Paul, b. 1869, and Ray, b. 1874, were two of four sons of James Allen Noyes and Caroline Atwell Noyes. The family moved from Illinois to the freethought community of Liberal, Barton County, Missouri in 1882. Ray was about 8 at the time and Paul about 13. Allen would have been about 15 and Victor about 17. Sisters Cora and Emma were about 19 and 22 respectively in 1882, and Emma already married. It’s difficult for me to guess the ages of Ray and Paul here but whether the photo was taken before or not long after the move to Liberal, I can’t hazard a guess as to why Allen, at least, wouldn’t have also been included, unless the photo was taken in Liberal and Allen was already living outside the home, as well as Victor.
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