Martyn Family History

Scott H. Martyn
Chicago, IL  60611
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John B. MARTYN [1847]
(1789-1854)
Mary Bennet PIPER [1848]
(1786-1872)
Noah MANN [1851]
(1803-1881)
Elizabeth Ann SHERWIN [1852]
(1805-1882)
John Piper MARTYN [137]
(1831-1916)
Hannah MANN [138]
(1834-1923)

Edmund Jonathan MARTYN [135]
(1861-1944)

 

Family Links

Spouses/Children:
1. Fredricka Wilhemina RUEHLE [136]

2. Ada Alfreta SPECK [195]

Edmund Jonathan MARTYN [135] 95

  • Born: 1861, Yarmouth, Elgin, Ontario, Canada 96,97
  • Marriage (1): Fredricka Wilhemina RUEHLE [136] on 18 April 1894 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States 93
  • Marriage (2): Ada Alfreta SPECK [195] on 2 April 1907 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States 94
  • Died: 20 February 1944, Yankton, Yankton, South Dakota, United States at age 83
  • Buried: February 1944, Yankton, Yankton, South Dakota, United States

   FamilySearch ID: LJKW-3ND. Find a Grave ID: 185782043.

  General Notes:

Additional Photos

The Sault Ste. Marie News (The Democrat)

Saturday, January 16, 1892, Page 1
E. J. Martyn was called to St. Thomas, Ont., Monday (January 11, 1892) by telegrams
which announced the death of his sister and the serious illness of his father. His
friends here extend heartfelt sympathy.
---Transcribed by Ida Reed.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. In 1861 he had a residence in Yarmouth, Elgin, Ontario, Canada. 98



2. Edmund appeared in the household of John Piper MARTYN [137] in the 1861 Canada census on 14 January 1861 in Yarmouth, Elgin, Ontario, Canada. This event was shared from John Piper MARTYN [137] who also shared it with Hannah MANN [138], Julia Athena MARTYN [1236], Maria Theresa MARTYN [1237], Mary Bennet PIPER [1848], and Richard Arthur MARTYN [1235].



3. He appeared in the household of John Piper MARTYN [137] in the 1871 Canada census on 2 April 1871 in Yarmouth, Elgin, Ontario, Canada. 99 99 This event was shared from John Piper MARTYN [137] who also shared it with Eli Palmerston MARTYN [1240], Hannah Helena MARTYN [1239], Hannah MANN [138], Julia Athena MARTYN [1236], Maria Theresa MARTYN [1237], Mary Ella MARTYN [1238], and Richard Arthur MARTYN [1235].

4. He immigrated from Canada in 1881 to Caledonia, Kent, Michigan, United States. 100



5. Census: 1881 Canada, on 4 April 1881, in Yarmouth, Elgin, Ontario, Canada. 101 101 1881_ON_163_Yarmouth_5

John P. MARTYN, Sex: M, Marr: M, Age: 49, Origin: English, Birthplace: England, Occupation: Farmer, Religion: Church of England
Hannah MARTYN, Sex: F, Marr: M, Age: 47, Origin: English, Birthplace: England, Religion: Church of England
Maria MARTYN, Sex: F, Age: 21, Origin: English, Birthplace: Ontario, Religion: Baptist
Edmund MARTYN, Sex: M, Age: 20, Origin: English, Birthplace: Ontario, Occupation: S, Religion: Church of England
Ella MARTYN, Sex: F, Age: 17, Origin: English, Birthplace: Ontario, Religion: Church of England
Helena MARTYN, Sex: F, Age: 15, Origin: English, Birthplace: Ontario, Religion: Church of England
Eli J. MARTYN, Sex: M, Age: 13, Origin: English, Birthplace: Ontario, Religion: Church of England
John MARTYN, Sex: M, Age: 6, Origin: English, Birthplace: Ontario, Religion: Church of England
Coral MARTYN, Sex: F, Age: 3, Origin: English, Birthplace: Ontario, Religion: Church of England
Dalton MARTYN, Sex: M, Age: 1, Origin: English, Birthplace: Ontario, Religion: Church of England
Bella LINDSAY, Sex: F, Age: 23, Origin: Irish, Birthplace: Ireland, Church of England This event was shared from John Piper MARTYN [137] who also shared it with Coral Maud May MARTYN [1242], Dalton MARTYN [1243], Eli Palmerston MARTYN [1240], Hannah Helena MARTYN [1239], Hannah MANN [138], John Piper MARTYN, Jr. [1241], Maria Theresa MARTYN [1237], and Mary Ella MARTYN [1238].

6. He worked as a student on 4 April 1881 in Yarmouth, Elgin, Ontario, Canada. 101

7. On 27 September 1883 he had a residence in Yarmouth, Elgin, Ontario, Canada. Edmund was listed as a resident of Yarmouth as witness at his sister, Hannah's wedding.

8. He was naturalized in 1887 in , , , United States. 100



9. Edmund Jonathan Martyn appeared in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States City Directory for 1889 102

10. He worked as a merchant in 1889 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States. 102 MARTYN, EDMUND J., Hats, Caps, Boots and Shoes, and Gent's Furnishings, 7 Portage Avenue West.

11. In 1889 he resided at Hotel Superior in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States. 102



12. He immigrated from Canada in 1890 to Owosso, Shiawassee, Michigan, United States.

13. He traveled on 4 October 1890 to St. Thomas, Elgin, Ontario, Canada.

14. He traveled with Dave Aitken on 1 December 1890 to Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. This trip was reported in the 29 November 1890 edition of the Sault Ste. Marie News.

15. He was ill with Cofined to his room in the First National Bank block with symptoms of pneumonia on 11 July 1891 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States. As reported in the 11 July 1891 edition of the Sault Ste. Marie News.

16. He worked as a merchant on 18 April 1894 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States. 95



17. Edmund Jonathan Martyn appeared in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States City Directory for 1896 103 page 145

18. He worked as a merchant in 1896 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States. 104 MARTYN M & CO (E J Martyn), Hats, Caps and Gents' Furnishings, 76 Ashmun.

19. In 1896 he resided at 77 Peck Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States. 105



20. He appeared on the 1900 United States census on 16 June 1900 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States. 106
Edmund J. Martin was listed as a "Lodger" on Dawson. According to the listing, he was age 45 and divoriced. His birth month and year were listed as Feb 1855. His birthplace was listed as Canada and he immigrated to the United States in 1887 and had resided in the U.S. for 13 years.

21. He worked as a dealer Real Estate on 16 June 1900 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States. 106 Listed on 1900 census entry.



22. Edmund Jonathan Martyn appeared in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States City Directory for 1901 page 157

23. He worked as an owner on 19 October 1904 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States. Disolved Martyn & Stuart partnership

24. An article about Edmund Jonathan Martyn was published in the Detroit Free Press on 11 March 1906 in Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, United States. Prior to the publication of this article, Ada and her daughter Thelma appeared in the 1905 census in South Dakota. Ada was listed as Ada Farney, married. Thelma was two years of age.

25. An article about Edmund Jonathan Martyn was published in the Grand Forks Daily Herald on 11 March 1906 in Grand Forks, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States. Accused of Stealing Woman's Affections Edmund J. Martyn is Defendant in a Suit for $50,000
Date: Sunday, March 11, 1906
Paper: Grand Forks Daily Herald (Grand Forks, North Dakota)
Volume: 25
Issue: 115
Section: First Section
Page: 7

26. He worked as a real estate agent on 2 April 1907 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States. 107

27. Edmund Jonathan Martyn appeared in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States City Directory for 1909 Martyn, Edmund J., removed to Aberdeen, SD

28. In 1909 he resided at Removed to Aberdeen, SD from Sault Ste. Marie, MI in Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States. 108



29. Edmund Jonathan Martyn appeared in Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States City Directory for 1910 Advertisement for Martyn & Stuart Land Co.



30. Edmund Jonathan Martyn appeared in Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States City Directory for 1910 Listings for Ada and Edmund Martyn



31. Edmund Jonathan Martyn appeared in Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States City Directory for 1910 Listing for Martyn & Stuart Land Co.



32. He appeared on the 1910 United States census on 23 April 1910 in Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States. 1910_USA_SD_Brown_1_53_11a This event was shared with Ada Alfreta SPECK [195] and Thelma Phynetta FARNEY [1391].

33. On 23 April 1910 he resided at 721 Jay Street South in Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States. This event was shared with Ada Alfreta SPECK [195] and Thelma Phynetta FARNEY [1391].



34. Edmund Jonathan Martyn appeared in Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States City Directory for 1912 109



35. Edmund Jonathan Martyn appeared in Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States City Directory for 1913 110 Listings for Martyn E J Land Corp and Martyn, Edmund J



36. He appeared on the 1920 United States census on 5 February 1920 in , Dewey, South Dakota, United States. 100 1920_SD_Dewey_3_46_01b

Listed in Township 17 N, Range 22 E. Living with his second wife, Ada, their two daughters Thelma and Virginia, and Ada's father, Charles Speck. This event was shared with Ada Alfreta SPECK [195], Charles E. SPECK [197], Thelma Phynetta FARNEY [1391], and Virginia Jean MARTYN [1392].

37. He worked as a merchant of shoes on 5 February 1920 in , Dewey, South Dakota, United States. 100

38. On 5 February 1920 he had a residence in , Dewey, South Dakota, United States. 100 This event was shared with Ada Alfreta SPECK [195], Charles E. SPECK [197], Thelma Phynetta FARNEY [1391], and Virginia Jean MARTYN [1392].

39. He appeared on the 1925 South Dakota State census in 1925 in Isabel, Dewey, South Dakota, United States.
Card 168
J. Martyn, Age 58
County: Dewey, PO: Isabel, Township: 17
Occupation: Farmer
Own Home/Farm? Yes
Birthplace: New York
Ancestry: Am
Father's Birthplace: England
Mother's Birthplace: New York
Graduate: Br Col
Church Affiliation: Con
Male, White, Single, Can read and write
Years in South Dakota: 16

-- Film: 2368672, Marl - Marv



40. He appeared on the 1930 United States census on 23 April 1930 in , Dewey, South Dakota, United States. 111 1930_USA_SD_Dewey_21-24_22_1a

In township 17, range 22. Edmund was listed as a widower and was living with his daughter Virginia. This event was shared with Virginia Jean MARTYN [1392].



41. He appeared on the 1935 South Dakota State census in 1935 in Isabel, Dewey, South Dakota, United States.

42. In 1935 he had a residence in Isabel, Dewey, South Dakota, United States. 112



43. Edmund appeared in the household of Percy Edmond RABIDUE [2721] in the 1940 United States census on 10 April 1940 in Timber Lake, Dewey, South Dakota, United States. Township 17, Range 24

Birth placeNameRelMarital GenAgeBirth year
MontanaPercy Rabidue Head Married Male211919
South DakotaVirginia Rabidue Wife Married Fem251915
New YorkEdward J MartynFather-in-law Widowed Male791861
Township 17, Range 24

Birth placeNameRelMarital GenAgeBirth year
MontanaPercy Rabidue Head Married Male211919
South DakotaVirginia Rabidue Wife Married Fem251915
New YorkEdward J MartynFather-in-law Widowed Male791861
This event was shared from Percy Edmond RABIDUE [2721] who also shared it with Virginia Jean MARTYN [1392].

44. He was an occupant at the residence of Percy Edmond RABIDUE [2721] on 10 April 1940 in Timber Lake, Dewey, South Dakota, United States: Township 17, Range 24. This event was shared from Percy Edmond RABIDUE [2721] who also shared it with Virginia Jean MARTYN [1392].


Email chain between Bruce Martyn and Joanne Lemler: 5 April 2010

From: Joanne Lemler
To: Bruce Martyn
Sent: Monday, April 05, 2010 4:51 PM
Subject: RE: Family

I am so glad you wrote. I was so surprised when I emailed Scott asking him to correct info he had on the Martyn site concerning my mother. I had no idea Scott was in my grandfather's line. It came as a big surprise. I just stumbled upon his Martyn History site.

I was born the year E.J. died so I have no first hand knowledge of him but he always seemed a part of my life due to my mother always speaking of him. Mom was only 8 when her mother Ada died so E.J. was her sole contact. They lived on a very nice farm near Isabel, South Dakota and E.J. kept an English household. There were patterns as to how food was served, how a person dressed for dinner, etc. It appears he attempted to keep the Canadian Martyn way of life even on a farm in S.D. He farmed very little, he actually was a businessman who built and operated men's clothing stores where ever they lived. He left the farm daily for his store in town.

E.J. was in his 50's when my mother was born and his wife Ada gave birth to a son 8 years later. I think his death happened at her death but I may be wrong.

From what I have gathered from mom and from people who remembered him in Isabel, he was not an overly friendly man as far as socializing went. He was strict and straight laced. Mom says he loved his horses and was proud of his pair of grays and the surrey. He kept everything spotless, inside and out. He dressed like a gentleman, as she puts it.

When he married Ada Speck Farney, Ada brought her daughter Thelma to the marriage but not her son Kenneth. Why, I do not know. The girl went with the mother, the boy went with the father.

Thelma was much older than my mother, 10 years or more. I would have to look up birth dates to be sure. Thelma left the Martyn home soon after her mother died. That arrangement was made by Ada before her death. Thelma went to Detroit first to a Farney relative and then on to Ontario to the Martyn family. She worked in Toronto for one company her whole working career. She never married and only visited my mother and Papa (as they called him) a few times over the years.

I need to look through the info on E.J. that Scott has. I think E.J. and Ada left the Sault Ste. Marie area shortly after they married and I believe they went directly to South Dakota.

I know E.J. moved to Aberdeen, S.D. where my mother was born where he worked in real estate. He developed one side of the town and used family names to name the streets. I sure wish as I heard these stories from my mother and from Aunt Thelma that I would have paid better attention. I was taken to the Methodist Church in Aberdeen to see the pipe organ the Martyn's donated to the church. I got much of my information from Thelma because she lived with E.J. and Ada until she was 18-20 so she remembered things first hand.

From Aberdeen E.J. moved his family to the farm outside of Isabel which was built by Ada's father with E.J.'s money. He left the farm for a short period of time and moved to Parkston, S.D. where he again owned a clothing business. Ada died at Parkston. E.J. then returned to the Isabel farm and remained there until my mother graduated from high school. She worked at the Dewey County Courthouse in Timber Lake, hence, moving E.J. with her and the government got the farm. E.J. was an elderly man by this time.

Eventually he fought dementia and was placed in a home of a lady who took care of the elderly and I think this was in Mobridge, S.D. but I am not sure. My parents left the area because my father was called to WWII. My mother nor Thelma knew E.J. had been transferred to the State Mental Hospital in Yankton S.D. until his death. I believe he was there just a matter of months. Sad thing about it he is buried at the institution, if the family has the information correct.

My mother had several pictures of her father, snap shots, and he was always in a 3-piece suit, no matter if it was summer or winter. Always carried a cane and wore a hat. He was very dressy and very stiff.

My mother always felt her father came to the U.S. illegally. She does not think he was ever a true American citizen.

I took her to Ontario by airplane when she was 80. She was scared of customs because her father was illegal. She was very serious about it. Think she thought she would be arrested. (ha) She and her sister Thelma even talked about it after we got there. So I have a feeling he was not legal. He gave a lot of different information at each census.

So that is a brief picture of your grandfather. I think he probably loved Glenn but I don't think E.J. showed a lot of love to anyone. My mother has always said though that E.J. was very good to her. My mother is much like him. She does not show a lot of love. I know she loves my brother and me but I remember no hugs nor being told she loved us. She is very mannerly, very stiff, does not cry no matter what tragedy happens to her.

Neither my brother nor I are stiff. We are close to our families. Our father was French Canadian and he made up for what mother lacked. Mother turns 96 the 6th of June. My dad died young. He just got us raised and that's about it.

I knew you'd love the picture. When I found it I knew it had to go to your family. Sad that Glenn never got to know his father. He probably always wondered why his father did not seek him out. Every kid would wonder that. I'm hoping he had a stepfather in his life that was good to him.

I wish I known about Glenn when I could have put him in contact with his father's people in Sparta, Ontario. The story is E.J. had a disagreement with his own father. He was paid off his share of the successful farm and E.J. left and apparently ended up in Michigan. I sure would like to know the truth about it all. The Martyn's were (and still are) of money that they earned themselves from being good businessmen. At one time they were referred to the "Turkey Kings of Canada" They raised massive amounts of turkeys. One time I was there, a shipment of 60,000 were coming in. I still laugh when I think of 60,000 turkeys.

You have something in common with your Canadian Martyn relatives.....they are huge baseball fans. So see Bruce, that's the Martyn in you......baseball. E.J. one brother's son had a baseball field on his farm for his children. My one second cousin (who eventually owned his father......way back to great great grandfathers) farm was so disappointed when the new stadium was built in Toronto. He loved the smaller stadium, he found it hard to adjust to a huge place. Baseball is in the Martyn blood.

I apologize for this being so long but as I wrote, so much came to mind that I want to share with you.

Bruce, I think your grandfather was a man you can be proud of. He did let your father down though and that's too bad. My mother said her half-brother on her mother's side visited the S.D. farm while she was growing up but that Glenn never did.

Life was different in those years. No telephones, no one communicated like we can today. I think E.J. fell in love with Ada, he moved on with his life and unfortunately Glenn was lost to him. My aunt (Thelma Martyn) had letters written by her mother to a sister of E.J.'s and in those letters Ada wonders by E.J. is so distant and cold. Maybe Glenn's mother had a happier life without him. I think it would be wonderful if we could see the "truth" about their lives in the forum of a movie. I honestly think because of how my mother is that E.J. was kind of cold and stiff. I don't think you nor I got that trait. Joanne
_____________________________________________________________________

From: Bruce Martyn
To: Joanne Lemler
Subject: Family
Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2010 09:30:27 -0400

Dear Joanne... Our son, Scott, has e-mailed the wonderful picture of my father and grandfather... and how I wish my Dad could have seen it during his lifetime... His father, Edmond (my Dad's middle name) left his mother soon after he was born.. and Dad (Glenn) had little or no memories of him.. he was raised by his mother and two aunts who all lived in the same house in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.. and they would not tell him anything of his father... when we made infrequent trips to other areas Glenn would thumb through phone books and often called any Martyn he could find, but never could locate a relative... I really think he would have been thrilled to know he had a half sister or two... though it doesn't sound as if his father, my grandfather, had much interest in him or his family... as to me... I was raised in the Soo.. married there in 1950... had three sons... who supplied us with five grandchildren and a great grandchild on the way...spent a working lifetime in broadcasting (primarily sports.. including 31 years of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team).. and retired in 1995 and my wife, Donna, and I moved to Florida where we are enjoying life.. I turned 80 last June and we stay active with golf and all the other social events... I honestly don't know if you are interested in any of this, but somehow I feel we've discovered a new family of distant relatives... and I thank you... Regards... Bruce Martyn

Edmund married Fredricka Wilhemina RUEHLE [136] [MRIN: 7], daughter of Wilhelm RUEHLE [139] and Barbara UNGERER [140], on 18 April 1894 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States.93 The marriage ended in divorce on 19 December 1899. (Fredricka Wilhemina RUEHLE [136] was born on 31 August 1874 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States 113,114,115,116,117, christened in , Chippewa, Michigan, United States,114 died on 8 January 1929 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States 114,118 and was buried in January 1929 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States.). The cause of her death was Hemorage.

  Noted events in their marriage were:

1. They published an intent to marry Democrat/Sault Ste. Marie - Page 2 on 21 April 1894 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States.
Surprised Their Friends
E. J. Martyn and Miss Minnie Ruehle Quietly Wedded

The friends of E. J. Martyn and Miss Minnie Ruehle were somewhat surprised Wednesday evening at the announcement of their marriage, as their engagement had been kept a secret. The wedding occurred Wednesday evening (April 18, 1894) at the residence of the bride's mother, Mrs. Wm. Ruehle, 77 Peck street. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. T. R. Easterday in the presence of only the relatives. Mr. Martyn is one of the city's prosperous and popular business men. The bride is the youngest daughter of Mrs. Wm. Reuhle, one of the Soo's oldest residents, and was born and brought up in this city. She is a charming young lady, is highly cultivated and possessess' many accomplishments. Mr. and Mrs. Martyn will be home after May 15 at No. 77 Peck street. THE NEWS joins with friends in wishing the couple a long and prosperous journey over the matrimonial sea.

---Transcribed from The Sault Ste. Marie News (The Democrat) by Ida Reed.



2. Marriage Record: Edmund Martyn and Minnie Ruehle, 21 April 1894, Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States.



3. Divorced: Minnie Martyn, Complainant vs. Edmund J. Martyn, Defendant, 19 December 1899, Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States. 119


  Marriage Notes:

The wedding ceremony was presided over by Reverend T. R. Easterday, Presbyterian Minister. Witnesses were Barbara Ruehle (bride's mother) and Richard J. Common (bride's brother-in-law). Edmund was age 30 and Minnie age 19 at the time of their marriage.

Edmund left sometime after the birth of their son, Glenn Edmund, in 1895.

Edmund next married Ada Alfreta SPECK [195] [MRIN: 80], daughter of Charles E. SPECK [197] and Hannah F. SABIN [198], on 2 April 1907 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States.94 (Ada Alfreta SPECK [195] was born on 24 September 1879 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States 120,121,122,123 and died on 21 June 1922 in , Brown, South Dakota, United States 121.). The cause of her death was Childbirth complications.

  Noted events in their marriage were:



1. Marriage Record: Edmund Martyn and Ada Speck, 2 April 1907, Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan, United States.


  Marriage Notes:

Both Edmund and Ada were married one previous time. Edmund to Minnie Ruehle and Ada to Walter Clark Farney. The ceremony was presided over by Reverend T. R. Easterday, Presbyterian Minister. Witnesses were Mrs. H. D. Johnston and Della Speck, sister of the bride.