52 Ancestors Blog Challenge - Ancestor #1 John Eldridge Martin

I ran across this challenge to those with family history blogs and thought it was a worthwhile goal.  I am already behind so I am going to start with an easy ancestor, my paternal grandfather, John Eldridge Martin.  His story begins in the Indian Territory now known as Oklahoma.

Grandpa was born October 14, 1895 in Earl, Johnston, Indian Territory.  Earl was located in the portion designated as the Chickasaw Nation. His sister Bessie was born in 1897 and in 1898 the family moved to Alvin, Texas, which was just three miles inland from Galveston.  His brother Walter was born there in 1899. The family made this move to take advantage of the better economy and job opportunities available near Galveston.

On September 8, 1900, the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history hit Galveston.  Killing more than 6,000 people, Grandpa's family lost all of their possessions.  His Grandpa Duncan would pass away about six weeks later from injuries sustained during the storm.  See a brief video describing the devastation caused by this storm http://on.natgeo.com/SsqoeF.

The family made their way back to Indian Territory to start over once again grateful that their little family was still all together. Grandpa said they felt like pioneers in a new land.  Starting school in the Territory many of Grandpa's classmates and friends were Choctaw Indians.

Alexander C Martin family about 1901

The family settled on a farm about five miles from Mannsville.  The family continued to grow with sisters Verna Leann coming along on November 4, 1901, Ora Mae on November 29, 1903, and brother William Alexander on July 13, 1906.

In 1909, the Indian Territory became the state of Oklahoma.  The family continued to grow:  Edith Bertia was born January 16, 1910; Don Edward on January 8, 1912; Vieva Rebecca on July 4, 1914, Ethel Marita on October 28, 1917; and, Kenneth Paul on October 17, 1922 (almost four months after the birth of my father).

As the oldest child, Jack learned early to accept responsibility.  While his father worked at the family store in Mannsville, he would work on the farm and help his mother with the house and other children.

Fort Douglas Museum & Parade Ground

Finances were always tight and in 1917, Jack enlisted in the Army in Ardmore, Oklahoma.  He was immediately sent to Fort Logan in Colorado where he was sworn in and assigned to the 20th Infantry based at Fort Douglas, Utah.  The map shows the layout of Fort Douglas in 1915.

During World War I Fort Douglas was an important mobilization and training military base. The soldiers received many invitations to community events and dances. Grandpa vividly remembered attending a performance of the Messiah in the Mormon Tabernacle.  In February 1918, he was invited to a dance at the Knights of Pythias Hall given by the Girls Friendly Association of the Episcopal Church. It was here he met his future wife, Edyth Louise Backman (nicknamed Babe).

They were married on June 25, 1918, just three days before Jack was to leave Fort Douglas.  The young couple didn't know where he was being sent.  Luckily the assignment was not overseas, but to
Camp Funston near Fort Riley, Kansas.  Jack remained here for the remainder of the war and was discharged in February, 1919 and he returned to his bride in Salt Lake City.

Their first child, a daughter they named Edyth, was born on November 5, 1919.  Unfortunately this beautiful little girl with beautiful black hair died shortly after birth.  The couple continued to live with Babe's parents as they regrouped following the death of their child.

On May 16, 1921 their second child, Donna was born.  Donna was followed quickly by the birth of their first son, Jack on June 19, 1922.  Another son, Bill, followed on January 29, 1925.  Their last child, a daughter they named Evelyn, was born October 9, 1930.

Grandpa had several occupations during his life.  After his discharge from the Army, he worked at Sugar House Lumber; during the depression the family moved to Ogden in an effort to make ends meet.  Here he worked for Sears in the plumbing department.  As for most folks in the country, this was a difficult time for the family.  It became harder when Grandpa was injured in a car accident.  He suffered a Y fracture in his neck and spent a few weeks in the hospital and then more weeks at home in a body cast.

Returning to Salt Lake, the family again lived on Jeremy Street.  At the suggestion and encouragement of his father-in-law, Grandpa went into business for himself installing furnaces.

Grandpa truly lived the adage: "I never met a man (woman or child) that I didn't like."  His warm, friendly personality made everyone happy to be around him.  His willingness to help others was a great example to all of us.  Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were taught "Old Dan Tucker," bounced on his knee, and cuddled.  Many of us enjoyed following along to work with him before there was a "Take your daughter/son (grandson/granddaughter) to work Day."

Grandpa loved fun.  For his 80th birthday, his brothers and sisters came to Salt Lake City to celebrate. I remember going with him to the airport to pick up his brothers Don and Ken.  Like three young boys they kidded, bumped and teased each other all along the terminal as we headed to the car.

Sadly, six weeks later Grandpa passed away but what a wonderful legacy he left!