Noyes Family Genealogy & History

John Humphrey Noyes was an influential American preacher, radical religious philosopher, and utopian socialist, born on September 3, 1811, in Brattleboro, Vermont. He founded the Putney, Oneida, and Wallingford Communities and is credited with coining the term "complex marriage." Noyes was deeply influenced by the Second Great Awakening and the idea of Christian perfectionism advocated by Charles Grandison Finney. His controversial belief in living a sin-free life and his practice of "complex marriage" led to significant notoriety and legal issues, including an indictment for "adulterous fornication." Despite these challenges, Noyes's Oneida Community became a notable experiment in communal living.

John Humphrey Noyes was born to John Noyes, a multifaceted professional who served as a minister, teacher, businessman, and U.S. House Representative, and Polly Noyes (née Hayes), who was the aunt of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States. This family background rooted Noyes in a context of political and religious engagement from an early age.

Alfred Noyes CBE was a prominent English poet, short-story writer, and playwright, celebrated for works like "The Highwayman" and the epic poem "Drake." Born in Wolverhampton in 1880, he gained early acclaim with his poetry collection, "The Loom of Years," praised by literary figures like W. B. Yeats. Noyes’ career flourished with the publication of several volumes of poetry, and he became a visiting professor at Princeton University, influencing notable students such as F. Scott Fitzgerald. His writings, often inspired by Romantic poets like Tennyson, were well-received in both the UK and the US.

Alfred Noyes was born to Alfred and Amelia Adams Noyes. His father, a teacher of Latin and Greek, moved the family to Aberystwyth, Wales, when Alfred was four, providing an inspiring backdrop of the Welsh coast and mountains for his early life.

Maty Noyes is an American singer-songwriter known for her significant contributions to the music scene since her rise in 2015. She gained prominence with her vocal feature on The Weeknd's Grammy-winning album "Beauty Behind the Madness" and Kygo's international hit "Stay." Noyes has released solo EPs, including "Noyes Complaint" and "Love Songs From A Lolita," and her debut album, "The Feeling's Mutual," in 2021. Her music, influenced by icons like The Beatles and Johnny Cash, showcases her dynamic voice and songwriting prowess, making her a standout figure in contemporary music.

Maty Noyes was raised in Corinth, Mississippi, alongside her sister Abby and brother Grant. Her musical journey began with piano lessons, but she gravitated toward the guitar at age 12. Encouraged by her family, she pursued her passion for music, eventually moving to Nashville and then Los Angeles to further her career.

Eliot Fette Noyes was a renowned American architect and industrial designer, celebrated for his pivotal role in shaping modern design. His work with IBM, including the iconic IBM Selectric typewriter and the Aerospace Research Center, highlights his innovative contributions to corporate design. Noyes, a member of the influential Harvard Five, also designed numerous residential buildings, notably in New Canaan, Connecticut. As a consultant design director for IBM, he collaborated with design legends like Paul Rand and Charles Eames, pioneering comprehensive corporate-wide design programs that integrated design and business strategies.

Eliot Noyes was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in an intellectually enriched environment. His father taught English at Harvard University, while his mother was an accomplished pianist, providing a rich cultural backdrop that influenced his eventual pursuit of architecture and design.