California Genealogy and History Archives
Biographies
of
Sacramento County
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CHARLES
T. NOYES That
fidelity to duty brings a merited reward finds another illustration in
the life and activities of Charles T. Noyes, whose long service in the
shops of the Southern Pacific railroad at Sacramento was crowned
appropriately, in July of 1905, by his appointment to the responsible
position of superintendent. It is no easy step from apprentice to
managing overseer. The path was tilled with difficulties and made
laborious through obstacles, which, however, gave way before the
resistless pressure of a determined will, a resolute energy and a
patient industry such as was exercised by the young workman. As the
years passed bj' and his accurate knowledge of machinery began to be
appreciated, he rose from his lowly place through successive promo-
tions until finally his abilities were recognized in his appointment as
superintendent, his present position. Our
subject, Charles T. Noyes, was the son of Charles and Lucy C. (Hazelton)
Noyes, both natives of Orange county, Vt., the father having been born
January 10, 1827, a representative of an old and honored colonial family
of New England, whose original members in the new world crossed the
ocean at a date so early that no authentic record has been preserved.
The trip made by the father to the western coast occurred during 1860,
when he settled in Sierra county and engaged for five years as a
blacksmith in the mines. From there he came to the vicinity of
Sacramento and worked on a ranch owned by a brother-in-law, but in a
short time he moved to Marin county. Thence removing to Lafayette, he
there engaged in farming until his death in October, 1911. Charles
T. Noyes was the eldest of four children, two of whom are now living.
His brother, F. B. Noyes, is sheriff of Sutter county. Charles T. was
born in Orange county, Vt., June 13, 1851. After having completed the
course in the public schools Charles T. Noyes was graduated in 1869 and
afterward he worked for two years as a laborer on the ranch of his uncle
near Sacramento. During 1869 he went to Yolo county and secured a
clerkship in a general store, continuing there until the fall of 1870.
Upon his return to Sacramento he began an apprenticeship to the trade of
machinist in the shops of the Southern Pacific railroad. Thus he entered
upon a long and honorable connection with the shop which has continued
for more than forty years. Practically his first promotion occurred in
1884, when he was made shop foreman. The following year he became a
draftsman and continued in that capacity until 1888, when he was again
appointed shop foreman. That responsible place was filled by him until
1901, when he was promoted to be inspector of locomotives. The final and
most noteworthy promotion took place in July of 1905, when he became
superintendent of shops. The mere record of such a long and successful
connection with one company indicates the rugged mentality and forceful
strength of the man. The Republican party has received the ballot of Mr. Noyes ever since he attained his majority and became a voting citizen of the city and commonwealth. Working closely at his appointed task, he has not cared to take the time for public affairs and hence has avoided official candidacies, but we find him to be well informed regarding all national problems. In fraternal relations he holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His marriage took place August 22, 1878, and united him with Miss Mary E. Hussey of Sacramento, where they have continued to make their home in a comfortable cottage surrounded by the evidences of their personal thrift, culture and wise management. They are the parents of two children, the only daughter being Mrs. Lucy F. Starbuck, also of Sacramento. The son, George E., is a graduate of the University of California and a young man of fine educational attainments. The family are identified with the Congregational church. |
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Source: Transcribed by Peggy Hooper 2011 |