The Twin Church Builders

Haywood Michael NOAH and Martin Franklin NOAH were born 14 Dec 1861 in Randolph County, NC. Their parents were George "Riley" Noah (son of George Noah) and Elizabeth Betsy MOSER (daughter of Frederick MOSER, Jr and Margaret ANTHONY). These twins are my triple cousins. Besides NOAH, we have MOSER and ANTHONY ancestors in common.

Haywood Michael NOAH married Georgie Ann CLAPP on 24 Sep 1890. They had three children. After Haywood's death just short of his 36th birthday, Georgie married William Henry FOGLEMAN. Haywood is buried at Melanchthon Lutheran Church cemetery along with his parents. Georgie Ann is buried at Brick Church, Guilford County, NC.

Martin Franklin NOAH married Sarah Victoria YORK on 12 Mar 1895. They had no children that I know of. Sarah died less than four years later. Martin then married Rebecca BOON on 11 Nov 1901. They had four children. Martin was builder and woodworker like his brother. He was also a violin maker and player as a hobby. Martin died 21 Sep 1918. He is buried at Pine Hill Cemetery, Burlington, NC. Rebecca is also buried there.

Between the twins 12th and 13th birthdays, both of their parents died. The twins went to live with their Uncle Isaiah (my ancestor). Isaiah was the brother of their father. Also, Isaiah's wife, Nancy MOSER, was the sister of their mother. They helped Isaiah build his house. This is where they learned their skills as carpenters and woodworkers.

During the summer of 1889 the twins built Low's Lutheran Church near where they lived. This was the third building that church had occupied. It was built in front of the stone cemetery wall. This building served the church until 1971 when it was replaced by a modern brick structure. There were items preserved from the third building for their historical value. There are two items which have more than an historical value. The Altar and Lectern made by the twins is in the modern building's history room. I had the pleasure of visiting there this summer. The Altar and Lectern, beside their historical value, demonstrate the outstanding furniture-making skills of the twins.