Michael Noyes, a native of New Hampshire, settled in Pittsfield in 1841 after spending years in Pike County, Missouri. In 1841 he founded and edited Pike County’s first newspaper, The Sucker and Farmer’s Record. When Pittsfield Lodge No. 56 AFAM was organized in 1848, he became its first master. Noyes family history says Lincoln gave a speech on the front lawn on one occasion.