The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-04-07
NOEL INDICATED
BY RAOF0RD BOARD

! The indication Of R J. Noel. treas-
urer Of the State Normal School by
| the board of trustees OF that insti-
hotel Saturday. is Interesting in that
! 1t was charges brought against man
who had held several important posi-
tons, we'll aducated and has many
| friends throughout the State.
The action of the board marks the
| end of a long controversy which has
been raging in Radford since his cleo
ton as treasurer of the Normal.
Charges were brought against him
by Wise Worrell. editor OF the Rad
ford Record. charging him with be-
Ing unfit to hold the position: that.
OF the city council, he improperly Dor
rowed money from the sinking fund
OF the town; and that, during the time
that he held the position OF post
master. he Incorporated govern
ment funds
All OF the charges were proven
untrue In every sense.
Mr.. Noel was born at Christians
burg. Montgomery county. Va He
was educated at the Virginia Agrfcul-
tural and Mechanical college. now the
Virginia Polytechnic institute. having
graduated when eighteen years old
with high honrs. He was then elect
ed by the board OF visitors as instruc-
tor. but with these duties decided aleo
to continue his course OF study and
received his diploma at the close OF
that session comforting the degree OF
bachelor of arts with an Increase OF
salary for the next two years. Mr..
Noe, was promoted to general assist
ant teacher. librarian and bookkeeper
for the college.
He took considerable interest In the
military feature OF the college: was
captain. Of Company A. and when an
instructor was assistant to the COM
mandant He was also very active In
the Lee Literary society. and was Its
president for two terms. He received
both the decIaimer's and orator.
medal. and made the valedictory ad-
dress at commencement
He resigned his position in college
and went into the drug business in
Christiansburg. Mr.. Noel was ap-
pointed postmaster at East Radford
Va, by President Cleveland in 1898
This was the only public position OF
emoiument be ever held or applied for
until his election as secretary and
treasurer OF the Radford Normal
school over two years ago, though he
served his city on the school board
a number of years Gnd sixteen years
in the city council, the greater por-
ton OF this time he was chairman OF
the finance committee and chairman
of the ordinance committee.
Ia pio ~ a rtty
bonds at most advantageous prices.
and offered the resolution for the con-
struction of the two new grammar
school buildings and the high school
building over which there was a
sharp contest. He was selected by
the citizens OF Radfcrd and the coun
Gil as chairman OF the committee 70
appear before the general assembly
advocating the location OF the normal
school at Radford.
He has been foremost in upbuild-
ing and improving his city. but this
has not been done without criticism
and misrepresentation. which natural
~ follows those who take the lead or
an active part In public affairs
His devotion to tho Virginia Poly
technic institute and her almuni has
been manifested by his service on
numerous committees and by his par
ticipatton in all measures and plans
for their aid and support. Represent
ing the alumni association. he wrote
The Life and Character OF President
Thomas Nelson Conrad" and secured
a tablet to his memory now in the col
lege.
Mr. Noel was married to Miss Irene
James, OF Axton. Pittsylvania county.
Va. in 1883, and TO them were born
eight boys.
He served two years on the board
of visitors of the State Female Normal
school at Farmville, and also served
four years on the Virginia Polytechnic
institute board He was made chair
man OF the committee on finance and
expense OF students. and many bene-
ficial changes In keeping the accounts
OF the departments were made and
announced. He ascertained after con-
siderable Investigation that the y. p.
I. charged the highest matriculatfon
fee of any of tho land grant colleges
and his report and resolution reduced
the matriculation Of Virginia boys
from fifteen dollars session to fve
dollars q session.
Mr.. Noel 10 still in the council of
his city. and Is secretary and treas
urer of the Normal school. as EVIL
denced by the action OF the board OF
trustees unanimously vindicating him
In their action at their meeting latS
evening 1t Murphy's.