James Noble

Background

He was born in Peebles, Scotland on March 1, 1842, a son of Reverend Thomas Adam.

Career

He initially settled at New Haven, Connecticut, where he began a successful retail operation. In 1881, he moved back to Buffalo and started a full-scale department store at Main and Washington Streets, the J. North. Adam & Company In 1905, he retired from the company.

In 1901, he was elected alderman of the 24th ward.

He was elected mayor on November 7, 1905, as the Democratic candidate. He did not run for another term.

Some time between 1910 and 1915, he purchased almost 300 acres (12 km2) of land adjacent to the village of Perrysburg, New York using proceeds from his own personal fortune to establish a tuberculosis asylum. A hospital was opened known as the J. North. Adam Memorial Hospital for Tuberculosis.

lieutenant later became the J. North. Adam State School for Severely Mentally Retarded.

Achievements

• Also in 1872, upon the advice of his brother, Robert B. Adam, co-founder of Adam, Meldrum & Anderson, he came to America.