BIO:  Pius J. NOEL, Oxford Township, Adams County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
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History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania
Chicago:  Warner, Beers & Co., 1886
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Part III, History of Adams County, Page 501

PIUS J. NOEL, grocer, New Oxford, was born in Oxford Township, this county, in 
1832, a son of Peter R. and Lydia A. (Clunk) Noel, who for many years have 
resided on a farm in the vicinity of Oxford, and to whom were born twelve 
children (all in Adams County), viz.:  Caroline, Pius J., Mary, John, Agnes, 
William, Joseph, James, Louisa, Francis, Lydia A. and Lucinda.  At the age of 
eighteen Pius J. began the blacksmith’s trade with his uncle, Joseph Clunk.  In 
1854 the family removed to Grand Rapids, Mich., where William, Pius J., Joseph 
and James opened a wheelwright shop, the former two being smiths and the latter 
wagon-makers.  The brothers continued the business until 1873, when Pius J. 
returned to Adams County and engaged in the mercantile business at New Oxford, 
in which he is still engaged.  In 1856 our subject paid a visit to Pennsylvania, 
and married Miss Caroline, daughter of James and Mary (Myers) Robinson, who had 
been neighbors of the Noels for many years, Miss Robinson being one of his 
schoolmates.  Mr. Noel returned to Grand Rapids, taking with him his young 
bride, and during their stay there eight children were born to them:  Mary, 
William, James, Ella, Martha, Cora, Henry (deceased) and Carrie (deceased).  
After their return to New Oxford, two sons, Pius and Lewis, were born.  Mrs. 
Noel died in March, 1882.  Mr. Noel is a self-made man, and has earned every 
dollar he is worth.  In business he has always been successful, and has avoided 
politics, so far as a desire for official honors is concerned.  From infancy he 
has been a consistent Catholic.  Mary, the eldest daughter, is a Sister of 
Charity.  Ella and Cora received a liberal education at the academy at 
McSherrystown, and are housekeepers for their father.  One son, James, is 
engaged in business for himself at Waynesboro, and another son, William, is 
clerking for his father at the present time.