by Lawrence Everett (Buddy) Martin

Coleman Martin did research on the William "Billy" Martin genealogy in the 1950s as a thesis while at Northwestern University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. It has been his research that has served as a starting point for much of the genealogy work on the William "Billy" Martin family since. Coleman's research is commendable. However, he was unable to ascertain the parental ancestry of Billy. Coleman's assumption that Billy Martin was from the lineage of a Jacob Martin from England has since been proven not to be the case.

The following is part of the introduction of Coleman's research The portion in caps is for emphasis only:

"The statements made in this paper may vary from the actual facts in some instances. For this reason criticisms are expected. However, from William (Billy) Martin, 1773, on down to the present, only minor discrepancies will be found. THE ONE UNSUPPORTED LINK IS BETWEEN WILLIAM (BILLY) MARTIN AND HIS PARENTS. His age and events of the period, logically places him as the Billy Martin, who is the connecting link between the Virginia Martins and the Louisiana Martins. On this assumption, the lineage of the Martin family is traced back to their entry into North America."

Coleman's assumption that Billy was a descendant of Jacob Martin is now known not to be the case. Jacob Martin had married a Creole woman in the West Indies, and then moved to a place called Tuck-a-Hoe, Virginia. Jacob and his wife had a son named John. John married a Sarah Jefferies and they had seven children. One of these children was named William (Billy) Martin, who was born in 1773. After the death of John, the family moved to Kentucky. Members of this family left Kentucky at around 1804. This is likely where Coleman connected this William Martin with our Billy Martin. In my research I found that the William Martin of this family moved to Indiana.

The afore mention William moved to Indiana along with his married sister and some of his brothers. He has a number of descendants in Indiana. Both this and his marriage can be checked out through the Indiana Genealogy Society. For this reason no connection can be assumed between the Jacob Martin family and the William (BIlly) Martin who came to Louisiana. A difficulty remains in that some genealogical books are using Coleman's research without mentioning the "unsupported link" entry. Hopefully new data will be discovered that will serve to correct these errors.

It is not known for certain where our William (Billy) Martin came from. One census record indicates that Billy was from Kentucky. Another source has him coming from North Carolina. I have this from the "Early Firsts for Sabine Parish." In their listing of 'First settler in Many, Sabine Parish,' is the following: 'William Martin in 1830. William Martin is reported to have been an orphan from North Carolina who had been kidnapped by fur traders and apprenticed as a carpenter. He was first in Pike County, Mississippi and after marrying moved to an area near Many, Louisiana circa 1830."

It seems likely that the William Martin of Sabine Parish is our William (Billy) Martin. The interesting thing about the story of Billy Martin being captured is that this legend has passed down through the family with some variation. But enough of the story is known to allow for there being a truth behind this.

Coleman includes the following story in his research:

"William (Billy) Martin was said to revert to quiet, medative periods at times. A habit, no doubt formed while being with the Indians. His release was obtained from the old chief, who had made Billy his son, by white traders, who got the old chief drunk and traded him out of Billy while intoxicated. After the trade and the chief had sobered up the traders started to leave with Billy and the Chief objected and would not let Billy leave with the traders. So the traders remained over another night, got the chief drunk again, and left while he was still intoxicated. The traders with Billy were pursued by the Indians, but made it safely back to the settlement. Billy was elated to see his folks and embraced them so vigorously that he snapped the buttons from his jacket. On the trip down the Mississippi, Billy along with many others on the boat were blistered."

This trait of Billy "revert[ing] to quiet, medative periods at times," is interesting. My family line seems to share this trait. It was in my father, Lawrence Bert Martin, and his father, John Allen Martin, and his father, James C. Martin respectively. I am noted for this quietness, as are also all my children.

There is other documentation that shows William (Billy) Martin as a Revolutionary War soldier. He is listed with the Daughters of the American Revolution. It has also been noted that Elizabeth was Indian. However, this has not be verified. It could be the reason she is not given a last name. During that time it wsa common for Indian women to take English first names.

William being a Revolutionary Soldier appears to have validity. We have a report made by Rev. Thomas Franklin, who wrote on the Mitchell Cemetery of Anacoco, Vernon Parish, Louisiana, entitled "Pioneer Minister Tells of First Cemetery." Rev. Franklin was an early settler of the Sabine Territory, Vernon Parish area. Rev. Thomas Franklin died, February 3, 189

This is his report:

"I have been acquainted with people of this country ever since the year 1835 and the history of this graveyard from the time the first grave was opened. I feel it is my duty to give a short history to those who are interested.

In my early days there were no churches, no schoolhouses, preachers, nor anyone who would offer prayer in public, but my mother. People had to die, and I well remember when the people were called to bury John Martin's infant child. This place was selected to lay the precious body. This was the second I had witnessed. Oh, how horrifying to my mind that the grief stricken parents should be forced to leave their baby in the dark grave. There was no man of God to speak a word of encouragement or also God's blessing on the afflicted people. At this time the Martin, West, Miers, and Franklin families made the principle part of the citizens of this country. After this N. P. and John R. Smart moved into this country, who were great workers for the education of the rising generation. Then the country began to settle up, and preachers passing through to Texas would stop and preach to the people.

Rev. James Forman, a Protestant Methodist, organized a society in the first school house that was put up in this area. I well remember the old preacher preaching the funeral of Thomas Martin. He was the first man I ever saw kneel and offer prayer to God in this graveyard. Rev. Benjamin Garlington, a Primitive Baptist preached in this country. Rev. Joel Sanders an itinerant Episcopal Methodist, traveled from Bienville Parish to this settlement crossing Bayou Tore at the mouth going to Negreet, then to Many. Bayou Seie, Pleasant Mill and back to Bienville every month. Rev. James Ritter a free will Baptist from Texas, preached and organized a society in this country. About this time the Missionary Baptist preachers came through here.

A Rev. Harper and Rev. Foreman, the Free will Baptist all, and a part of the Primitive united with time. After this N. W. Bray was the leading Missionary Baptist preacher in this country. About this time Rev. Luke Conerly, a local Methodist minister, emigrated to this country from Mississippi. At this time here, (t)here were school houses in several settlements. J. W. Franklin, Rev. Luke Conerly and his nephew built the old log house at Holly Grove Church, and from this time the people had someone to attend to the burial of the dead. Though the preacher is dead and gone to his reward, God raised up others under his ministry and the ministry of the circuit preachers.

I have stated that old Brother Conerly assisted in the temperal work of the church, but he did much more in the spiritual part and while he lived it seemed that he had the hearts of the people turned together in love. Though, no doubt, while the old Brother was gathering the sheep in the fold of God, some wolves in sheep skins crept in unaware. But where there is counterfeit, it proves there is real gold. About the year 1850, John R. Conerly, Peter Sandell and some of the Balls moved from Mississippi to this country and were good help in the way of strengthening churches and schools. John R. Conerly was an old-time physician and did good service in the way of doctoring and nursing the sick. However, he was with us but a while, till the Lord called him to his reward.

In a few years after this Rev. A. Wright, a local Methodist preacher came among us as a worker for the Lord. He preached at various places through this section and did much for the church. His work is now over and he has gone to his reward. Rev. Jacob Kile a local preacher for us, attended to all the funerals that he was called on to attend to. He like Brother Conerly, built churches and organized societies, but he has also gone on to his reward, and God has raised up other witnesses.

Now as we have been following the history of servants of the Lord since 1835, we now turn more directly to the history of this graveyard for here lies the body of the old and the young resting. Here the body of William Martin, an old Revolutionary soldier, with his wife, also many children and grandchildren lie buried here. And the old wayworn traveler Saul Williams, who had been to market to get supplies for his family and was taken at my father's on his return home, and died. His children from Texas came and they and their friends laid his body here to rest.

J. W. Franklin's two bright little boys whom I have often nursed to sleep, their bodies have been lain here too, with several of his grandchildren. W. G. Franklin has one laid here. J. P. Mithcell has lain five of his children here. One was the mother of two children when she died. She died in triumph of a living faith. Elmore Kay has two children here. Abel Dixon, one. Thomas J. Franklin, two.

And here lies our father, who has often told us that he did service in the Revolutionary War, and by him our mother has been lain, who departed this life in the full triumph of a living faith. Three of our own babies, one boy and two girls have been buried here.

To our disgrace and shame we let this graveyard grow up though it has been once been pailed in and wire stretched around it. Still it has gone down, but the citizens commenced having annual workings and improved it.

J. W. Franklin, J. P. Mitchell, Elmore Kay, J. W. Franklin, Jr., John Franklin, A. J. Weldon, a Baptist minister who has buried his wife, his mother and one child here with the aid of some others have improved the graveyard as your see it. This has been the last united improvement that has been done in this graveyard."

The above was written by Rev. Thomas Franklin, who died February 3, 1891, in the full triumph of a living faith, and the committee who has been appointed to revise this history will say: Here lies his body. Also the Rev. Thomas Franklin was one of the old pioneers of this country, and while bodily afflictions held him back to a great extent from taking part in the manual labor, yet he was always ready to do what he could and will say, there were few men in this country who were more prosperous than he was. In his early days he was one of the few school teachers in the country, and he always gave general satisfaction to his employers, in the way of instructing the young. He was at this day universally loved by all, both old and young. He was also a local preacher, and did much for his church, and the building up of the country. But alas' his days on earth have ended and he has gone to reap his reward. A few years after his death his companion was lain by his side.

Many changes have taken place in this country since these annual graveyard workings have commended. Many bodies have been buried here to numerous to mention, but we will mention a few. J. P. Mitchell, who was prominent in the working. A. J. Weldon, a Baptist preacher, Nancy Kay, daughter of J. W. Franklin, one of the old pioneers. R. S. Haelett, Tolover Kay and wife, the dear wives of R. J. and Samuel McConathy, with many others. Awaiting the call to the resurrection where there will still be no more sad partings.

We are proud to say that the graveyard as it is now kept up by contract is in much better condition than when it was kept up by community labor. We would recommend that contractor for the graveyard assist strangers, when possible, in the selection of burial ground. We further recommend that the cemetery be enlarged as soon as possible.

Respectfully submitted, A. J. Franklin, R. J. Wright, L. G. Sanders, W. J. Brashaw. H. A. Martin, September 11, 1927.

Note: The above history was copied from a pamphlet published in the latter part of 1927. The cemetery in question is the Mitchell cemetery, one mile east of Anacoco. The brief history gives us an idea on how our early Vernon Parish citizens lived. The Mitchell Demetra has probably been in two parishes, first in Sabine and in Vernon when Vernon was created in 1871.

The following information is from Shirley Baker (April 1999)

"There is an article in La. Tombstone Inscriptions Vol 5 Daughters of the American Revolution on Vernon Parish. According to this article James Franklin and William Martin came to the Anacoco area about 1835; and members of the Miers, Ball, Smart, Wright, Conerly and Newman families were there about that time or soon after. William Newman, a native of South Carolina, left Amite, Co, Mississippi, before 1847, and soon established his home on Sandy Creek, near Toro Bayou, he lived until his death in 1886. Some of the early settlers, natives of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and other old states, arrived in the southern part of present day Vernon as early as the 1830s."

Some early information shows William Martin as a Methodist. Whether this is so or not, cannot be ascertained. However, it can be said of the Martin descendants that the great majority hold to the Protestant faith. The family has produced a number of ministers and missionaries.

My lineage traces back as follows. My father was Lawrence Bert (Red) Martin. He was the son of John Allen Martin, the son of James C. (Irvin) Martin, the son of Charles Martin, the son of William/Elizabeth Martin

I have a double Martin lineage in that my grandmother was also a Martin from the William/Elizabeth genealogy. She was a third cousin to my grandfather. Her side traces as follows: My grandmother was Frances Ella (Fanny) Martin, who was the daughter of Robert Martin, the son of William (Bill) Martin, Jr., the son of William/Elizabeth Martin.

Finally, I want to mention that a great many of the Martin descendants are also descendants of the Miers family. This is a result of the early pioneer marriages between several of the William/Elizabeth Martin children, and the David Miers and Rachael Morgan childre

Here is what is in the Cemetery book on William Martin burial in Mitchell Cemetery. [Provided by Twyla Edwards 10 April, 2000. email]

Large Double Stone:

Elizabeth Martin - ca 1790/ca1849
William (Billy) Martin- 1766/ca1840 American Revolutionary Soldier, came
to LA in 1803 from VA--KY area. Married 1805. Their Children...1. John
(Jack) married 1831 to Rachel Miers, 2. Thomas married 1833 to Elizabeth,
3. David married 1833 to Catherine, 4. Wm (Billy) Jr married 1834 to Mary
Ann Miers, 5. Charles married 1842 to Sarah Ann Miers, 6. Isaac married
1854 to Mary Bass, 7. Benjamin married 1845 to Evelina Miers, 8. Elizabeth
9. Levi (1830) married 1850 to Jane Wingate

On reverse side of stone:
1. Clovis M. Hyams 2. Coleman 7. Charles A.
1. Nelda Zbranek 2. Ronald C. 7. Nancy
4. Hazel Shell 1. Isaiah 7 Solomon G.
6. Leta G. Coburn 1. Woodrow 7. Solomon G. Jr
6. Betty Ledbetter 1. Virgia 7 Osa
6. Etta Mae 7. Leroy 7. Robert G.
9. Rev Efton 7. James H. 7. Leighman

"Research & Sponsors: Coleman, Clovis & Charles A." (Large Double Stone)

The following is additional information provided by Twyla Edwards.

"The intro to this cemetery says that you can write to the Secretary treasurer: Myrtle Mattox Stanley, Rt 2 Box 512, Anacoco La 71403 to obtain information. This was as of 1993. If you write I am sure they can direct it to the person that can help you.

The second family to settle in this area was the Miers/Myers family. Their first home was a campsite near the present Smith Bridge. Soon after the Miers family arrived the Martins, Wests, Balls and Tooms came in the latter part of the 1830's and the community was on its way."

Here are other Martin's in this cemetery

Benjamin Martin 1818/1885 15th Batl La Sharpshooters CSA
(This is from Booth's confederate Book. I didn't know if you had this or
not ------Martin, Benjamin,Pvt. Co. – 15th Battn. Shp. Shooters
(Weatherly's) La. Roll of Prisoners of War C. S. A., paroled Alexandria,
La., June 9, 1865. Res. Rapides Par., La.)

Thomas Martin. Second son of William & Elizabeth Martin 1808/ca1845
Martin....(2 unreadable old concrete markers no info)

Carl Ray Martin, 3 Sep 1964?/10 Apr 1948
Edward Reid Martin 15 Oct 1948/18 Nov 1950
(Dbl stone)

Pauline B. Martin 27 Aug 1932/8 Jun 1988
L A. "Biddie" Martin 27 Mar 1922/no dates
double stone married 1 mar 1950

Mattie M. Martin 11 aug 1933/no date
George A. Martin 13 Mar 1929/no date
double stone married 16 sep 1950

Carey Wayne Martin, infant of M&M G.A. Martin 5 feb 1960/8 Feb 1960

Docia Martin 10 jan 1896/2 sep 1966

Ardela Nelson Martin 14 aug 1902/6 Feb 1975

William Monroe Martin 27 oct 1895/25 jul 1962

**** Plot****
Lydia H. Martin 12 mar 1877/12 Nov 1960
M. B. Martin 22 dec 1876/19 jun 1931
Matthews, Jerry Lou (Sumney) 7 aug 1936/9 may 1970
Sumney, Hortense (Martin) 1919/1939
Mary Jane Martin 14 dec 1889/27 jul 1962
Grady John Martin 17 oc 1903/10 mar 1970, pvt us army ww2

Bryan Eric Martin 9 jul 1980/25 Aug 1980 (Hixson Funeral Marker)

Martin ? - 3 unreadable concrete markers, 2 adult, 1 child, no info

Maggie McInnis Martin 8 apr 1891/15 Mar 1936
Charles Royal Martin 29 aug 1893/12 May 1944, Pvt US Army WW1
dbl stone

Lewis Martin 1860/1937
Mary Martin 1865/1938
dbl stone......this is next to Charles and Maggie's dbl stone

**Plot****.
James Dennis Martin son of M&M Glenn Martin 13 nov 1953/10 jun 1955

Mildren W. Martin 20 jun 1933//no dates
Allen Glen Martin 28 feb 1929/9 mar 1986 Pfc us army dorea
dbl stone married 22 dec 1951

******************

Mildred D. Martin 25 oct 1908/no date
Henry Fay Martin 6 May 1905/14 jun 1975
dbl stone

Meldredge Martin 25 oct 1908/no date
Felton Martin 11 dec 1908/4 apr 1975
dbl stone

James E. Martin 23 May 1931/31 dec 1953 Sgt US Army Korea
Melvin Lynn Martin Sr 13 Mar 1946/25 Aug 1989 (daddy)

Elton Martin 18 feb 1927/8 Sep 1992, pvt us army ww2
Eloise Martin 28 jan 1930/no date
dbl stone
This may be more than you needed on the cemetery but I always figure more
is better than less. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ So, Buddy, if any
of this fits, perhaps you could delete all that is impertinent and reply
back with what is. ...... Thanks, Twyla"

.........................................................................................................................................

• Married: ABT 1805 in Sabine Territory

1. John MARTIN b: 1807 in Sabine Parish, Louisiana
2. Thomas MARTIN b: 1808
3. David MARTIN b: 1812 in Louisiana
4. Benjamin MARTIN b: 20 MAR 1818 in West Louisiana
5. Isaac MARTIN b: ABT 1821 in Sabine Parish, Louisiana
6. Charles Seth MARTIN b: ABT 1825 in Natchitoches , Louisiana
7. Elizabeth MARTIN b: ABT 1826 in Mississippi
8. Levi MARTIN b: 7 FEB 1830 in Anacoco, Vernon Parish, Louisiana
9. William MARTIN b: 1815 in Sabine Territory, Louisiana