James C Martin
Dec 13, 1866 - Oct 25, 1913
Submitted by Jeff Smith

Hennessey Clipper
Hennessey, OK
October 30, 1913

While doing some repair work at a stock well in the Tolerville ranch near Wichita, Kans., James C. Martin, brother of Mrs. James Myers of this place, in some way fell into the well and was drowned. The accident occurred on Saturday, October 25th. Mr. Martin was working alone at a well on the ranch owned by his brother, I. E. Martin, and himself, when an old friend, Dr. Gaunt, of Kechi, a small town a few miles from the ranch, in passing from a visit to a patient, stopped for a few moments talk. Mr. Martin found he did not have the required tools for the repair work and the doctor went to the house to secure them. Upon his return, Mr. Martin was nowhere in sight. After calling several times and receiving no reply, he began a search for his friend. When looking into the well he discovered a broken plank, and feeling certain Mr. Martin was in the well, immediately started for help, a mile distant. The body was later found in the well, and although taken out as soon as possible, life was extinct.    

The remains were brought to Hennessey where funeral services were held from the First Baptist church Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock. Rev. Vermillion conducted the services. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. The remains were interred in the city cemetery beside those of his father, two sisters and a brother.    

James C. Martin was born at Ottumwa, Iowa, on December 13, 1866. His age was 47 years, 10 months and 12 days. He was married to Miss Lillian Torrence at Birmingham, Iowa, in September, 1888. They were the parents of four children, Guy, now of Salt Lake City, Utah; Vern, of Pawnee, Okla.; Don, of Elgin, Okla., and Miss Vera, of Hennessey.

Besides his children, Mr. Martin is survived by his wife, who is a confirmed invalid in a hospital at Birmingham, Iowa; his mother, Mrs. Susan Martin, of Hennessey; two brothers, W. A. Martin, of Chattanooga, Okla., and I. E. Martin, of Wichita, and two sisters, Mrs. Cora Grim, of Ava, Mo., and Mrs. J. C. Myers, of Hennessey.

All, with the exceptions of a son, Guy, and Mrs. Grim, who failed to arrive in time, were present at the funeral.    The deceased had planned to visit with his mother and daughter, who make their home with Mr. and Mrs. James Myers, at this place, and the announcement of his tragic death proved a terrible shock to his relatives here, who had been expecting his arrival daily.    

He will be missed, not only by the sorrowing relatives and friends but by a wide circle of acquaintances. His cheerful, hopeful nature always brought sunshine into the lives of others, hiding his own sorrows, his greatest endeavor was to make those around him happy. Generous and free-hearted always, he was ever ready to grant a favor or to accommodate a friend.    

Mr. Martin had been a member of the Baptist church for many years.