The John Martin Family

Facts from Jodie Martin

John Martin and his wife both were reared in Alto, Texas. They moved to Jacksonville in 1910 when they had three children—Jodie, Johnny (now deceased) and Bose. After moving here they had four more children—Lillie, who died at an early age; Henry Carl, who now lives in Los Angeles, California; Gladys, who lives in San Francisco; and Harry J. Martin, Dallas.

John Martin was self-employed and was known by all for collecting rubbish in the city. He labored at this work for more than a quarter of a century. It is said that his horse was trained to stop only at the buildings where the owners paid for garbage removal and pass the others. Later, he operated one of the first "service cars" as taxis were known then. After retiring from the city work, he served as janitor at the Fred Douglass High School until his health failed. He passed away at age 93 in 1970.

Jodie Martin, oldest son, worked at the Liberty Hotel for 25 years until 1953. Since that time, he has been continuously employed by Texas Bank & Trust Co. He is married to Alta Henderson, who teaches at Joe Wright Elementary School. Bose is employed by the City of Jacksonville to drive a sanitation truck. He is married to Lilmer Land, who came here from Alto.

Jodie Martin serves on the Centennial Celebration Board, and also is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jacksonville Quarterback Club.

Mr. and Mrs. John Martin

Jodie, standing, and Bose suffering from camera fright.