James Noble (clergyman) facts for kids

James Noble (born around 1876, died 1941) was a very important person. He was a missionary and the first Aboriginal clergyman in the Anglican Church of Australia. A clergyman is like a religious leader. He also helped a lot in investigations about a sad event known as the Forrest River incident.

James Noble's Life Story

Early Life and Beginnings

James Noble worked as a stockman in the early 1890s. A stockman is someone who looks after cattle or sheep on a large farm. People believe he was born in North Queensland. Later, he moved to work near Scone, New South Wales. He was baptized there in July 1895.

Becoming a Clergyman

In 1896, Noble started working at the Yarrabah Mission. This mission was located near Cairns, Queensland. He became very important to the work of the mission's leader, Ernest Gribble.

While at Yarrabah, James married Maggie Frew. They had a son together. Sadly, both Maggie and their child passed away soon after. James later married Angelina (born around 1879, died 1964). They had six children who grew up healthy.

In 1914, James and Angelina Noble moved to the Forrest River Mission in Western Australia. They worked there for the next eighteen years. In September 1925, James Noble made history. He became the first Aboriginal Anglican clergyman in Australia. This happened when he was made a deacon in a special ceremony. The ceremony took place at St George's Cathedral, Perth.

Investigating the Forrest River Incident

In 1926, James Noble used his amazing tracking skills. He went to investigate some worrying rumors. These rumors said that police had harmed Aboriginal people near the Forrest River. He found clear signs that people had been tied to trees and shot.

In 1927, Noble shared what he found with a special investigation. This investigation was called a Royal Commission of Inquiry. The Commission decided that police had likely caused the deaths of eleven people. However, they could not figure out exactly which individuals were responsible.

Later Years and Retirement

After their time at Forrest River, the Nobles returned to Yarrabah in 1932. They then went to work with Ernest Gribble again. This time, they worked at the Palm Island mission.

Two years later, James Noble's health was not good. This meant he had to retire from his work at Palm Island. He returned with his family to Yarrabah. James Noble passed away in 1941. This was after he was injured in a fall.