Nicolas-Joseph de Noyelles (October 13, 1695 – August 16, 1761) originally resided in Rochefort, France but came to New France in 1710 to begin his military career as an ensign in the regular colonial troops.
He married in 1718 and, because of a strong family friendship with Governor Charles de Beauharnois, he received favorable postings and promotions.
In 1744, when Pierre Gaultier de Varennes et de La Vérendrye lost the western commanders position of directing the fur trade while exploring a route to the western sea, the position was granted to Noyelles.
Decorated with the cross of Saint Louis in 1749 after a number of letters of commendation by Beauharnois, he returned to France with seven of his eight children and his wife.
He died destitute in his home town of Rochefort, quieting an inquiry into his integrity.