Caddo Parish Bios: Noel, James 1884 - 
Submitted by: Mike Miller
Date Submitted: 29 Sep 2006


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Author: Henry E Chambers

James S. Noel.  Few family names in Caddo Parish lead farther back in its 
history or, perhaps, will longer be remembered than that of Noel, a most worthy 
member of which, widely known and universally esteemed, was the late James S. 
Noel of Shreveport, Louisiana.  During a long and useful life his sterling 
character was manifested in many ways, illustrating as it did early manly 
courage, business integrity, unselfish public spirit and helpful Christian zeal.

James S. Noel was born on a plantation in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in 1844, son 
of James D. and Mary (Mooring) Noel, both grandfathers having been pioneers in 
the parish, the maternal grand- father's memory being yet preserved in the town 
to which he gave his name so many years ago.  Mr. Noel's early education was 
looked after under the home roof, as was the general custom in vogue on large 
plantations at that the, and under a tutor he was prepared for McKenzie 
College, a famous oldtime Methodist school at Clarksville, Texas.  His return 
from this institution when eighteen years old marked the date of his entrance 
into the Confederate army, in which he served faithfully as a soldier until the 
close of the war between the states.

After the war Mr. Noel, still a young man, became associated in business at 
Jefferson, Texas, with his uncle, Dr. Cullen Mooring, and resided there until 
1869, when he returned to Mooringsport, Louisiana, where he was interested in 
planting for many years afterward, and became one of the largest cotton 
planters of North Louisiana.  In 1902 Mr. Noel removed with his family to 
Shreveport, and hi that city his death occurred January 15, 1920.  As a broad-
minded, intelligent man, Mr. Noel took a deep interest in the welfare of his 
parish and state, and was one of the pioneers in the cause of temperance.

Mr. Noel married in young manhood Miss Fannie A. Bauguss, who was born in Maury 
County, Tennessee.  She and three daughters and two sons survive, one son, 
James S., Jr., having died April 15, 1901.  The surviving children are: Addie, 
married to C. W. Lane; Mary, married to D. B. Binford; Lizzie, married to 
Hearsey McCain; William B., and Louis L.  The sons were engaged for some years 
in the mercantile business at Shreveport, under the firm name of Noel Bros. & 
Company.  The elder surviving son, William Bryant Noel, was born at 
Mooringsport, and was educated its private schools and Centenary College, then 
located in Jackson, Mississippi.  He married Miss Pattie Fly, who was educated 
in the State Normal School at Natchitoches, Louisiana.  They have three 
children: Louise, who is a graduate of the University of Southern, California, 
at Los Angeles; William B., who is a student in Centenary College; and James F.

Crowning one of the most beautiful hill tops of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been 
erected a stately edifice, a Christian temple second to few in the state in 
spaciousness or beauty of architectural design.  It was dedicated on February 
2, 1913, as the James S. Noel, Jr., Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 
a magnificent gift made to the Louisiana church organization by the late James 
S. Noel, in loving memory of his son, James S, Noel, Jr., whereby "although he 
is dead, he yet speaketh."


Additional Comments:
NOTE:  The sketch is accompanied by a black and white photograph/drawing of the 
subject.

A History of Louisiana, (vol. 2), pp. 327-328, by Henry E. Chambers.  Published 
by The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, 1925.