Laura Belle Noyes was the only child of William M. Noyes and Martha Gambrel Noyes. Laura was born in Lafayette County, Missouri on March 23, 1882. Through family journals it is noted that Laura had no love for her father and hated men because of it. Therefore she never married. She studied at Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg, Missouri and the Kansas City Teachers College. She also did graduate work at the University of Kansas and Columbia University in New York. She taught at numerous elementary schools in Kansas City, Missouri and also in Washington,Iowa. A sweet lady from the Washington Iowa Genealogical Society found the following information for me regarding Laura: "In 1909 Miss Noyes was principal of the kindergarten with Miss Carol Forgey and Miss Verne Ashby as her assistants." Laura was a member of the First Congregational Church, the Retired Teachers Club and the Woman's City Club. Her mother lived with her at 3217 Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri and may also have lived with her when she taught school in Iowa. My grandfather, Lauren Dale Rigg, was with Laura at her death and made the arrangements for her funeral. I believe that is why so many of their family photos and memorabilia ended up with my grandparents and ultimately with me. Laura died on January 22, 1958 at the age of 75. She is buried at Mt. Washington Cemetery beside her mother. I hope to learn more about her life and will add to this page any new information that I acquire.

Laura