James R. Noland was born on the farm of his
illustrious grandfather, the late Judge James K. Sheley, near
Independence, Missouri, February 18, 1873, the second son of Elizabeth
and H. H. Noland. He was educated at the ward and high schools
at Independence, and took a special English course at Woodland College
and at Westminster College, Fulton, Mo., where he became a Phi Delta
Theta. In 1889 his schooling was interrupted for six months,
during which period he acted as a Senate page at Jefferson City, there
gaining an acquaintanceship with public men and public affairs which
has since been invaluable to him.
During a year's residence in New York as a
protégé of the late author and poet, Arthur Grissom, Mr. Noland
developed his latent literary talent, and since then has met with no
little success as a newspaper writer, versifier, song-writer,
short-story writer, and authority on things theatrical, his specialty,
however, being short stories for children and for boys and girls.
September 28, 1897, he and Miss Ida B.
Matthews, the well-known vocalist, were united in what has proved to
be a peculiarly happy marriage, they being inseparable
companions. They have one child, Jim. Jr., two and a half years
old.
Mr. Noland was appointed Marshal of the
Kansas City Court of Appeals, a State office, January 1, 1897, which
position he now holds.
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