In the American Civil War, he served as an officer in the famed Iron Brigade of the Army of the Potomac and lost a foot at the Battle of Antietam.

[1] In 1844, he moved to Iowa County, in the Wisconsin Territory, and mined for lead, becoming associated with future Union Army brigadier general Amasa Cobb.

[2] At the start of the American Civil War, Noyes volunteered for duty and was commissioned 1st lieutenant for Company A of the newly established 6th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment.

[3] Noyes was promoted to captain of the company, but in the fall of 1862, was severely wounded at the Battle of Antietam when a shell exploded nearby.

[3] Noyes returned to Wisconsin and served as chief recruiting officer for the state from January 1863 through July 1864, when he was discharged from service.

They were ordered to western Missouri in March, and Major Noyes had command of the regiment until the arrival of their Lieutenant Colonel in mid-April.