WILLIAM ELZIE MARTIN 1877-1963
___________________________________________________________
William Elzie Martin was born 8 Jan 1877, Bemis, Lowndes Co., GA, the son of William Columbus and Isabelle (Peters) Martin. His paternal grandparents were John Martin and Mary Moody, both of who died in Barnwell District, SC in 1848. His maternal grandparents were John Daniel and Adeline (Copeland) Peters, also of Barnwell Dist., SC and Naylor, Lowndes Co., GA. William C. Martin and Isabell Peters were married at Pine Grove, GA as this article from the Southern Christian Advocate, x 25 August 1864 states, "By the Rev. J.H. Wilkins, at [Pine] Grove, Georgia, 7 August, Mr. W.C. Martin to Ms. Isabella Peters, both of the same county."
W.E. Martin grew to manhood in the northeast region of Lowndes Co., GA on his father's farm in a very large family of brothers and sisters. He grew to love and married a local girl, Phoebe Delilah Fiveash. They were married 12 Jan 1897. Phoebe was born 16 Dec 1875, Magnolia, Clinch Co., GA, the dau. of George and Elizabeth Fiveash.
After their marriage, Wm & Phoebe moved briefly to Suwannee Co., FL where he was employed in the turpentine industry. By 1910, they were back in upper Lowndes Co., GA. They purchased a parcel of land near Cecil, GA and farmed there until removing to Quitman, Brooks, GA about 1940.
Wm & Phoebe were the parents of ten children, eight of whom grew to adulthood:
1. Clifford Deleon Martin, b. 2 Nov 1897, d. 25 Mar 1988, Adel, Cook Co., GA. Married Donnie Mae Banks, b. 27 Feb 1906, d. 25 Sept 1966. Both bur. Long Bridge Bapt Church, Berrien Co., GA.
2. Letha Belle Martin, b. 7 Jan 1899, mar. 1. R.L. Mathis, and 2. Ernest W. Newby, lived Sarasota, FL. Moved to Quitman, GA and died Valdosta, GA 15 Jan 1986.
3. Remer Columbus Martin, b. 15 Aug 1901, d. 23 Jan 1984 Valdosta, Lowndes Co., GA. Bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, GA.
4. Bertha Mae (Betty) Martin, b. abt 1902, Lowndes Co., GA. Married Lester Court Creech who was born about 1893 and died bef. 1940. They lived near Adel and then Massee in Cook Co., GA. Bertha lived near Meigs in Thomas Co., GA after Lester died. Their children were Alvah, Hazel and Marlon Creech. Bertha Martin Creech married 2nd to Mr. Gripp and lived Jacksonville, FL in 1963.
5. Carroll Lee Martin, b. 17 Feb 1905, d. 6 Jan 2000, Quitman, Brooks Co., GA. Mar. Dell Bullock, 27 Jun 1935. She d. 3 Jan 1987. Both bur. Oak Hill Cem., Brooks Co., GA. C.L. Martin was named for Mr. James Carroll of Valdosta, a native of North Carolina, a stalwart member of the church and owner of a slaughter house in Valdosta. Carroll Lee Martin's middle name came from his Uncle Lee Fiveash.
6. Kathleen Wynell Martin, b. 1906, d. 1993. Mar. Mr. Jack Rowland, 19 Dec 1923 Cook Co., GA. Lived Sarasota, FL for many years before moving to Quitman, GA to be near family.
7. Floyd Frederick Martin, b. 8 Jul 1913, d. 12 Sept 1984, bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, Brooks Co., GA with wife, Esther C. Martin.
8. Earl William Martin, b. 24 Nov 1916, d. 25 Sept 2003, Omega, Tift Co., GA. Bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, Brooks Co., GA.
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Obituary, Thomasville Times-Enterprise, 1963
William Elzie Martin, age 86, passed away on March 14th at his residence, Route 2, Quitman. Although Mr. Martin had been in ill health for more than three years, death came suddenly of a heart attack. Born on January 8, 1877 in Lowndes County, Georgia, Mr. Martin was the son of William Columbus Martin and Elizabeth Peters. He married Phoebe Fiveash of Hahira in January, 1897. Mrs. Martin passed away in May, 1946. Mr. Martin remarried to Miss Hannah Renfroe in 1948. Mrs. Hannah Renfroe Martin survives her husband. Mr. Martin was a member of Long Bridge Primitive Baptist Church near Nashville, Ga. He had farmed in Brooks County for more than seventeen years. In addition to his widow, Mr. Martin is survived by five sons: Mr. Clifford Martin of Adel; Mr. Remer Martin of Del Ray Beach; Mr. Earl Martin of Norman Park; Mr Carroll Martin of Quitman; and, three daughters, Mrs. Letha Newby of Sarasota, Fla.,; Mrs. Betty Gripp of Jacksonville; and Mrs. Kathleen Rowland of Sarasota, Fla. Two sisters survive their brother, Mrs. Ida Dixon of Blackshear and Mrs. Mattie Powell of Greenville, Fla. Mr. Martin leaves 32 grandchildren and 67 great grandchildren.
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From History of Brooks County (1993):
Carroll Lee Martin
"I am 88 years old. I was born February 17, 1905, near Hahira, in Lowndes County, Georgia.
My very first memory is when I was three years old, 85 years ago. Mama is sitting on the front porch, waiting for Papa to get in from plowing. She is rocking the baby, Kathleen, and singing a sad song, "Mother, Put My Little Shoes Away." My sister, Bertha, and I would cry and cry when she sang that song.
I remember us moving in 1909 to my Granddaddy's farm southeast of Hahira. There was an old red clay chimney with wooden slats. Sometimes the chimney would catch fire and you'd have to throw water on it to put out the flames.
In 1910, when I was five, we moved into an old church that Papa remodeled for us. I remember we grew cotton and the stalks grew six to eight feet high. They called it long staple cotton. I started picking cotton when I was six years old.
We didn't go to school very regularly. We walked, of course, and took our lunch in a basket - mostly baked sweet potatoes, bacon, and egg and biscuit sandwich. I was little, and had to eat with the girls. I hated that!
Santa Claus came to see us every Christmas and brought us each one apple, one orange, a few raisins and one peppermint stick.
I remember the time Mama and Papa went to church at Cat Creek Church. Mama took the younger children, and left me and Leatha to cook dinner. When they got home, Mama's hair was down loose at her waist. I remember I asked, "Mama, what happened to your hair?" She said, "Well, me and your Papa was baptized today, and I'm letting it dry." That was in 1910 and I was five years old.
In 1915, I remember going in to Valdosta with Papa for him to serve on the jury. Parked around the courthouse was lots and lots of buggies and wagons. I would count the cars on the streets. Some days I'd see four cars, other days only three. The fire engine was pulled by horses. The pavement ended at Park Avenue, and old Highway 41 was called National Highway.
We always ate good at our house. Of course, it was country food. Mama was never very well. She had ten children, eight lived, and times were mighty hard. Papa provided for his family - always working hard - and we were happy together.
Now everybody is gone - except me and my baby brother, Earl.
___________________________________________________________
Correspondence from Mrs Louise Martin Walden, Quitman, Ga. regarding Martin genealogy:
5-1-1998
Quitman, Ga.
Dear John,
My Dad, Carroll Lee Martin, was quite interested in the information you have & is able to provide some additional information that might help you.
Please let me apologize for the use of paper & pencil. Your letter is so very professional & mine is just scribbled. But cousin to cousin, maybe it will be sufficient.
First, my Dad says his name, Carroll Lee, came from Mr. Jim Carroll of Valdosta, who owned a wholesale slaughterhouse there. My Dad's Uncle Lee Fiveash, his mother's brother, gave my Dad his name, Carroll Lee, on the day he was born, February 17, 1905.
My Dad remembers his father, William Elzie Martin, telling him that his father, William Columbus Martin & his sisters, whose names Dad does not now remember, came from South Carolina in a horse and buggy. It was called a "top buggy."
William E. always said that his Dad and Aunts were orphan children and that is about all they ever knew of their people in South Carolina. One sister of William C. married a man named Overstreet in Bemis, Ga. They later moved to Adel. My Dad remembers their son, he only knew him as Mr. Overstreet, since he was older. He is buried somewhere around Adel, Ga.
Dad's great Uncle's, brothers of William C. Martin's wife, Isabelle, were: Uncles Eulie Peters & Ervin Peters, both were born and raised near Bemis and are buried at Cat Creek. Also, Uncle Orin Peters - both Orin and Ervin each owned stores near Bemis, Ga. There were other Uncles but Daddy doesn't recall their names at the moment.
My Dad says his Dad, William E., talked often of his growing up & about his father, William C. Martin. Daddy has greatly enjoyed reading all of the information you sent. It sure jogged some memories for him. At his request, I have made copies of all of this for our records, even though I was quite sure you kept copies.
He says, as do I, that when you are ever back in our neck of the woods to come on by and visit. I think I told you on the phone that we live on the East side of the Quitman Methodist Church, which is on Highway 84.
Daddy says he would enjoy talking with you about all of these things but, be prepared! He is very talkative and remembers dates, places and people from years and years back. He is certainly not the typical 93 year old.
He drives every day and, consequently, I pray a lot. He even goes to Atlanta when the whim strikes him, to visit his son, down to Tallahassee to visit family and back down to Sarasota, Fla. to visit my mother's remaining siblings. He gets around!
We are looking forward to hearing from you again, John. We are just country folk here and would gladly welcome you any time.
Your cousin,
Louise Martin Walden
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
William Elzie Martin was born 8 Jan 1877, Bemis, Lowndes Co., GA, the son of William Columbus and Isabelle (Peters) Martin. His paternal grandparents were John Martin and Mary Moody, both of who died in Barnwell District, SC in 1848. His maternal grandparents were John Daniel and Adeline (Copeland) Peters, also of Barnwell Dist., SC and Naylor, Lowndes Co., GA. William C. Martin and Isabell Peters were married at Pine Grove, GA as this article from the Southern Christian Advocate, x 25 August 1864 states, "By the Rev. J.H. Wilkins, at [Pine] Grove, Georgia, 7 August, Mr. W.C. Martin to Ms. Isabella Peters, both of the same county."
W.E. Martin grew to manhood in the northeast region of Lowndes Co., GA on his father's farm in a very large family of brothers and sisters. He grew to love and married a local girl, Phoebe Delilah Fiveash. They were married 12 Jan 1897. Phoebe was born 16 Dec 1875, Magnolia, Clinch Co., GA, the dau. of George and Elizabeth Fiveash.
After their marriage, Wm & Phoebe moved briefly to Suwannee Co., FL where he was employed in the turpentine industry. By 1910, they were back in upper Lowndes Co., GA. They purchased a parcel of land near Cecil, GA and farmed there until removing to Quitman, Brooks, GA about 1940.
Wm & Phoebe were the parents of ten children, eight of whom grew to adulthood:
1. Clifford Deleon Martin, b. 2 Nov 1897, d. 25 Mar 1988, Adel, Cook Co., GA. Married Donnie Mae Banks, b. 27 Feb 1906, d. 25 Sept 1966. Both bur. Long Bridge Bapt Church, Berrien Co., GA.
2. Letha Belle Martin, b. 7 Jan 1899, mar. 1. R.L. Mathis, and 2. Ernest W. Newby, lived Sarasota, FL. Moved to Quitman, GA and died Valdosta, GA 15 Jan 1986.
3. Remer Columbus Martin, b. 15 Aug 1901, d. 23 Jan 1984 Valdosta, Lowndes Co., GA. Bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, GA.
4. Bertha Mae (Betty) Martin, b. abt 1902, Lowndes Co., GA. Married Lester Court Creech who was born about 1893 and died bef. 1940. They lived near Adel and then Massee in Cook Co., GA. Bertha lived near Meigs in Thomas Co., GA after Lester died. Their children were Alvah, Hazel and Marlon Creech. Bertha Martin Creech married 2nd to Mr. Gripp and lived Jacksonville, FL in 1963.
5. Carroll Lee Martin, b. 17 Feb 1905, d. 6 Jan 2000, Quitman, Brooks Co., GA. Mar. Dell Bullock, 27 Jun 1935. She d. 3 Jan 1987. Both bur. Oak Hill Cem., Brooks Co., GA. C.L. Martin was named for Mr. James Carroll of Valdosta, a native of North Carolina, a stalwart member of the church and owner of a slaughter house in Valdosta. Carroll Lee Martin's middle name came from his Uncle Lee Fiveash.
6. Kathleen Wynell Martin, b. 1906, d. 1993. Mar. Mr. Jack Rowland, 19 Dec 1923 Cook Co., GA. Lived Sarasota, FL for many years before moving to Quitman, GA to be near family.
7. Floyd Frederick Martin, b. 8 Jul 1913, d. 12 Sept 1984, bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, Brooks Co., GA with wife, Esther C. Martin.
8. Earl William Martin, b. 24 Nov 1916, d. 25 Sept 2003, Omega, Tift Co., GA. Bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, Brooks Co., GA.
___________________________________________________________
Obituary, Thomasville Times-Enterprise, 1963
William Elzie Martin, age 86, passed away on March 14th at his residence, Route 2, Quitman. Although Mr. Martin had been in ill health for more than three years, death came suddenly of a heart attack. Born on January 8, 1877 in Lowndes County, Georgia, Mr. Martin was the son of William Columbus Martin and Elizabeth Peters. He married Phoebe Fiveash of Hahira in January, 1897. Mrs. Martin passed away in May, 1946. Mr. Martin remarried to Miss Hannah Renfroe in 1948. Mrs. Hannah Renfroe Martin survives her husband. Mr. Martin was a member of Long Bridge Primitive Baptist Church near Nashville, Ga. He had farmed in Brooks County for more than seventeen years. In addition to his widow, Mr. Martin is survived by five sons: Mr. Clifford Martin of Adel; Mr. Remer Martin of Del Ray Beach; Mr. Earl Martin of Norman Park; Mr Carroll Martin of Quitman; and, three daughters, Mrs. Letha Newby of Sarasota, Fla.,; Mrs. Betty Gripp of Jacksonville; and Mrs. Kathleen Rowland of Sarasota, Fla. Two sisters survive their brother, Mrs. Ida Dixon of Blackshear and Mrs. Mattie Powell of Greenville, Fla. Mr. Martin leaves 32 grandchildren and 67 great grandchildren.
___________________________________________________________
From History of Brooks County (1993):
Carroll Lee Martin
"I am 88 years old. I was born February 17, 1905, near Hahira, in Lowndes County, Georgia.
My very first memory is when I was three years old, 85 years ago. Mama is sitting on the front porch, waiting for Papa to get in from plowing. She is rocking the baby, Kathleen, and singing a sad song, "Mother, Put My Little Shoes Away." My sister, Bertha, and I would cry and cry when she sang that song.
I remember us moving in 1909 to my Granddaddy's farm southeast of Hahira. There was an old red clay chimney with wooden slats. Sometimes the chimney would catch fire and you'd have to throw water on it to put out the flames.
In 1910, when I was five, we moved into an old church that Papa remodeled for us. I remember we grew cotton and the stalks grew six to eight feet high. They called it long staple cotton. I started picking cotton when I was six years old.
We didn't go to school very regularly. We walked, of course, and took our lunch in a basket - mostly baked sweet potatoes, bacon, and egg and biscuit sandwich. I was little, and had to eat with the girls. I hated that!
Santa Claus came to see us every Christmas and brought us each one apple, one orange, a few raisins and one peppermint stick.
I remember the time Mama and Papa went to church at Cat Creek Church. Mama took the younger children, and left me and Leatha to cook dinner. When they got home, Mama's hair was down loose at her waist. I remember I asked, "Mama, what happened to your hair?" She said, "Well, me and your Papa was baptized today, and I'm letting it dry." That was in 1910 and I was five years old.
In 1915, I remember going in to Valdosta with Papa for him to serve on the jury. Parked around the courthouse was lots and lots of buggies and wagons. I would count the cars on the streets. Some days I'd see four cars, other days only three. The fire engine was pulled by horses. The pavement ended at Park Avenue, and old Highway 41 was called National Highway.
We always ate good at our house. Of course, it was country food. Mama was never very well. She had ten children, eight lived, and times were mighty hard. Papa provided for his family - always working hard - and we were happy together.
Now everybody is gone - except me and my baby brother, Earl.
___________________________________________________________
Correspondence from Mrs Louise Martin Walden, Quitman, Ga. regarding Martin genealogy:
5-1-1998
Quitman, Ga.
Dear John,
My Dad, Carroll Lee Martin, was quite interested in the information you have & is able to provide some additional information that might help you.
Please let me apologize for the use of paper & pencil. Your letter is so very professional & mine is just scribbled. But cousin to cousin, maybe it will be sufficient.
First, my Dad says his name, Carroll Lee, came from Mr. Jim Carroll of Valdosta, who owned a wholesale slaughterhouse there. My Dad's Uncle Lee Fiveash, his mother's brother, gave my Dad his name, Carroll Lee, on the day he was born, February 17, 1905.
My Dad remembers his father, William Elzie Martin, telling him that his father, William Columbus Martin & his sisters, whose names Dad does not now remember, came from South Carolina in a horse and buggy. It was called a "top buggy."
William E. always said that his Dad and Aunts were orphan children and that is about all they ever knew of their people in South Carolina. One sister of William C. married a man named Overstreet in Bemis, Ga. They later moved to Adel. My Dad remembers their son, he only knew him as Mr. Overstreet, since he was older. He is buried somewhere around Adel, Ga.
Dad's great Uncle's, brothers of William C. Martin's wife, Isabelle, were: Uncles Eulie Peters & Ervin Peters, both were born and raised near Bemis and are buried at Cat Creek. Also, Uncle Orin Peters - both Orin and Ervin each owned stores near Bemis, Ga. There were other Uncles but Daddy doesn't recall their names at the moment.
My Dad says his Dad, William E., talked often of his growing up & about his father, William C. Martin. Daddy has greatly enjoyed reading all of the information you sent. It sure jogged some memories for him. At his request, I have made copies of all of this for our records, even though I was quite sure you kept copies.
He says, as do I, that when you are ever back in our neck of the woods to come on by and visit. I think I told you on the phone that we live on the East side of the Quitman Methodist Church, which is on Highway 84.
Daddy says he would enjoy talking with you about all of these things but, be prepared! He is very talkative and remembers dates, places and people from years and years back. He is certainly not the typical 93 year old.
He drives every day and, consequently, I pray a lot. He even goes to Atlanta when the whim strikes him, to visit his son, down to Tallahassee to visit family and back down to Sarasota, Fla. to visit my mother's remaining siblings. He gets around!
We are looking forward to hearing from you again, John. We are just country folk here and would gladly welcome you any time.
Your cousin,
Louise Martin Walden
___________________________________________________________
WILLIAM ELZIE MARTIN 1877-1963
___________________________________________________________
William Elzie Martin was born 8 Jan 1877, Bemis, Lowndes Co., GA, the son of William Columbus and Isabelle (Peters) Martin. His paternal grandparents were John Martin and Mary Moody, both of who died in Barnwell District, SC in 1848. His maternal grandparents were John Daniel and Adeline (Copeland) Peters, also of Barnwell Dist., SC and Naylor, Lowndes Co., GA. William C. Martin and Isabell Peters were married at Pine Grove, GA as this article from the Southern Christian Advocate, x 25 August 1864 states, "By the Rev. J.H. Wilkins, at [Pine] Grove, Georgia, 7 August, Mr. W.C. Martin to Ms. Isabella Peters, both of the same county."
W.E. Martin grew to manhood in the northeast region of Lowndes Co., GA on his father's farm in a very large family of brothers and sisters. He grew to love and married a local girl, Phoebe Delilah Fiveash. They were married 12 Jan 1897. Phoebe was born 16 Dec 1875, Magnolia, Clinch Co., GA, the dau. of George and Elizabeth Fiveash.
After their marriage, Wm & Phoebe moved briefly to Suwannee Co., FL where he was employed in the turpentine industry. By 1910, they were back in upper Lowndes Co., GA. They purchased a parcel of land near Cecil, GA and farmed there until removing to Quitman, Brooks, GA about 1940.
Wm & Phoebe were the parents of ten children, eight of whom grew to adulthood:
1. Clifford Deleon Martin, b. 2 Nov 1897, d. 25 Mar 1988, Adel, Cook Co., GA. Married Donnie Mae Banks, b. 27 Feb 1906, d. 25 Sept 1966. Both bur. Long Bridge Bapt Church, Berrien Co., GA.
2. Letha Belle Martin, b. 7 Jan 1899, mar. 1. R.L. Mathis, and 2. Ernest W. Newby, lived Sarasota, FL. Moved to Quitman, GA and died Valdosta, GA 15 Jan 1986.
3. Remer Columbus Martin, b. 15 Aug 1901, d. 23 Jan 1984 Valdosta, Lowndes Co., GA. Bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, GA.
4. Bertha Mae (Betty) Martin, b. abt 1902, Lowndes Co., GA. Married Lester Court Creech who was born about 1893 and died bef. 1940. They lived near Adel and then Massee in Cook Co., GA. Bertha lived near Meigs in Thomas Co., GA after Lester died. Their children were Alvah, Hazel and Marlon Creech. Bertha Martin Creech married 2nd to Mr. Gripp and lived Jacksonville, FL in 1963.
5. Carroll Lee Martin, b. 17 Feb 1905, d. 6 Jan 2000, Quitman, Brooks Co., GA. Mar. Dell Bullock, 27 Jun 1935. She d. 3 Jan 1987. Both bur. Oak Hill Cem., Brooks Co., GA. C.L. Martin was named for Mr. James Carroll of Valdosta, a native of North Carolina, a stalwart member of the church and owner of a slaughter house in Valdosta. Carroll Lee Martin's middle name came from his Uncle Lee Fiveash.
6. Kathleen Wynell Martin, b. 1906, d. 1993. Mar. Mr. Jack Rowland, 19 Dec 1923 Cook Co., GA. Lived Sarasota, FL for many years before moving to Quitman, GA to be near family.
7. Floyd Frederick Martin, b. 8 Jul 1913, d. 12 Sept 1984, bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, Brooks Co., GA with wife, Esther C. Martin.
8. Earl William Martin, b. 24 Nov 1916, d. 25 Sept 2003, Omega, Tift Co., GA. Bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, Brooks Co., GA.
___________________________________________________________
Obituary, Thomasville Times-Enterprise, 1963
William Elzie Martin, age 86, passed away on March 14th at his residence, Route 2, Quitman. Although Mr. Martin had been in ill health for more than three years, death came suddenly of a heart attack. Born on January 8, 1877 in Lowndes County, Georgia, Mr. Martin was the son of William Columbus Martin and Elizabeth Peters. He married Phoebe Fiveash of Hahira in January, 1897. Mrs. Martin passed away in May, 1946. Mr. Martin remarried to Miss Hannah Renfroe in 1948. Mrs. Hannah Renfroe Martin survives her husband. Mr. Martin was a member of Long Bridge Primitive Baptist Church near Nashville, Ga. He had farmed in Brooks County for more than seventeen years. In addition to his widow, Mr. Martin is survived by five sons: Mr. Clifford Martin of Adel; Mr. Remer Martin of Del Ray Beach; Mr. Earl Martin of Norman Park; Mr Carroll Martin of Quitman; and, three daughters, Mrs. Letha Newby of Sarasota, Fla.,; Mrs. Betty Gripp of Jacksonville; and Mrs. Kathleen Rowland of Sarasota, Fla. Two sisters survive their brother, Mrs. Ida Dixon of Blackshear and Mrs. Mattie Powell of Greenville, Fla. Mr. Martin leaves 32 grandchildren and 67 great grandchildren.
___________________________________________________________
From History of Brooks County (1993):
Carroll Lee Martin
"I am 88 years old. I was born February 17, 1905, near Hahira, in Lowndes County, Georgia.
My very first memory is when I was three years old, 85 years ago. Mama is sitting on the front porch, waiting for Papa to get in from plowing. She is rocking the baby, Kathleen, and singing a sad song, "Mother, Put My Little Shoes Away." My sister, Bertha, and I would cry and cry when she sang that song.
I remember us moving in 1909 to my Granddaddy's farm southeast of Hahira. There was an old red clay chimney with wooden slats. Sometimes the chimney would catch fire and you'd have to throw water on it to put out the flames.
In 1910, when I was five, we moved into an old church that Papa remodeled for us. I remember we grew cotton and the stalks grew six to eight feet high. They called it long staple cotton. I started picking cotton when I was six years old.
We didn't go to school very regularly. We walked, of course, and took our lunch in a basket - mostly baked sweet potatoes, bacon, and egg and biscuit sandwich. I was little, and had to eat with the girls. I hated that!
Santa Claus came to see us every Christmas and brought us each one apple, one orange, a few raisins and one peppermint stick.
I remember the time Mama and Papa went to church at Cat Creek Church. Mama took the younger children, and left me and Leatha to cook dinner. When they got home, Mama's hair was down loose at her waist. I remember I asked, "Mama, what happened to your hair?" She said, "Well, me and your Papa was baptized today, and I'm letting it dry." That was in 1910 and I was five years old.
In 1915, I remember going in to Valdosta with Papa for him to serve on the jury. Parked around the courthouse was lots and lots of buggies and wagons. I would count the cars on the streets. Some days I'd see four cars, other days only three. The fire engine was pulled by horses. The pavement ended at Park Avenue, and old Highway 41 was called National Highway.
We always ate good at our house. Of course, it was country food. Mama was never very well. She had ten children, eight lived, and times were mighty hard. Papa provided for his family - always working hard - and we were happy together.
Now everybody is gone - except me and my baby brother, Earl.
___________________________________________________________
Correspondence from Mrs Louise Martin Walden, Quitman, Ga. regarding Martin genealogy:
5-1-1998
Quitman, Ga.
Dear John,
My Dad, Carroll Lee Martin, was quite interested in the information you have & is able to provide some additional information that might help you.
Please let me apologize for the use of paper & pencil. Your letter is so very professional & mine is just scribbled. But cousin to cousin, maybe it will be sufficient.
First, my Dad says his name, Carroll Lee, came from Mr. Jim Carroll of Valdosta, who owned a wholesale slaughterhouse there. My Dad's Uncle Lee Fiveash, his mother's brother, gave my Dad his name, Carroll Lee, on the day he was born, February 17, 1905.
My Dad remembers his father, William Elzie Martin, telling him that his father, William Columbus Martin & his sisters, whose names Dad does not now remember, came from South Carolina in a horse and buggy. It was called a "top buggy."
William E. always said that his Dad and Aunts were orphan children and that is about all they ever knew of their people in South Carolina. One sister of William C. married a man named Overstreet in Bemis, Ga. They later moved to Adel. My Dad remembers their son, he only knew him as Mr. Overstreet, since he was older. He is buried somewhere around Adel, Ga.
Dad's great Uncle's, brothers of William C. Martin's wife, Isabelle, were: Uncles Eulie Peters & Ervin Peters, both were born and raised near Bemis and are buried at Cat Creek. Also, Uncle Orin Peters - both Orin and Ervin each owned stores near Bemis, Ga. There were other Uncles but Daddy doesn't recall their names at the moment.
My Dad says his Dad, William E., talked often of his growing up & about his father, William C. Martin. Daddy has greatly enjoyed reading all of the information you sent. It sure jogged some memories for him. At his request, I have made copies of all of this for our records, even though I was quite sure you kept copies.
He says, as do I, that when you are ever back in our neck of the woods to come on by and visit. I think I told you on the phone that we live on the East side of the Quitman Methodist Church, which is on Highway 84.
Daddy says he would enjoy talking with you about all of these things but, be prepared! He is very talkative and remembers dates, places and people from years and years back. He is certainly not the typical 93 year old.
He drives every day and, consequently, I pray a lot. He even goes to Atlanta when the whim strikes him, to visit his son, down to Tallahassee to visit family and back down to Sarasota, Fla. to visit my mother's remaining siblings. He gets around!
We are looking forward to hearing from you again, John. We are just country folk here and would gladly welcome you any time.
Your cousin,
Louise Martin Walden
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
William Elzie Martin was born 8 Jan 1877, Bemis, Lowndes Co., GA, the son of William Columbus and Isabelle (Peters) Martin. His paternal grandparents were John Martin and Mary Moody, both of who died in Barnwell District, SC in 1848. His maternal grandparents were John Daniel and Adeline (Copeland) Peters, also of Barnwell Dist., SC and Naylor, Lowndes Co., GA. William C. Martin and Isabell Peters were married at Pine Grove, GA as this article from the Southern Christian Advocate, x 25 August 1864 states, "By the Rev. J.H. Wilkins, at [Pine] Grove, Georgia, 7 August, Mr. W.C. Martin to Ms. Isabella Peters, both of the same county."
W.E. Martin grew to manhood in the northeast region of Lowndes Co., GA on his father's farm in a very large family of brothers and sisters. He grew to love and married a local girl, Phoebe Delilah Fiveash. They were married 12 Jan 1897. Phoebe was born 16 Dec 1875, Magnolia, Clinch Co., GA, the dau. of George and Elizabeth Fiveash.
After their marriage, Wm & Phoebe moved briefly to Suwannee Co., FL where he was employed in the turpentine industry. By 1910, they were back in upper Lowndes Co., GA. They purchased a parcel of land near Cecil, GA and farmed there until removing to Quitman, Brooks, GA about 1940.
Wm & Phoebe were the parents of ten children, eight of whom grew to adulthood:
1. Clifford Deleon Martin, b. 2 Nov 1897, d. 25 Mar 1988, Adel, Cook Co., GA. Married Donnie Mae Banks, b. 27 Feb 1906, d. 25 Sept 1966. Both bur. Long Bridge Bapt Church, Berrien Co., GA.
2. Letha Belle Martin, b. 7 Jan 1899, mar. 1. R.L. Mathis, and 2. Ernest W. Newby, lived Sarasota, FL. Moved to Quitman, GA and died Valdosta, GA 15 Jan 1986.
3. Remer Columbus Martin, b. 15 Aug 1901, d. 23 Jan 1984 Valdosta, Lowndes Co., GA. Bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, GA.
4. Bertha Mae (Betty) Martin, b. abt 1902, Lowndes Co., GA. Married Lester Court Creech who was born about 1893 and died bef. 1940. They lived near Adel and then Massee in Cook Co., GA. Bertha lived near Meigs in Thomas Co., GA after Lester died. Their children were Alvah, Hazel and Marlon Creech. Bertha Martin Creech married 2nd to Mr. Gripp and lived Jacksonville, FL in 1963.
5. Carroll Lee Martin, b. 17 Feb 1905, d. 6 Jan 2000, Quitman, Brooks Co., GA. Mar. Dell Bullock, 27 Jun 1935. She d. 3 Jan 1987. Both bur. Oak Hill Cem., Brooks Co., GA. C.L. Martin was named for Mr. James Carroll of Valdosta, a native of North Carolina, a stalwart member of the church and owner of a slaughter house in Valdosta. Carroll Lee Martin's middle name came from his Uncle Lee Fiveash.
6. Kathleen Wynell Martin, b. 1906, d. 1993. Mar. Mr. Jack Rowland, 19 Dec 1923 Cook Co., GA. Lived Sarasota, FL for many years before moving to Quitman, GA to be near family.
7. Floyd Frederick Martin, b. 8 Jul 1913, d. 12 Sept 1984, bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, Brooks Co., GA with wife, Esther C. Martin.
8. Earl William Martin, b. 24 Nov 1916, d. 25 Sept 2003, Omega, Tift Co., GA. Bur. Oak Hill Cem., Quitman, Brooks Co., GA.
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Obituary, Thomasville Times-Enterprise, 1963
William Elzie Martin, age 86, passed away on March 14th at his residence, Route 2, Quitman. Although Mr. Martin had been in ill health for more than three years, death came suddenly of a heart attack. Born on January 8, 1877 in Lowndes County, Georgia, Mr. Martin was the son of William Columbus Martin and Elizabeth Peters. He married Phoebe Fiveash of Hahira in January, 1897. Mrs. Martin passed away in May, 1946. Mr. Martin remarried to Miss Hannah Renfroe in 1948. Mrs. Hannah Renfroe Martin survives her husband. Mr. Martin was a member of Long Bridge Primitive Baptist Church near Nashville, Ga. He had farmed in Brooks County for more than seventeen years. In addition to his widow, Mr. Martin is survived by five sons: Mr. Clifford Martin of Adel; Mr. Remer Martin of Del Ray Beach; Mr. Earl Martin of Norman Park; Mr Carroll Martin of Quitman; and, three daughters, Mrs. Letha Newby of Sarasota, Fla.,; Mrs. Betty Gripp of Jacksonville; and Mrs. Kathleen Rowland of Sarasota, Fla. Two sisters survive their brother, Mrs. Ida Dixon of Blackshear and Mrs. Mattie Powell of Greenville, Fla. Mr. Martin leaves 32 grandchildren and 67 great grandchildren.
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From History of Brooks County (1993):
Carroll Lee Martin
"I am 88 years old. I was born February 17, 1905, near Hahira, in Lowndes County, Georgia.
My very first memory is when I was three years old, 85 years ago. Mama is sitting on the front porch, waiting for Papa to get in from plowing. She is rocking the baby, Kathleen, and singing a sad song, "Mother, Put My Little Shoes Away." My sister, Bertha, and I would cry and cry when she sang that song.
I remember us moving in 1909 to my Granddaddy's farm southeast of Hahira. There was an old red clay chimney with wooden slats. Sometimes the chimney would catch fire and you'd have to throw water on it to put out the flames.
In 1910, when I was five, we moved into an old church that Papa remodeled for us. I remember we grew cotton and the stalks grew six to eight feet high. They called it long staple cotton. I started picking cotton when I was six years old.
We didn't go to school very regularly. We walked, of course, and took our lunch in a basket - mostly baked sweet potatoes, bacon, and egg and biscuit sandwich. I was little, and had to eat with the girls. I hated that!
Santa Claus came to see us every Christmas and brought us each one apple, one orange, a few raisins and one peppermint stick.
I remember the time Mama and Papa went to church at Cat Creek Church. Mama took the younger children, and left me and Leatha to cook dinner. When they got home, Mama's hair was down loose at her waist. I remember I asked, "Mama, what happened to your hair?" She said, "Well, me and your Papa was baptized today, and I'm letting it dry." That was in 1910 and I was five years old.
In 1915, I remember going in to Valdosta with Papa for him to serve on the jury. Parked around the courthouse was lots and lots of buggies and wagons. I would count the cars on the streets. Some days I'd see four cars, other days only three. The fire engine was pulled by horses. The pavement ended at Park Avenue, and old Highway 41 was called National Highway.
We always ate good at our house. Of course, it was country food. Mama was never very well. She had ten children, eight lived, and times were mighty hard. Papa provided for his family - always working hard - and we were happy together.
Now everybody is gone - except me and my baby brother, Earl.
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Correspondence from Mrs Louise Martin Walden, Quitman, Ga. regarding Martin genealogy:
5-1-1998
Quitman, Ga.
Dear John,
My Dad, Carroll Lee Martin, was quite interested in the information you have & is able to provide some additional information that might help you.
Please let me apologize for the use of paper & pencil. Your letter is so very professional & mine is just scribbled. But cousin to cousin, maybe it will be sufficient.
First, my Dad says his name, Carroll Lee, came from Mr. Jim Carroll of Valdosta, who owned a wholesale slaughterhouse there. My Dad's Uncle Lee Fiveash, his mother's brother, gave my Dad his name, Carroll Lee, on the day he was born, February 17, 1905.
My Dad remembers his father, William Elzie Martin, telling him that his father, William Columbus Martin & his sisters, whose names Dad does not now remember, came from South Carolina in a horse and buggy. It was called a "top buggy."
William E. always said that his Dad and Aunts were orphan children and that is about all they ever knew of their people in South Carolina. One sister of William C. married a man named Overstreet in Bemis, Ga. They later moved to Adel. My Dad remembers their son, he only knew him as Mr. Overstreet, since he was older. He is buried somewhere around Adel, Ga.
Dad's great Uncle's, brothers of William C. Martin's wife, Isabelle, were: Uncles Eulie Peters & Ervin Peters, both were born and raised near Bemis and are buried at Cat Creek. Also, Uncle Orin Peters - both Orin and Ervin each owned stores near Bemis, Ga. There were other Uncles but Daddy doesn't recall their names at the moment.
My Dad says his Dad, William E., talked often of his growing up & about his father, William C. Martin. Daddy has greatly enjoyed reading all of the information you sent. It sure jogged some memories for him. At his request, I have made copies of all of this for our records, even though I was quite sure you kept copies.
He says, as do I, that when you are ever back in our neck of the woods to come on by and visit. I think I told you on the phone that we live on the East side of the Quitman Methodist Church, which is on Highway 84.
Daddy says he would enjoy talking with you about all of these things but, be prepared! He is very talkative and remembers dates, places and people from years and years back. He is certainly not the typical 93 year old.
He drives every day and, consequently, I pray a lot. He even goes to Atlanta when the whim strikes him, to visit his son, down to Tallahassee to visit family and back down to Sarasota, Fla. to visit my mother's remaining siblings. He gets around!
We are looking forward to hearing from you again, John. We are just country folk here and would gladly welcome you any time.
Your cousin,
Louise Martin Walden
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