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The Pickens Family Archive
Martin and Harrison Family
Introduction
The Lines of Pierre Martain and John Martin
Benjamin Martin and Diana Harison
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Dear Reader:
Most of the following information was obtained
from Chapter 4 of "Simpson and Billingsley Martin and
Edwards – Their Allied Families" compiled and privately
published by Mrs. Ulys Jackson (Mary Ruth) from 1978-1980.
However, the information presented here, in electronic form,
is in a completely different format.
The original book is a precious resource, granted
to my temporary use and safe keeping by my paternal grandmother,
Laverna Pickens. Armed with a digital scanner and a word processor,
I have managed to capture a small portion of this labor of
love, and recast it in a way that I hope continues to reflect
the essence of Mary Ruth’s writing while organizing the presentation
in a way that meets the needs of my family investigation and
yet preserves useful information for other researchers interested
in related geneological investigations.
Much work remains.
David Pickens - July, 1999
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Martin Historical - The French Huguenots
The families of Peter Martin and his wife, Mary Rapine Martin were
French Protestants called Huguenots. A massacre of these French
Protestants began in Paris early in the morning of the feast day
of Saint Bartholomew, August 24, 1572. This massacre was the result
of many years of strife between the Roman Catholic and Huguenot
(Protestant) parties in France.
The Edict of Nantes, one of the most celebrated royal decrees in
history, was the first formal recognition by a great European country
of the Principle of Religious toleration. It was signed by King
Henry IV of France in the city of Nantes on April 13, 1598; it marked
the end of a struggle between the Roman Catholics and Protestants
that had long harassed the Kingdom. By this decree, the Huguenots
were given the same civil rights as the Roman Catholics and granted
liberty of conscience in religious matters, under certain conditions.
The Edict remained in force until its revocation by Louis XIV in
1685. Then, continued the great exodus of French Huguenots from
France.
Refuge in Great Britain was sought by the Huguenots early in the
sixteenth century, and steadily increased. They became useful citizens
of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Germany. Their skill, industry,
and worth speedily secured recognition, and prosperity and there
is scarcely a branch of literature, science, and art in which they
have not distinguished themselves.
Many of these Huguenot refugees turned their eyes to America and
sought a home in Virginia. Many families took their residence along
the James, Potomac, and Rappahannock Rivers. The Huguenots carried
with them industry, intelligence, prosperity, truth and happiness.
England helped bear the expense of transporting these fine families
to its Colony in America.
The Martin Family is among the forty-nine "best families" selected
by the American Historical-Genealogical Society for whom the Society
has published family histories during the past years. The Martin
family has been prominent in the British Empire and in the United
States, its members having played important roles in War and in
Peace.
Origin of the Martin Family Name
The surname Martin has its origin in the personal name made illustrious
by St. Martin. Many places in Normandy were dedicated to St. Martin
and from one of these sprang the great family who came to England.
The name is variously spelled, even in the records of the same
family, such as: Martin; Martyn; Marten; Marttin; and Martain.
A total of 1789 Martins served in the American Revolution from
the respective colonies. Montgomery Seaver names the number of Martins
serving from each of the thirteen Colonies.
The Peter Martin or Martain Family – First
Martin Immigrants to America
In the Book "Our Heritage" Mrs. Margaret Walker Freel wrote:
"Peter Martin was the first of the family to come to America. He
came from Germany and built a home in the Chickahominy Swamp in
Virginia."
A copy of a newspaper article (date unknown) by Miss Ruth Linney,
a Martin family historian, now deceased, states that Peter Martin
came from France and settled in Virginia at Chickahominy Swamp or
river. James Martin wrote that he came from Germany, but Julius
Martin discovered by research that he was Piere Martin of France.
These writers agree that Henry Martin was the son of Peter Martin.
Peter Martin had several children, though there is record of only
three: James, John and Henry."
According to Mrs. Freel, Benjamin Martin - who married Diana Harrison
and migrated to Wilkes Co. N.C. in 1782 - is said to be a descendant
of Peter Martin. Miss Ruth Linney reported that Peter Martin married
Mary Anthony Rapine of Goochland Co., Va., that their son Henry
married Sarah - a daughter of John Bryan - and that Benjamin, son
of Henry and Sarah Bryan Martin, married Diana Harrison. The Martin
/ Martain and Rapine families were French Huguenot refugees who
settled around 1700 in Mannachin Town, King William Parish, Virginia,
on the James River.
The children of Henry and Sarah Bryan Martin were: Randolph, John,
William, Jesseh, Henry, Benjamin (b. 4/8/1746 d. 10/31/1821), Diane,
Elizabeth, Sarah, and Mary.
Participation in the American Revolution
We find four of the sons of Henry and Sarah Bryan Martin serving
their country in the American Revolution:
"Ensign Benjamin Martin, a man of sterling patriotism constantly
extended himself to encourage his people to make every needed
sacrifice and to put forth every humble exertion in defence of
the liberties of their country. He lived in Fluvania County, Va.
and the Court Order Book of this county shows that Benjamin Martin
was appointed Ensign and sworn into office Sept. 4, 1777. His
brother, Henry Martin, was appointed First Lieutenant by the Fluvania
Co. Va. Court on the same day, Sept. 4, 1777. Two other brothers,
John and William Martin, were also recommended Sept. 4, 1777 as
second Lieutenants."
Therefore the four Martin brothers were officers
in the Fluvania County troops in the War of the Revolution. Lieutenant
Henry Martin is also mentioned as being in command at Cabin Point,
Va. in 1780.
A Look at the Continental Navy of 1777
"Let us understand when the Revolutionary War began there was
no such thing as a Revolutionary Navy. During the years before the
war the colonists had developed an intensive fleet of small privately
owned merchant vessels but there were no armed ships to protect
either the trading fleet or the coast line. Moreover the merchant
ships had become exceedingly important to the economy of the colonies.
The little sloops and schooners, handy and fast, carried on a highly
profitable commerce between the coastal towns, the Bermuda Islands,
and West Indies going out with cargoes of horse and cattle, salt,
beef and pork, lumber, and Indian corn, and returning with molasses,
sugar, rum, and wine. They also provided the earliest means of communication
between the various settlements, for what roads existed were poor
at best, and in bad weather were virtually impassable.
Because the merchant ships were the very lifeblood of the colonies,
England's first act of war was to dispatch a number of war vessels
to America to bottle up the ports and cruise up and down the coast
to capture or destroy what American ships were able to elude their
blockade, and it became obvious to the Americans that if Britain
succeeded in her purpose the war would soon be over.
General Washington early recognized the need for armed vessels,
both to protect the coastline and to support the land forces.
The Revolutionary Navy, as it finally evolved, was a hodgepodge
of continental ships, state ships and privateers.
The continental ships were those authorized by the Continental
Congress, but the first squadron did not get to sea until early
in 1776. The state ships were those authorized by the individual
colonies, and operated them independently to protect themselves.
The privateers were privately-owned ships which were granted a
license or "letter of Marque" by which it was permitted to carry
armament and, in the course of its trading voyages, to attack
and capture enemy ships.
Early in 1777 the first of the thirteen Continental frigates
was ready for sea. There was a shortage of men for crews for the
seamen preferred service in the Privateers, where the pay was
thirty to forty dollars per month as against eight dollars per
month in the navy, and the chances for prize money were doubled."
Such were the conditions of the Continental Navy when Benjamin
Martin was appointed ensign and sworn into office on Sept. 7, 1777.
Fluvania, Co. Va. Benjamin Martin's spirit of 1777 was inherited
by his descendants. We find his descendants serving ably in all
the American conflicts of war.
Martin Family Outline
In order to understand the lineage of the Martin Family an outline
is included at this point.
[Editor note: Mary Ruth Jackson - the original compiler
– outlines two distinct lineages of the Martin Family; however the
preceeding discussion only mentions that of Peter Martain, traced
in the left column in Table 1 below. The two Martin lines merge
with the marriage of John Martin Jr. and Diana Martin Martin. The
second Martin branch begins in the right column and traces from
a John Martin: wife unknown, history apparently unknown. I
am researching this line.
I have edited the information in order to follow my family tree,
rather than Mary Ruth’s. Children in my direct family line are shown
in bold type. Once the two Martin lines merge, through the
marriage of John and Diana, the lineage is continued in a single
column, as the Martin name is inherited from both the mysterious
John Martin (wife unknown!) and the only slightly better documented
Pierre Martin lineage.
The fact that much work remains for investigation is evident
from the hyperlinks within the table. In the present on line edition,
detailed information on a single couple - Benjamin Martin and Diana
Harrison, and their descendants, is available.]
Table 1: The Peter Martain and John
Martin Lineage
| Peter / Pierre Martain &
Mary Rapine
French Huguenots b. in France before 1700
Children: James, John, Henry, & others
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John Martin wife unknown
John d. CA 1783
Children: Mary, Bridget, Christian, Ann, John, Isaac,
William, Henry, Ambrose
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| Henry Martain & Sarah Bryan
Henry b. in VA; Sarah in PA or VA
Children: Randolph, John, William, Jesseh, Henry, Benjamin,
Diana, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary
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Issac Martin & Peggy (Margaret)
Issac b 14/2/1728 d. 25/7/1798; Peggy b. 30/10/1730 d. 29/7/1798
Children: John, Fanny, Elizabeth
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| Benjamin Martin & Diana Harrison
Benjamin b. 8/4/1746 in VA d. 31/10/1821 in NC; Diana b.
1/10/1744 in VA d. 11/5/1817 in NC
Children: Robert, Patsy, Benjamin Harrison, Sarah, Meredith,
James, Ann, John, Elizabeth, Amelia, Diana
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John Martin & Elizabeth Green
John b. 23/8/1756 in VA d. 29/6/1810 in NC; Elizabeth b.
11/10/1757 d. 13/8/1844 in NC
Children: Fanny, Thomas, John, Issac, Sallie,
William
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John Martin & Diana Martin Martin
John b. 12/9/1786 d. after 1860; Diana b. 5/4/1788 in NC
d. 1/10/1838 in NC
Children: William, Benjamin, Sally, Patsy, Isaac, James,
Elizabeth, Thomas, Robert, John Harrison,
Alfred, william, Milly, Harrison, Edwin, Child, Hugh, Diana
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John Harrison Martin & Mary Jane Edwards
John b. 10/12/1821 in NC d. 21/10/1879 in AR; Mary Jane
b. 4/1/1829 in NC d. 1/1/1912 in AR
Children: David Tom, Nannie D., John Isom,
Alfred W.W., Sowel Edwin, Sallie Mary Amelia
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Benjamin Martin and Diana Harrison
Benjamin Martin, son of Henry and Sarah Bryan Martin was born April
8, 1746 near the Chickehominy River Va. and died Oct. 31, 1821 in
Wilkes Co. N.C. He married Diana Harrison (b. 1, Oct. 1744, in Va.,
d. 11, May 1817 Wilkes Co., N.C. Verified by DAR number 81010).
The marriage of Benjamin Martin and Diana Harrison on the on the
21, Aug. 1766 in Goochland Parish, Va. is recorded in DOUGLAS REGISTER,
of Goochland Co. Diana,was the daughter of Benjamin Harrison and
his first wife, said to be Pricilla Cary. See HARRISON EXCURSUS.
Benjamin Martin was living in Albermarle Co., at the time of his
marriage. Births recorded in DOUGLAS REGISTER: Benjamin Martin &
Dianah Harrison, a son named Robert born Aug. 1, 1767. Baptized
Sept. 13, 1768 - page 78. Benjamin Martin and Dianah Harrison a
daughter named Sarah Meredith, b---- Baptized Feb. 14, 1774.
Benjamin and Dianah Harrison Martin and children migrated from
Fluvanna Co. Va. to Wilkes Co. N.C. in the winter of 1781-82. Two
of Benjamin Martin's brothers, John and William also migrated from
Va. to N.C. at the same time as Benjamin, winter of 1781-82. William
settled in Iredell Co. N.C. (John's whereabouts not determined)
Benjamin and Dianah Harrison Martin's daughter, Elizabeth b. 1783,
Wilkes Co. N.C. married her first cousin, John Martin, son of William
Martin of Iredell Co. N.C. Quote from the late Ruth Linney of Wilkes
Co. N.C. A Martin Family Historian. Benjamin Martin is listed on
the 1782 Tax List of Wilkes Co. N.C. in Capt. Wm. Rennolds Dist.
along with his brother-in-law, Capt. Thomas Thurman, who married
Sarah Harrison a sister to Benjamin Martin's wife, Dianah. Benjamin
and Dianah Harrison Martin settled within a mile of the present
Brier Creek Baptist Church, probably at the Ben Martin or Douthit
farm, where he and his wife, Diana, were buried. Besides their being
buried at the Douthit place, other evidence pointing to that as
their home is that the framework of the Douthit house is thought
to be that of Ensign Benjamin Martin's house of pioneer days, and
the abandoned barns of huge logs on that farm are thought to have
been built by him. Benjamin Martin's land extended several miles
along the Yadkin River until it met the farm of Major John Bryan,
an Irishman who had fought in the Revolution. Benjamin Martin's
third son, James, married John Bryan's oldest daughter, Elvira.
Brier Creek Baptist Church
Brier Creek Baptist Church is located on the south side of the
Yadkin River, 16 miles from Wilksboro, in Wilkes Co. N.C. It was
organized in 1783 and observed its 150th Anniversary in 1933. The
Church was constituted from George McNeil's Church by Lewis Shelton,
George McNiel, and John Cleveland, with eleven members: Benjamin
Martin, John Parks, Benjamin Toney, Gooding Sicking, Jacob Madcalf,
Charles Bond, Diana Martin, Elizabeth Tony, Sarah Thurmond, Hannah
Garrison, and Mary Caloway. Descendants of Benjamin Martin
and some of those of John Parks still live near the church. Brier
Creek Church has been in constant use up to and including the present
time. The building is now of brick and a highway has come between
the church and the cemetery, but the location is the same. It is
on the south side of the Yadkin River, a few miles across the river
from the village of Ronda, in the area commonly known as the Dellaplane
co nit . It lays claim to being the oldest church in Wilkes County
that has operated constantly. The Brier Creek Church minutes show
that many, many descendants of Benjamin Martin and of Isaac Martin
have been members of this historic church. Also the Martin negroes
belonged to this church. Brier Creek Baptist Church minutes (1783-1860)
have been microfilmed by Historical Commission, Southern Baptist
Convention, Nashville, Tennessee, And Genealogical excerpts abstracted
from film by Mrs. W.O. Absher, G.R.S. have been published in WILKES
COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETINS. P.O. Box 1629, North Wilkesboro,
N,C. 28659.
There are many interesting items in the Church Minutes, such as:
Jan. 26, 1816 Benjamin H. Martin guilty of getting drunk, repented
and was forgiven. (He was son of Benjamin Martin)
Sep. 22, 1821 Reports are out about Abner Wooten taking potatoes
from Colonel John Martin's potato patch; he was found not guilty.
(John was son of Benjamin Martin)
Jun. 22, 1821 Benjamin Martin reported trouble between his negro,
Peter, and another of his negroes. Negro Peter forgiven. (this
was only a few months before Benjamin died)
1787 N.C. Census of Wilkes Co. N.C. Capt. Carrell's District BENJAMIN
Martin:
White males from 21 to 60 years 1
White males under 21 years and over 60 years 5
White females of every age 7
Blacks of each sex from 12 to 50 years 5
Blacks under 12 years and over 50 years 7
The Martin Families became one of the prominent
families of Wilkes Co., N.C. They were connected through-marriage
with the families of: Parks, Bryan, Edwards, Rousseau, Cleveland,
Jones, Petty, Hubbard, Calloway, Wright and others. The Wright family
were cousins of General George Washington (proven by DAR lineage.)
The County Court Minutes of Wilkes Co., N.C. shows that Benjamin
Martin and his brother-in-law, Thomas Thurman served as Jurors many
times. The 1790 U.S. Census of Wilkes Co., N.C. shows Benjamin Martin
with 13 negroes, which constituted a fortune in those pioneer days.
Will of Benjamin Martin
COPY OF ORIGINAL WILL IN POSSESSION OF THIS
COMPILER.
[Editor note: Mary Ruth had this document; I have no information
concerning its current whereabouts.]
Benjamin Martin'S WILL
In the Name of GOD amen. I, Benjamin Martin, of the State of North
Carolina and County of Wilkes being in good health of body and sound
of mind and memory, thanks be to GOD for the same, calling unto
mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed
for all men once to die, do this sixth day of February in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen make and publish
this my last WILL and Testament in manner following, that is to
say. First, of all, I commit my Soul to God who gave it, my Body
to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the disposal of my
Executors. Secondly, I desire that all my just debts should be paid
out of my money and property. Thirdly, I give to my four sons, the
following Negroes, to wit: Negro John to my son Robert Martin, Negro
Sam to my son Benjamin Harrison Martin; Negro Joe to my son James
Martin and Negro Casar to my son John Martin; and to my Daughters,
Patsy Parks I give the following Negroes, Sarah, Andrew, Sam and
Ambrose, and to Sarah Meredith Rosseau I give Jinney, and her incerase,
and to Anne Bagby I give Winney and Cate and their Increase, and
to Elizabeth Martin I give Lillar and Tom, and to Diannah
Martin I give Sarah and Dianah and their Increase to them and their
heirs forever. I also give to my two sons James Martin and John
Martin the tract of land whereon I now live. (to wit) the upper
end I give to James Martin and the lower end I give to John Martin,
the Division line to run as follows, (to wit: Beginning at the mouth
of the Spring Branch thence a straight line to a marked poplar at
the foot of the Hill whereon I now live thence along the foot of
said Hill so as take in a part of said branch of for the benefit
of Watering the lower tract, thence to a Marked Oak near the foot
of the Hill beyond the Gate, thence with said Marked line to the
Road that leads to Robert Martin's old School House, thence with
said Road to the back line to them and their heirs forever: - Also
I give to my Son James Martin one hundred acres of land where my
Shop now stands to him and his heirs forever: -- Also I give to
my son John Martin a tract of land lying on Roaring River known
by the name of the Horse Shew containing one hundred and forty acres
together with all entries I may have adjoining thereto to him and
his heirs forever. -- I give to James Martin the Shop tract and
John Martin the Roaring River tracts in consequence of their having
no benefits of the tract whereon I now live during my life. -- I
also give and bequeath Negro Abram and Pimas, and one tenth part
of all my property hereafter to be disposed of, to my Executors
herein after to be appointed in trust to keep for m daughter Amelia
Cleveland and the profits of said property to pay over to my said
Daughter for her own use and benefit during her life without the
Interventions or disposal of John H. Cleveland her husband, and
after the death of my Daughter Amelia Cleveland it is my
request and desire that my Executors and Trustees as aforesaid shall
divide the afore mentioned property Willed to them in trust as aforesaid
amongst all the children of the body of my said daughter Amelia
Cleveland equally - and in case any Child or Children of my daughter
Amelia Cleveland should died in her life time leaving Issue, then
such Issue to have such part or parts of said property as his or
their father or mother would have been entitled to, provided he
or they would have been living at the death of my said daughter
Amelia Cleveland - I give and bequeath one tenth part of all my
property to be hereinafter disposed of to my Executors herein after
to be appointed intrust to keep for my daughter Elizabeth Martin
and the profits of said property to pay over to my said daughter
to her own use and benefit during her life without the disposal
or Intervention of John Martin, her Husband, and further to bedisposed
of in every respect to her and her heirs as I have above
directed respecting my daughter Amelia Cleveland and her heirs.
And finally I give and bequeath to my other children, (to wit) Robert
Martin, Patsy Parks, Benjamin H. Martin, Sarah M. Rousseau, James
Martin, Anne Bagbey, John Martin and Diana Martin, one tenth part
each, of all the property both real and personal not already disposed
of, that I may died ceased and possessed of, and the other two tenths
to be held by my Executors in trust as above directed. And I do
hereby make and ordain my beloved Sons Robert Martin, Benjamin Harrison
Martin, James Martin and John Martin, my Executors and Trustees
strictly enjoining it on them to carry into effect this my last
will and testament. In Witness whereof I the said Benjamin Martin
have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the
day and year above written.
Signed, Sealed, Published and declared by the said Benjamin Martin
in presence of us
M. Thurmond Benjamin Martin SEAL
Benjamine Parks
Jefferson Marston
The above Will was duly proven in open court by the Oaths of M,
Thurmond and Benj. Parks, the Executors Sworn.
TEST
R. Martin Clerk
A codicil to the above WILL (to wit) Be it remembered that in my
last Will and Testament bearing date the sixth day of February one
thousand eight hundred and eighteen, I Willed a Negro man called
Pimus to my Daughter Amelia Cleveland, and having since that empowered
my Son James Martin to sell said Negro and the said James Martin
having sold said Negro for six hundred dollars. I do by these presence
authorize and empower my Executors named in my last Will and Testament
to pay to my Daughter Amelia Cleveland instead of said Negro the
balance of the above mentioned $600.00 that shall remain unpaid
to her, by me in my life time after deducting the cost and charges
for collecting the same, the payment to be made under the same conditions
and Restrictions contained in my last WILL and TESTAMENT respecting
payments to be made to her. In witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and Seal this Se ---- 7 day of September 1821.
Benjamin Martin SEAL
Jas. Parks
Alfred Martin
Information and excerpts from Wilkes County
records pertaining to the Descendants of Benjamin and Diana Harrison
Martin
The records in Wilkes County N.C. pertaining to the Martin families,
and the families into which they married are many and varied. The
Martins were large land owners as shown by WILKES DEED BOOKS, and
Land Records. The Martins were Baptist, ministers, church going
people, doctors, lawyers, public officials, soldiers, teachers,
and business men and women. The Martins also liked what was known
as "High Living." We also find scoundrels and drunkards in the family.
[Ed. Note: Following Table 2, additional information will be
furnished pertaining to each child of Benjamin and Diana Harrison
Martin. In some cases, there is exhaustive information, in others,
almost nothing was available in the original manuscript. I will
research some of these interesting gaps; any information on these
"missing persons" would be greatly appreciated, and included in
future electronic publication.]
Table 2: Children of Benjamin
and Diana Harrison Martin:
| Name |
Born |
Born Loc. |
Died |
Died Loc. |
Married to: |
Marriage Date |
Marriage Location |
| Robert Martin |
1/8/1767 |
VA |
12/9/1842 |
NC |
Amelia Wright |
12/1/1786 |
NC |
| Patsy Martin |
1769 |
VA |
1827 |
NC |
Benjamin Parks |
|
NC |
| Benjamin Harrison Martin |
1771 |
VA |
1845? |
|
Francis Martin |
13/1/1797 |
|
| Sarah Meredith Martin |
24/12/1773 |
VA |
|
|
Hiram Rousseau |
2/9/1806 |
|
| James Martin |
26/1/1776 |
VA |
25/3/1846 |
NC |
Elvira Bryan |
2/9/1806 |
NC |
| Ann Martin |
7/6/1779 |
|
1819? |
|
Edmund Bagby |
|
|
| John Martin |
3/9/1781 |
|
Feb 1839 |
NC |
Mildred Jones |
10/12/1805 |
|
| Elizabeth Martin |
10/3/1783 |
NC |
? |
|
John Martin |
20/10/1800 |
|
| Amelia Martin |
22/3/1786 |
|
1877 or 1878 |
|
John Cleveland |
20/7/1805 |
|
| Diana Martin |
3/3/1788 |
|
1/10/1838 |
|
John Martin |
17/7/1806 |
|
Children of Benjamin and Diana
Harrison Martin:
Dr. Robert Martin and Amelia Wright Martin
Martin, Robert, first born child of Benjamin and Diana Harrison
Martin, was born 1, Aug. 1767, in Va. (birth recorded in DOUGLAS
REGISTER) Died 12, Sept, 1842, Wilksboro, Wilkes Co. N.C. Married
12, Jan. 1786, Surry Co., N.C. Amelia Wright, dau. of John and Ann
Williams Wright. She died 28, Apr. 1843. Amelia Wright Martin was
a direct descendant of one of the daughters of Colonel John Washington,
the great-grandfather of General George Washington. Some of Amelia
Wright Martin's descendants are members of the Daughters of the
BARRONS of RUNNYMEDE.
Dr. Robert Martin and wife Amelia lived in Wilkes Co. N.C. where
they reared their family. Their home was on the old Salem Road,
now old Highway 60, Original Boone Trail, in the first house east
of Fishing Creek Church. The Martins and Rev. Sam Powell SMITH families
occupied this house until they died.
Dr. Robert Martin was treasurer of Wilkes Co. N.C. in 1806 and
was elected CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT Wilkes Co. N,C. in 1807 and
continued to serve in that capacity until 1833, (WILL BOOKS, 1,
2, 3, 4).
Will of Dr. Robert Martin
Recorded Nov. 1842, Wilkes Co., N.C. WILL BOOK 4, pages 279-280
Names wife Amelia and Children Amelia M. Smith; William; Diana
H Petty; Sarah Wright; wife of W.W. Wright; Benjamin F.; and daughter-in-law
Mary Martin wife of William W. Martin, deceased and her children,
also grand children: Amelia M. Smith, Sarah M. Smith, Diana Lucinda
Harrison Smith, Robert M. Smith, Susannah J. Smith and Samuel P.
Smith. (mentions his medical books and medicine).
Table 3: Children of Dr. Robert
Martin and Amelia Wright Martin
| Name |
Born |
Born Loc. |
Died |
Died Loc. |
Married to: |
Marriage Date |
Marriage Location |
Note |
| William Wright Martin |
1788 |
|
CA 1824 |
|
Mary |
|
|
1 |
| Diana Harrison Martin |
CA 1792 |
NC |
After 1842 |
Wilkes CO, NC |
Ely Petty |
|
|
2 |
| Sarah Martin |
5/9/1794 |
Surry CO, NC |
13/7/1864 |
Wilkes CO, NC |
William Williams Wright |
1815 |
|
3. |
| Amelia or Matlida Martin |
2/6/1800 |
Wilkes CO, NC |
|
|
Rev. Samuel Powell Smith |
4/1/1825 |
|
4 |
| Benjamin F. Martin |
1807 |
Wilkes CO, NC |
|
|
Nancy |
CA 1834-1835 |
|
|
| Notes:
(1) From Will Book 4, Wilkes CO, NC, p 49-50 February 1824:
Will of William Wright Martin. Wife, Mary and 5 children:
Robert, Amelia, Sarah, Elizabeth, Matilda.
(2) Ely Petty was treasurer of Wilkes CO in 1815
(3) Dr. Robert Martin gave his daughter Sarah a tract of
land to be hers and not at the disposal of her husband
(4) Amelia and her husband are buried beside her parents,
Dr. Robert and Amelia Wright Martin on the old home place
now on old Highway 60 near Fishing Creek Church, Wilkes Co.
N.C. Other family members buried in same family plot are:
"Mary D. , wife of Rev. I.T. Prevette, b. May 7, 1836 (dau.
of Rev. Sam.P. Smith) d. May 9, 1876"
"Robert M. Smith, son of Rev. Sam. P. Smith, b. April 14,
1831 d. July 6, 1882"
"Montgomery, son of Rev. Sam. P. Smith, d. July 26, 1856"
"John Kerr, son of Rev. Sam. P. Smith, d. Sept. 7, 1862
"Olivia Smith, dau. of Rev. Samuel P. and Amelia Martin Smith
m. George H. Brown." They moved to Statesville N.C. and George
became one of the leading business men of that city.
|
Children of Benjamin and Diana
Harrison Martin:
Patsy Martin Parks and Benjamin Parks
Patsy was named after her aunt Patsy Harrison. Benjamin Parks was
the son of John Parks Esquire of Wilkes CO, NC whose will was probated
1784, Will Book 1, page 126. Have names of only two of Patsy and
Benjamin Parks children: William Parks and James Parks; James b.
1790 d. 3/12/1852 m. Mary Bryan. Benjamin Parks entered 200 acres
adjoining East Corner and adjoining Major B. Jones (a brother-in-law.)
#619 Land Entries Wilkes CO, NC 1799; from William Lenoir Family
Papers page 426.
Children of Benjamin and Diana Harrison Martin:
Benjamin Harrison Martin and Francis Martin
Ruth Linney said Benjamin and Fanney Martin, daughter of John Martin
(who made his will in 1810) were cousins.
Children of Benjamin and Diana Harrison Martin:
Sarah Meredith Martin and Hiram Rousseau
Sarah Meredith information is recorded in Douglas Register p. 243.
Hiram Rousseau was a surveyor. He made Surveyor’s bond in Wilkes
CO NC in 1793, 1800, 1804, 1807. From Will Book 1 p. 384.
Children of Benjamin and Diana Harrison Martin:
Colonel James Martin and Elvira Bryan
Martin, James, b. 26, Jan. 1777, d. March 25, 1846, Wilkes Co.
N.C. The will of James Martin was recorded in Wilkes CO, NC, May
1846. WILL BOOK 4, page 120-121. James married 2, Sept. 1806, Wilkes
Co. N.C. Elvira Bryan, b. 13, Oct. 1790, dau. of John and Nancy
Robbins Bryan. Elvira d. 25, Aug. 1863. Both James and Elvira are
buried at Brier Creek Church Cemetery. James Martin was the first
Clerk of Brier Creek Baptist Association.
This James Martin, son of Benjamin and Diana Harrison Martin acquired
a large boundry of land, situated on the south side of the Yadkin
River in Wilkes Co. N.C extending from a point nearly opposite the
site of the present location of the town of Ronda, situated on the
south side of the Yadkin River to a point about a mile and on-half
above the south of Roaring River which enters the Yadkin River on
the North side. On this farm James Martin built a residence about
1806, which overlooked the Yadkin Valley, at the mouth of Brier
Creek. This house was remodeled and added to by Capt. Augustus Harrison
Martin in 1858. He was the youngest of the twelve children of James
and Elvira Bryan Martin.
In examining the history of the old house one encounters an unusual
gallery of distinguished men. It housed a family who epitomized
many of the vices and virtures of "Gentlemen" Colonels of the War
of 1812, and the War with the Creek Indians. Captains and Colonels
of the Confederacy. The present director 1940 of the bureau of War
Risks legations in the U.S. Dept. of Justice. The grand mother of
a Rear Admiral, and the father of a late Justice in Texas tramped
the broad antebellum halls. The hand painted panels of the once
gracious house looked down upon a family of the somewhat house spun
and bucolic "Yadkin River Aristocracy," who concorted in vivid nineteenth
century life.
This white coloniel house stands atop a high round hill, known
as "Cedar Hill" from the many cedars planted by, Colonel James Martin,
Capt. Augustus H. Martin and Squire James F. Martin which girded
the house. On of the most remarkable features of this house are
the hand painted walls of the parlor supposed to represent marble
with varigated, opalescent reflections of light and those of the
hall like the inside pages of an old book. From the Old Martin Home
and Family by Ruth Linney about 1940.
Table 4: Children of Colonel
James Martin and Elvira Bryan Martin
Compiled by Minnie Smith Holt from
her niece Lillian Payne, Oxford, Mississippi
| Name |
Born |
Born Loc. |
Died |
Died Loc. |
Married to: |
Marriage Date |
Marriage Location |
Note |
| John Bryan Martin |
9/11/1808 |
Antioch TWP, Wilkes CO, NC |
4/8/1849 |
|
Elmira Smith |
1834 |
|
|
| Diana Adelaide Martin |
30/7/1810 |
Wilkes CO, NC |
April 1886 |
|
James Clemmons Hunt |
CA 1834 |
|
|
| James Columbus Martin |
6/1/1812 |
|
1825 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Benjamin Oliver Hazard Perry Martin |
28/3/1814 |
|
1884 |
|
Elizabeth Martin |
|
|
1 |
| Emelina Martin |
11/1/1816 |
|
1861 |
|
Elkanah Shuford |
|
|
|
| Elvira Matilda Martin |
1/1/1819 |
|
1862 |
|
Burrage Heatherman |
|
|
|
| Felix Bryan Martin |
9/2/1821 |
|
28/11/1879 or 1882 |
|
Frances Cornelia Brian |
|
|
2 |
| Mary Ann Martin |
21/8/1823 |
|
|
|
Rev. Alexander Jacob Cansler |
|
|
|
| Leland Martin |
6/10/1825 |
|
1907 |
|
Laura Corpening |
|
|
3 |
| Rufus W. Martin |
1/3/1828 |
|
1892 |
|
Jane Hickerson, Ann Hickerson |
|
|
4. |
| James Oscar Martin |
8/9/1833 |
|
1900 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Augustus Harrison Martin |
Sep. 1833 |
|
1865 |
Civil War |
Susana Virginia Corpening |
|
|
5 |
Notes:
- Elizabeth Martin was the daughter of Issac and Nacy Green
Martin, a distant relative and sister of "Aunt Nancy Wellborn."
After Elizabeth’s death, Benjamin married Mary Johnson.
- Frances Cornelia Bryan was the daughter of Felix’s uncle,
Felix Bryan. After her death, Felix married Mary Fears,
and moved to Macon, GA.
- Laura Corpening Martin was the daughter of David and
Polly Perkins Corpening of Burke Co. Following lists children
of Leland and Laura:
Martin, Mary 1850-1929, m. Dr. Larkin Jones Barker.
Martin, Ella, 1851-1923, never married.
Martin, James D. 1853-1942,, never married; a noted Judge
and Lawyer
Martin, Harry Corpening, 1858-1938, m. Ida Clark. They
lived in Lenoir, N.C.
Martin, Clara Leland, 1856-1889, m. John E. Sale
Martin, Phlete A. 1866-1937, m. Lois Graves. He was a Judge
of the Civil Court of Appeals in Texas at the time of his
death, March 1937.
- Jane Hickerson was daughter of Major Lyle Hickerson.
After her death, Rufus married her sister Ann in 1867. Rufus
was in some way connected with the building of a railroad
from Little Rock, AR
(5) Extensive sub-section on Augustus Harrison and Susana Virginia
Martin follows:
Susana Virginia Corpening was a sister of Laura the wife
of Augustus Martin’s brother Leland. Augustus H. was the youngest
child of James and Elvira Bryan Martin. Augustus H. represented
Wilkes Co. N.C. in "House of Commons" 1856-1860. He commanded
Co. G. 54th N.C. Regt. C.S.A. and was killed three days before
the surrender while Commanding the entire 54th Regt.
After Capt, Augustus was killed in battle, his widow, Virginia,
m. 1867, Sgt. James F. Mastin (1838-1914) Their four children
were: David B, T. Frank, Nellie V. and Cecelia Mastin.
Children of Augustus H. and Virginia Corpening Martin:
Martin, J, Everette (M.D.) 1858-1924 m. Emma Baker of Ashe
Co. N.C. He became a practicing physician in
Bluefield W. VA. where he died Jan.30, 1924.
Martin, Julius C. 1861-1949, m. Helen Worres of Germany
(Twas Julius C. who wrote the history of his father and
mother, Augustus Harrison and Virginia Corpening Martin)
"Julius Martin, native of Antioch Township, Wilkes Co. N.C.,
practiced law for 60 years and was for 15 years in the U.S.
Dept. of Justice in Washington D.C. about half the time
as Director of the Bureau of War Risk Litigation, and the
rest of the time as special assistant to the Attorney General.----He
was twice Mayor of Ashville, N.C.---- As a child and youth
he underwent many hardships ans overcame obstacles to acquire
an education. In 1872 he was stricken with polio---doctors
did not know what it was then --- and his step-father had
to carry him around when he was eleven. He recovered but
always limped very slightly; he lieved until 1949 and was
87, and 4 months old, when he died. He was known for his
industry, honesty, and knowledge of law. He always seemed
rather contemptuous of Wilkes Co. and of his relatives and
old friends." Quote by Ruth Linney his niece.
Martin, Augustus Jackson 1863, d. in infancy.
Martin, Laura Adelaide 1864-1942, m. Frank A. Mccolloch
of Va. and after his death, m. James Linney of Alexander
Co. N.C. the parents of Ruth Linney, a prolific writer and
family historian. Ruth Linney lived at Ronda, N.C.
|
Children of Benjamin and Diana Harrison Martin:
Ann Martin and Edmund Bagby
Martin, Ann, b. 7, June 1779, m. Edmund Bagby. Wilkes CO. N.C.
WILL BOOK 3, page 248 dated Oct. 1820, shows that Edmund Bagby gave
Power of Attorney to James Martin.
Children of Benjamin and Diana Harrison Martin:
John Martin and Mildred Jones
Martin, John, b. 11, Mar. 1781, d. 15, Feb. 1839, m. 10, Dec. 1805,
Mildred Jones, b.19, Feb. 1786, dau. of Major Benjamin and Elizabeth
Foster Jones, who lived at the Barber Place, as it was later known.
Mildred d. 1839. Mildred Martin is named in WILL of Benjamin Jones
Sr., Wilkes Co. N.C. WILL BOOK 3, page 251.
Table 5: Children
of Dr. John Martin and Mildred Jones Martin:
- source Mrs. Mary Faye Martin Shires,
(1977)
| Name |
Born |
Born Loc. |
Died |
Died Loc. |
Married to: |
Marriage Date |
Marriage Location |
Note |
| Benjamin Martin |
15/10/1806 |
|
|
|
Nancy Gray |
30/10/1834 |
|
|
| Dr. Henry Martin |
27/10/1807 |
|
|
|
Patsy McMichel |
|
|
1 |
| Nancy Eliza Martin |
23/7/1809 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Elizabeth Martin |
13/1/1811 |
|
|
|
Henry Swan |
25/10/1832 |
|
|
| Amelia Martin |
12/10/1813 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| John Martin |
14/6/1815 |
|
|
|
Sally Sale |
Nov. 1835 |
|
|
| Alexander James Martin |
28/8/1816 |
|
|
|
Elizabeth Curry |
22/11/1838 |
|
|
| Robert Harrison Martin |
29/3/1819 |
|
5/9/1902 |
|
Martha Robbins |
1865 |
|
2 |
| Patsy Diana Martin |
|
|
|
|
William Loke |
12/3/1835 |
|
3 |
| Notes:
(1) Patsy McMichel, b. 18, Feb. 1814 in Surry Co. N.C. Patsy's
mother came from across the ocean. Dr. Henry and Patsy Martin'S
11 children: Elizabeth, John Lafayette, Henry, Sidney, James,
Sam – all b.in Wilkes Co; William, Martha, Harrison, Mildred,
were born in Clay Co. N.C.
(2) Robert Harrison and Martha Robbins had five children:
Martin, John Harrison b. ca. 1866, never married. He was killed
out in Washington or Oregon ca. 1917. Man of considerable
wealth.
Martin, Eliza or Elizabeth, m. a Hawley from out West.
Had one dau. who lived out west. Eliza died very young.
Martin, William Joseph Hasque Jones (each aunt gave him
a name). He was known as W,H. Martin 1872-1943 m. at age
32 and had nine children to live. One of his daughters is
Mrs. Mary Faye Martin Shires, 112 Mauny St. Murphy, N.C.
28906 (1977) who gave info. on Robert H. Martin and his
family.
Martin, Julia S. b. 27, July 1875, d. 16, Dec. 1901
Martin, James, d. with TB leaving five children.
(3) Several of the Martins left Wilkes Co. N.C. after the Civil
War and around 1870, including this family of John Martin and
wife, Mildred Jones Martin. |
Children of Benjamin and Diana Harrison Martin:
Elizabeth Martin and John Martin
Martin, Elizabeth, b. 10-3-1783, m. John Martin, 20, Oct. 1800.
Elizabeth and John Martin were first cousins, John being the son
of William Martin, a brother of Benjamin. William lived in Iredell
Co. N.C. – source Ruth Linney.
Children of Benjamin and Diana Harrison Martin:
Amelia Martin and John Cleveland
Martin, Amelia, b. 22, Mar. 1786, Wilkes Co. N.C. She d. 1877/78.
Amelia known as Aunt Milly lived to be 92 years old. She married
20, July 1805, her cousin, John Harrison Cleveland. The Cleveland
family are well written-up in the records of Wilkes Co. N.C. Amelia
and John Harrison Cleveland had two dau. (maybe more children) One
daughter named Martha Matilda, b. 19, Sept. 1823, m. 15, Aug. 1843
Esley Staley who was Sheriff of Wilkes Co. 1853-60. Another dau.
named Diana Elmira Cleveland b. 1819 m. 2, Dec. 1846, Alf (Alfred)
Staley. Their children: Benjamin, Esley. Mary, Wm.Martin, and Martha
Staley.
Children of Benjamin and Diana Harrison Martin:
Diana Martin and John Martin
Martin, Diana, the tenth child of Benjamin and Diana Harrison Martin
was b. 3, Mar. 1788, Wilkes Co. N C. m. 17, July 1806 Wilkes Co.
N.C. to John Martin son of John Sr. and Elizabeth Green Martin,
and grandson of Isaac and Margaret/Peggy Martin of Wilkes Co. N.C.
Diana Martin Martin d. 1, Oct. 1838, Wilkes Co. N.C. at the birth
of her eighteenth (18) child - John Harrison Martin b. 10, Dec.
1821, on their plantation near Ronda, Wilkes Co. N.C. This son of
John Jr. and Diana Martin Martin was the grandfather of the compiler
of this book [Ed. Note – Mary Ruth.].
With the union of these two Martin families, namely Diana Martin,
dau. of Benjamin and Diana Harrison Martin, and John Jr. grandson
of Isaac and Peggy Martin we have our two Martin lines.
Before we proceed with the lineage of Isaac Martin line, we shall
take up the lineage of Diana Harrison,.Martin, the wife of Benjamin
Martin and the dau. of Benjamin Harrison, whose WILL was probated
in 1779, Pittsylvania Co., Va,
This colorful Harrison family is traced back to Anthony Harrison,
born 1563, at Over England, a brother of Richard Peter Harrison,
who was the father of Benjamin Harrison, Clerk of the Council in
Va. in 1630, and ancestor to the Presidents. From lineage research
of Bettye Green. and others as named.
|
