admin HORACE A. NOBLE, senior member of the well-known firm of Frank Williams & Company, is one of Buffalo’s most substantial and most highly respected citizens. Born in Rome, Oneida County, New York, October 8, 1841, he is a son of John and Harriet A. Noble. His education was obtained in the public schools and the Academy at Rome, graduating from the latter at the age of 19 years. In 1862, while yet residing on the farm, he enlisted in Company C, Fiftieth Regiment, New York Volunteer Engineers, in the Civil War, and after serving in that company six months was detailed in the Quartermaster’s Department of the Engineers’ Brigade, serving until the close of the war, being mustered out in June, 1865. Immediately upon his return from the service he entered the employ of the Merchants’ Bank of Syracuse, continuing there until the spring of 1867, when he removed to Buffalo, and there entered the employ of Mr. Frank Williams, then engaged in the forwarding business. In 1873 the coal business was added to the transportation business, and in 1875 the firm of Frank Williams & Co. was organized, which has continued to exist to the present time and of which Mr. Noble is the senior member. This firm is not only one of the oldest in their line in the city, but one of the largest, operating three bituminous coal mines, besides purchasing large quantities in order to supply their extensive trade.
Mr. Noble is a Republican in politics. The only public office he ever consented to accept was that of Park Commissioner in 1904, by appointment of Mayor Knight. Mr. Noble is one of the most prominent Masons in the State, and his record is an enviable one. Made a Mason in Roman Lodge, No. 223, F. & A. M., at Rome, New York, August 19, 1865; affiliated with Queen City Lodge, No. 358, of Buffalo, April 7, 1876; made a Royal Arch Mason in Buffalo Chapter, No. 71, R. A. M., December 13, 1876; made a member of Buffalo Council, No. 17, R. & S. M., November 8, 1877; made a Knight Templar in Lake Erie Commandery, No. 20, K. T., March 5, 1877; received the Scottish Rite Degrees in Rochester Consistory, February 26, 1880; affiliated and was made a charter member of Buffalo Consistory about 1890; created Sovereign Grand Inspector-General, thirty third degree honorary member in Supreme Council, September 17, 1895. He has held the offices of High Priest of Buffalo Chapter, 1881-2; Treasurer of Buffalo Chapter, from 1889 to date; served as Eminent Commander of Lake Erie Commandery, No. 20, in 1881-2-3-4; and served as Grand Commander in 1895-6.
March 19, 1867, Mr. Noble was married to Prances A. Wilcox, a daughter of Joseph and Panny Jane Wilcox of Rome, New York. Their children are: Alma J., Joseph W., and Mary L. Noble.
SOURCE: Memorial and Family History of Erie County New York; Volume I