denver; Dale is at home with his mother; Helen died May 16, 1907.  John A. Died Feb. 8, 1913.  There are seven grandchildren.
The departed was an indulgent father and husband, a good neighbor, always interested in the welfare of the community.  He was a member of the school board for a number of years.
He was united with the Congregational church at Norfolk, on Easter Sunday, 1924.
The departed leaves with his wife and children and grandchildren, one brother and five sisters, three of whom were present at funeral: Charles and Mrs. H. O. Roberson of Hamburg, Iowa, Mrs. J. F. Holly of Hardy, Mrs. W. J. Noblitt of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, Mrs. U. G. Stoner of Watson, Mo., Mrs. Jacob Brown of Hamburg, Iowa together with a host of other relatives and friends.
Relatives present from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Brown and Mr. and Mrs. Russell Cloepfil and Pauline of Hamburg, Iowa, and Mrs. W. J. Noblitt of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma.
The funeral service was held in the Presbyterian Church at Ruskin, Friday, September 11, 1925 at 1:30 p. m., conducted by Vincent R. Beebe, pastor of the Methodist Church of Nelson.  The hymns were sung by a quartet.  A goodly number of friends of the bereaved attended.






From the Atchison County Journal, Rock Port, Missouri, May 20, 1910


WAS IT MURDER OR SUICIDE?

Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Noblitt Found Dead in Their Home in Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Noblitt, living six miles east of Hamburg, were found dead in their home by a physician who had been summonded from that city early yesterday morning.  It is supposed, according to reports that Mrs. Noblitt died from heart failure, and that the husband while in a fit of despondency over her death, ended his own life.
It is also reported that Mrs. Noblitt left a note, the contents of which have not been made known.
As we go to press it is learned that the coroner of Fremont county, Iowa; was arranging to go to the Noblitt home for the purpose of holding an inquest.
The deceased husband was the son of George C. Noblitt, an extensive farmer of  Polk township, who now resides in Hamburg, and was 29 years old.  The wife was the daughter of John Finnell, of Hamburg.


MRS. W. J.  NOBLITT DIES

Member of Pioneer Family Passes Away at 82 Years

Dorcas A. Brown was born in Delaware county, New York, near New York City, on June 6th, 1856, and passed away at her home in North Atchison county on Monday, March 27th, 1939, after a brief illness, at the age of 82 years, 9 months and 21 days.
She was the daughter of James and Sarah Bradley Brown.  The family came to this part of the country at an early day and settled near Linden, in this county.  Her education was received in the public schools of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and she also attended the academy at Bedford, Iowa.  Taking up the teaching profession, she taught in the schools of Atchison county, this state, and Taylor county, Iowa, for a number of years.  She closed her teaching career at Carthage, Mo.
On March 3rd, 1882, she was united in marriage to Wm. J. Noblitt and they settled near High Creek, Iowa.  Later they moved to the present home in North Polk township, not far from the Iowa line, where Mrs. Noblitt resided until her death.
Four children survive - Mrs. LeRoy Daniel of Portland, Ore.; Mrs. L. C. Stoner of Watson; Dwight M. Noblitt and Kittie E. Noblitt of the home.  Five grandchildren are also among her immediate survivors.  Mr. Noblitt passed away November 11th, 1923.
While residing in Council Bluffs, Mrs. Noblitt became an active member of the First Baptist church and later transferred her membership to the church at Grange Hall.
Mrs. Noblitt’s death marks the passing of the last member of a large pioneer family.
Funeral services were held at Hamburg on Thursday afternoon, March 30th, with interment at the side of her husband in Grange Hall cemetery.  Pastor A. W. Tandy of the High Creek church officiated.  Mrs. Ray Lauriston sang.  Six nephews acted as pallbearers, they being Christopher Brown, Frank J. Brown, Doren Brown, Charles Brown, Billy Brown and Robert Noblitt.


MRS. SARAH HOLLY


Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of A. S. and Fatima Noblitt was born on April 26. 1859, in Atchison county, Missouri, and passed away at Hastings, Nebr., on October 30, 1939, at the age of 80 years, 6 months and 4 days.
She spent her girlhood days in Atchison county Mo., where she was united in marriage to O. P. Lance on July 24, 1881, and to this union was born two sons; Ross W. and Roy F.
In 1890 she was united in marriage to J. F. Holly and to this union was born three children;  Lena A., Arthur J. who died in infancy and Robert O.
The family moved to Nuckolls county in the spring of 1892 to the home south of Ruskin where she resided until the death of her husband and since that time she had made her home with her daughter Mrs. Lena Lewis.
Those left to mourn her passing are the four children;  Ross W. Lance, Hardy, Nebr.; Roy F. Lance, Eckley, Colo.; Lena A. Lewis, Ruskin, Nebr.; and Robert O. Holly. Hynes, Calif.; 11 grandchildrern, 3 great-grandchildren, one brother, Charles Noblitt, Hamburg, Iowa, three sisters, Mrs. Linda Noblitt, Lone Wolf, Okla.; Mrs. Mollie Stoner, Omaha; and Mrs. Lillie Brown, Tarkio, Mo.; also other relatives and many friends.
In early life she united with the Baptist church in Missouri, later transferring her membership to the Lutheran church in Hardy.
Grandma Holly as she was familiarly called was of a kind and generous nature, proving herself “friend indeed” wherever she could be of assistance to a neighbor or friend.  One of her greatest joys was in doing for others.  To know her was to love her.
Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon from the Community church conducted by Rev. Mortensen of Benedict.  Favorite songs were sung by Mrs. Clara Krogh, Mrs. Mabel Magee, Frank Hopkirk and Frank Brown with Mrs. C. O. Hull at the piano.
Pallbearers were five grandsons, Bobby Holly, Hardy; Maynard Lance, Eckley, Colo.; Keith Lance, Ronald Lewis, Earl Lewis, Jr., and Cecil Jensen of Davenport.  Interment in the Ruskin cemetery.




JACOB BROWN DIES AT HOME IN TARKIO

LIVED MANY YEARS IN GRANGE HALL VICINITY
Wife, Daughter and Two Brothers Survive--Funeral Sunday Afternoon-Burial in Home District
Jacob Brown, who lived and farmed in the Grange Hall community many years, passed away at his home in Tarkio last Friday, Sept. 16th, aged seventy years.  Death was caused by a cerebral hemorrhage.
Funeral services were held at the Clement Funeral Home Sunday afternoon by Rev. Walter Getty.  Interment was at Grange Hall cemetery.
Mr. Brown was born in Taylor county, Iowa, February 6th, 1868, the son of James and Mary E. Brown and the oldest child in a family of five.  His parents located in Atchison county many years ago and the subject of this sketch grew to young manhood here branching out into the farming business for himself as he attained man’s estate.  His efforts were successful and he became one of the leading farmers of his community.  He was an extensive cattle feeder.
On October 22nd, 1893, he was married to Lillie Noblitt, daughter of Addison S. and Fatima Noblitt.  Three children were born to them.  Of these one survives-Mrs. Russell Cloepfil.  His wife also survives, as do two brothers, Chris Brown of Tarkio and James brown of Hamburg.
Mr. brown was always regarded as one of the outstanding citizens of North Atchison county.  He was energetic and progressive, and his efforts resulted in success in his chosen line of endeavor.
Retiring from active farming operations several years ago, he established his home in Tarkio, where his last days were spent.


Charles V. Noblitt Obituary

The last of the real pioneers of this community passed on to his reward the past week, one who came to the community as a child in 1848, and lived his entire life in the vicinity of Hamburg.  Chas. V. Noblitt saw the country develop from raw prairie to the finest of farm land, farm methods advance from ox-drawn equipment to the modern tractor, and the conveniences of life go forward from the most meager to the point where it is difficult to indicate luxury, in our way of living.
Moving to Grange Hall with his parents when but two years old, he lived in that community until his retirement to Hamburg a number of years ago.  As a lad he drove six-yoke of oxen across the plains from Nebraska City in a wagon train of twenty wagons, and had many experiences with indians, saw the Mormans along the trails, and lived in the open for a year.  
In 1871 he purchased the farm, which he owned at the time of his death, for $10.00 per acre, and he erected a two room house for his bride.  Corn was 20c per bushel and hogs sold for $2.50 per 100, yet the young man paid out on his farm.  As a youth one of the delights was to come to Hamburg with grain for the steamboat landing and to hear of the news of the world by conversations with river men.  Mr. Noblitt was a man among men, always to be depended upon, and was held in high regard by all.  He was a member of the Christian church and lived up to the teachings of his master in every way.
Charles V. Noblitt was born in Liberty, Mo., November 26, 1846, the son of A. S. and Nancy Noblitt, and died at his home in Hamburg June 6, 1944.  On February 29, 1872 he was married to Jane Burg, and to this union three children were born, Leora and Addie preceding him in death.  On May 13, 1883 he was married to Elizabeth Katherine Maupin, and to them two children were born.  He leaves three daughters, Mesdames Lumina Halliday and Dora Johnson of Hamburg and R. T. Smith of Orlando, Florida, one stepson, J. H. Maupin of St. Joe., nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren, also three half-sisters, Mesdames Ethelinda Noblitt of Lone Wolf, Okla., Mollie Stoner and Gratz Brown of Rock Port, to mourn his passing.  He has three grandsons in the service, Charles F. Johnson, Ralph Hatten and Joe E. Maupin.
Funeral services were held at the Johnson Funeral Home Friday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. D. N. Gillett, and interment was in the Hamburg cemetery.


I. C. Noblitt Obituary

 The Atchison County Journal August 21, 1903

  Word came to Westboro last Saturday stating that I. C. Noblitt, one of Polk township’s oldest and most highly respected citizens, had dropped dead that morning of heart disease.
  While Mr. Noblitt had been in very feeble health for some time, yet his death, coming so sudden and without warning, has cast a shadow of the deepest gloom over the entire community for no man was held in higher esteem by his neighbors than was Chesterfield Noblitt.  Having spent nearly his entire life in Polk township he was known and loved by all.  It has been truthfully said of him that his latch string was always hanging out.  No man ever went to him for a favor which was in his power to grant and went away disappointed.
  Chesterfield Noblitt was born at Camden, Ray county, Missouri, January 12, 1839;  moved with his parents to Atchison county in 1848.  He was married in 1862 to Miss Mary F. Gooch, who survives him.  If this union one daughter was born, Mrs. Martha Mathers, who now lives in Oaklahoma.
   Mr. and Mrs. Noblitt united with the Christian church in 1866 and always lived faithful, consistent Christian lives.  Funeral was preached at Grange Hall at 11 o’clock a. m. by Elder Hall, pastor of the Christian church at Hamburg, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Grange Hall cemetery.
   Besides his wife and daughter he is survived by three brothers, one sister, on half brother, three half sisters and numerous other relatives to mourn his sudden death. __Westboro Enterprise.
Word came to Westboro last Saturday stating that I. C. Noblitt, one of Polk township’s oldest and most highly respected citizens, had dropped dead that morning of heart disease.
  While Mr. Noblitt had been in very feeble health for some time, yet his death, coming so sudden and without warning, has cast a shadow of the deepest gloom over the entire community for no man was held in higher esteem by is neighbors than was Chesterfield Noblitt.
 



Noblitt Marriages - Atchison County Missouri News Papers
 Noblitt Marriages - Atchison County Missouri News Papers



From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, January 2, 1886

Dec. 23, 1885, by Squire Baker in Polk township, Miss Martha Noblett and Mr. John Mather.


From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, March 30, 1888

We are informed that John Noblett, youngest son of A. S. Noblett was married to a Miss. Minnie Jennings last week all of this county.  We wish you a long and prosperous life, and may your troubles and trials be little ones.


From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, December 14, 1888

Married at Sidney, Iowa, last Tuesday, Nov. 29, Mr. James Owens to Miss Fanny Noblett.  Rev. Howe officiating.  Both were yet in their teens.  The bride was the second daughter of J. S. Noblett, was born and grew up in our midst surrounded and related with a good home, kind father, sisters and brother, and a host of warm friends.


From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, April 3, 1891

Married, on March 26th, 1891, by Judge Thos. M. Rash, John F. Noblitt and Cora Egbert.


From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, February 9, 1894

CIRCUIT COURT NOTES
John F. Noblitt vs. Cora Noblitt.  Decree for the plaintiff.  (Divorce)

From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, September 7, 1894

In our last issue we forgot to mention the marriage of Mr. Frank H. Wilson and Miss. Emma Noblett, which occurred at the home of John D. Dopf on Saturday, August 25th.
Rev. B. F. Armstrong performed the ceremony.  The bride is well and favorably known to many of our citizens.  Mr. Wilson is a prosperous business man of Beatrice, Neb.  The MAIL extends congratulations.




From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, December 27, 1895

Neighborhood News
Mt. Carmel

W. L. Zuck Jr., and Miss Dorcas Noblitt were married at the Methodist parsonage in Watsed last Sunday, by Rev. Jeffers.  The event, while not wholly unexpected, comes as a surprise to many.  Both the contracting parties are too well known here for us to make further mention of them.  That they may enjoy a long and happy life is not only the wish of the writer, but of all their many friends.


From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, October 16, 1896

Grange Hall

Cards are out announcing the marriage of Adde Noblitt and Miss May White, October 14.


From the Atchison County Mail and Journal, Rock Port, Missouri, March 10, 1899

James W. Brown of Hamburg, Iowa, and Jettie M. Noblitt of Magnet, were united in marriage Wednesday, March 1st  (or 2nd), Rev. Chas. J. Wilson officiating, at the home of H. O. Roberson.  The bride is the accomplished daughter of Seneca Noblitt, living in the Mt. Carmel neighborhood, and is a bright and industrious young lady, having a host of friends who wish her much joy.  The groom is one of our best young men, having grown into manhood among us, and has set a noble example before his fellow-men.  We wish them success and a long and useful life.


From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, September 22, 1899

Minch - Owen


  Mr, Fred Minch and Mrs. Fannie Owen were united in marriage at the Christian church, at Richmond, Mo., at 3 o’clock p. m., Tuesday September 12th, 1899, Rev. Gentry officiating.
  The bride is the accomplished daughter of J. S. Noblitt, and has been in our midst for some time, dressmaking, and has made many friends.
  Mr. Minch is well known.  Their many friends join with the Times in wishing them a long and happy life.  They will be at home on Front street after the 20th inst. - Orric Times



        



From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, September 27, 1906

SMITH - BALLARD

Christian Bros.’ Store The Scene of a Pretty Wedding

Francis C. Smith And Miss Katie Lee Ballard, of near Rock Port, were united in marriage Wednesday by Rev. J. E. Smith.

The wedding occurred in the cloak department of Christian Bros.’ Store shortly after noon, in the presence of a large number of patrons.

F. A. Stiles, the head clerk, had arranged the department tastefully for the occasion, making the couple feel at home and adding interest to the event.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith will reside on a farm in the High Creek neighborhood.

The Journal joins their friends in extending congratulations.

It is something out of the ordinary for a wedding to take place in a business house, especially during the busy hours of the day, but Christian Bros.’ Never let business interfere with their hobby of extending special favors to patrons and prospective customers.


From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri,Friday, July 3, 1914

Miss Bess Noblitt Married

Mr. Clifford R. Tuttle, of St. Joseph, and Miss Bess Evelyn Noblitt were married at the home of the bride, Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock.  Rev. E. L. Spiller, pastor of the Centennial Methodist Episcopal church, officiating.  The bride is one of Atchison county’s accomplished young ladies, a graduate from the Rock Port High School and a teacher in several schools in the northwest portion of the county.  Also, for a year, she taught in Michigan.  The groom is employed by the Richardson Dry Goods Co., of St. Joseph, Mo.  He is a graduate from Kidder Institute, of Kidder, Mo., and he attended Tarkio College for a time, after which he took a course in the Chicago Kent College of Law, Chicago, Ill.
It was a delightful home wedding with only the relatives and intimate friends of the contracting parties in attendance.  The bride was gowned in a becoming dress of white marquisette, satin and shadow lace, and the groom wore the conventional black.  Refreshments were served, consisting of ice cream moulded in the form of two doves, and cake.
The guests attending from a distance were Mrs. S. A. Tuttle, mother of the groom; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Tuttle, Mr. and Mrs. Vern Tuttle, ____(Tuttle), Mr. Edward Gibson, of Hamilton, Mo.: Mr. Herbert Grebe, Miss Lillie Grebe and Mr. and Mrs. Burl Simpson, of Rock Port.
Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle will be at home to their friends after Sept. 22nd, at 2406, Vories Ave., St. Joseph, Mo., where the groom has a neat, cozy bungalow awaiting their occupancy.  The best wishes of their hosts of friends in Atchison county go with them to their new home.



From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, September 14, 1917


LEONARD NOBLITT WEDDING


Married at Rock Port, Mo., on September 7th, 1917, by H. D. Blake, J. P., Mr. Leonard Noblitt and Miss Bessie Case, both of Hamburg, Ia.
 
 Noblitt Mentioned - Atchison County Missouri News Papers


From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, December 14, 1888
(after the article reporting James Owens and Fanny’s marriage.  This shows that James was involved with something else that day)
J. S. Noblett received a letter from W. H. Bell who was to lecture at the Grange Hall last Tuesday Nov. 29, stating his wife’s severe illness prevented his coming.  The dinner prepared by the ladies of the Grange proved to be a grand feast to all who took pleasure in eating turkey, boiled ham, cakes and pies too numerous to mention.  Invocation for this occasion was offered with emotion by Rev. Graham.


From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, December 27, 1895

Neighborhood News

Mt. Carmel

Fred Noblitt was in Tarkio last Thursday.

Mrs. Owens attended the sewing society in Linden last Thursday.  (Fanny Noblett)

Perry and Miss Nellie Noblitt are home from Tarkio for a Vacation.

Misses Nellie Brown and Katie Ballard were to Tarkio last Saturday.

Charlie Noblitt’s team ran away last week.  No damage done, however.

Miss Dorcas Noblitt visited last week with her cousin, Miss Jettie Noblitt.




From the Atchison County Mail, Rock Port, Missouri, October 16, 1896

Grange Hall

Mrs. C. V. Noblitt, her brother, and his wife, of St. Joseph, were here visiting the first of the week.





TRIPLE BIRTHDAY DINNER

Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Boettner of near Grange Hall had a birthday dinner last Friday at noon which was a triple affair, since it was in observance of the birthdays of Mrs. W. L. Zuck, Mrs. Boettner’s mother, and Mrs. Elmina Boettner, Mr. Boettner’s mother, as well as the anniversary of Mrs. Ezra Brown.
The guests included two whose ages show a variance of ninety years - Chas. V. Noblitt of Hamburg, who is 93 years old, and Carol Ann, three-year-old daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ray Matkin.  Mr. Noblitt is a remarkable man from more than one viewpoint.  He has a splendid memory and regaled the others at the party with reminiscences of many decades ago.  For instance, he says he can recall traveling over the present site of Lincoln, Neb., before the city was established.  He knew all the old-timers of North Atchison county and related numerous incidents which would not be remembered by a man of less agile mind.
Besides the three honor guests, those who attended Friday’s party were:  Mr. Noblitt and daughter, Mrs. Dora Johnson of Hamburg; Mrs. Jake Brown, Mrs. Mollie Stoner, Mrs. Jim Brown, W. L. Zuck, Mrs. Ray Matkin and daughters Mina Alice and Carol Ann, Keith Boettner.
The gathering was an especial treat to the younger generation, as they listened to the relations of events of years ago as recalled by the older members present.


CHAS. NOBLITT IS 96

Came to Grange Hall Community When But Two Years of Age

The following interesting sketch of a man who is nearing the century mark is taken from last week’s Hamburg Reporter, and will be of interest to his many friends in North Atchison county.  This man, who reached his ninety-sixth birthday on Thanksgiving day, is well preserved for a man of his advanced years.
Thanksgiving Day 1942 marked the 96th birthday of one of our finest young men, and surrounded by his children, grandchildren and friends, he is going to have one of the most happy days of his life.  And is that Thanksgiving feast going to suffer when it faces Charles Noblitt!  If he eats too much there is just one remedy - go out and spade up a little of his victory garden for 1943.
November 26, 1846, Liberty, Missouri, did not make much of a fuss when a son was born to one of the town’s families.  Of course the neighbor women had to come in, as was the custom of the day, and of course, along with the mother, they thought the little red-faced baby who had been named Charles was about the prettiest babe they had seen.  Two years later his parents
moved to Grange Hall, where his father had taken a claim.  Linden, then a bustling little town, was the county seat of Atchison county, and the trading place for the Noblitt family.  There was no Hamburg at that time, and had there been it would have been a little too far to drive with oxen or team.  Mr. Noblitt’s father rode over the Wing land, now owned by the Athens, when the wild grass was almost as high as the head of his horse, and wild grass in those days was as common as could be.
In 1871 Mr. Noblitt purchased a farm in Grange Hall community, which he still owns.  It was raw land and he bought it for $10 an acre, and still owns the farm, which has never had a mortgage on it since he paid off the land speculator with twenty-cent corn and $2.50 hogs.  This banker and land speculator used to make his rounds on horseback, and carried large sums of money back to his bank in Cameron, Mo.  The Younger and James gangs were busy in those days, but the banker sent word to the gangs that he wanted no trouble, either on the road or at his bank.  They knew what he meant and let him alone.
Mr. Noblitt and his bride built a crude two-room house on the farm and then set out to improve the raw land, surrounded by other settlers who were doing the same thing.  Times were hard, but they did not expect life to be easy or soft.  Pennies were hoarded in order that they could have money to pay taxes and buy small items which their farm produce did not cover.  It was not a drab life, for there were neighbors in those days, even though they lived many miles away.  For entertainment they provided their own.  Before the days of the churches in the community, ministers would preach in the homes.  Barn raisings, shucking bees, spelling matches and the like provided community activities.  The jug was usually present at barn raisings, but the law of the community did not look with favor upon over-indulgence.
As a lad Mr. Noblitt made a hand in the field.  He liked to work oxen, for they were the best at breaking land.  And then all you had to do was feed them, throw on the yoke and crack the whip.  Harnessing and curry-comb work was out.  Back in those early days young Charles wanted to have some added thrills, so he became engineer for six yoke of oxen on a freighter trip to the West, leading out of Nebraska City on a wagon train of twelve wagons.  Oh yes, Indian fighting, Mormons on the way west and wild nights in the small posts along the way.
The old stagecoach road ran east of Hamburg, a station being on the Jones Finnell farm.  The crossing of the Nishna was at Austin, some miles north of Hamburg, which was Fremont county’s first county seat.  The old Goldenrod road was one of the first in the county, and was a trail to the east, Belford and other towns east being served by freight from the boat landings just below Hamburg.  The Narrows, Linden, Sidney and Hamburg Landings were a few of them.  El Paso was a thriving town in those days, located on the Pritchard land, just south of Hamburg.
Mr. Noblitt remembers well Bill Lewis, an early day gangster, who resided in this community, and who in spite of his fame was often bested.  He was brought into court on murder charges, but was always able to go free.  In spite of his operations he died a poor man and a natural death.  The Jayhawkers visited this community but once, killing a Mr. Fugitt in Madison township, and driving off his live stock, as well as that of other settlers.  They did not take into account the Madison Protective Society, captained by Mr. John Allen, who met the gang at the E street bridge.  One man was killed, another wounded, and some say a few hangings took place at the large elm tree still standing, just west of the present bridge.  Giles Cowles and Cornelius McKissick accounted for two more of the gang near the pop works.  The remainder of the gang was chased to the river near Nebraska City, but little was said by the group from Madison township when they returned.  Word must have spread to Kansas, for that was the last raid.
Through the years, Mr. Noblitt has seen this country develop from a raw, unsettled country to its present state of high cultivation.  He has lived through the greatest age of advancement the world has ever seen, and is just as interested in developments as he was a small youngster.
From the Atchison County Mail January 28, 1910

A Pioneer Settler

  Among the old-time residents of Atchison county the Noblitts may be mentioned, and, in conversation with C. V. Noblitt, now a citizen of Hamburg, he told the Republican reporter that sixty-one years ago they came to the High Creek community, in the north central part of Atchison county, Missouri, and they began the opening up of a farm.  It was a tedious process in those early days, but they saw a future for this country and remained for the reward.

  Conveniences were few and hardships were perplexing.  Delays offset them on every hand.  They did their milling at Meek’s Mill, where Rock Port now stands.  They bought most of their goods at the Linden store.  All merchandise came up the Missouri river on boats and was then hauled by freight teams to the different sections of the country where stores might be located.  Indians were frequent visitors as they were roving from place to place.  Mr. Noblitt saw the old block house at Fort Kearney (now Nebraska City) were soldiers were stationed against the Indians.  He has seen the country grow from the state of wild prairie sod to the present high state of cultivation.  There was not a town in southwestern Iowa or northwestern Missouri in those pioneer days, neither were there railroads, but all abounded with the wildness of nature. __ Hamburg Republican