Sacramento County
Biographies
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 filled 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 by and his accurate
knowledge of machinery began to be appreciated, he rose from his lowly place
through successive promotions 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, con-tinuing 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 the 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.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis, William
L., History of Sacramento
County, California, Pages Pages
508-510. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1913.
© 2005 Sally Kaleta.