Captain
John
Martin
Born about in London, England
Ancestors 
Son of Richard Martin
and Dorcas (Eccleston) Martin
Brother of
Dorcas (Martin) Caesar and Richard Martin
Husband of
Mary (Brandon) Martin
— married
May 1586 (to about 1598) in London, England
Descendants 
Father of
Dorcas (Martin) Bargrave and John Martin
Died about
at about age 72
in Martin's Brandon Plantation, Jamestown, Prince George Co, Virginia
Profile last modified
| Created 6 Jun 2011
This page has been accessed 5,900 times.
Contents |
Biography
John Martin was a Jamestown colonist.
John Martin is a Qualifying Ancestor of the Jamestowne Society
WAS A COUNCILMAN OF THE JAMESTOWN COLONY IN 1607. HE FOUNDED MARTIN'S BRANDON PLANTATION IN1616. IT IS A NATIONAL HISTORICAL LANDMARK, AND ONE OF AMERICA'S OLDEST CONTINUING FARMING OPERATIONS.HE COMMANDED THE SHIP BENJAMIN UNDER SIR FRANCIS DRAKE 1585-1586 EXPEDITION TO HARASS SPANISH PORTS IN THE NEW WORLD.
This biography is a rough draft. It was auto-generated by a GEDCOM import and needs to be edited.
Capt. John Martin, born about 1562 in England, was the son of Sir Richard Martin and Dorcus (Eccleston) Martin.[1] He commanded the ship Benjamin under Sir Francis Drake in the 1585–86 expedition to harass the Spanish ports in the New World; and on his return, married Mary Brandon, daughter of Robert Brandon. He arrived in Virginia along with his teenage son John on 26 April 1607,[2] in what came to be called the "First Landing." He became a Councilman of the Jamestown Colony in 1607,[3] and was the proprietor of Martin's Brandon Plantation on the south bank of the James River. Martin's teenage son John was among the majority of the earliest colonists who died during the first year at Jamestown. Captain Martin returned to England on the Phoenix in 1608 and then returned to Virginia with the ships of the ill-fated Third Supply which arrived in 1609, less their flagship, the Sea Venture, and the leaders and supplies which had been aboard. It is not clear when he returned again to England, but he may have returned to Virginia in 1624 on the Swan. Captain John Martin died in 1632 at Martin's Brandon Plantation, which he had established on a 1616 land grant in Virginia, leaving his plantation to a grandson, Captain Robert Bargrave. [4]
- This John Martin does not appear to have had any surviving sons in Virginia, lmand therefore is probably not the father of Abram Martin and John Martin of King William County.
- Research notes: Martin was the third son of goldsmith and Sir Richard Martin (d. 1617) and Dorcas Eccleston (d. 1599). [5] The relationship of Sir Richard Martin as John's father is supported by the will of his brother Richard Martin, goldsmith of London, dated 5 June 1616. [6]
- Also see: "Capt John Martin (c. 1567-1632?) THE COMPLETE WORKS OF Captain John Smith (1580 -- 1631) in Three Volumes, Edited by Philip L. Barbour, VOLUME I (online)
- John Martin, the son of a London goldsmith and backer of Sir Francis Drake, had sailed with Drake and arrived aboard the Godspeed with Christopher Newport's fleet in 1607 [7]
- 2. The John Martin born about 1616 (or 12 Dec 1619) the son of Thomas Martin and Mary Elizabeth Gerrard, and lived in Pale Park, Dorset, England. He came to America with his brothers, arrived in the Virginia Colony in 1634/35, was living in York County in 1650, and died 1673 (04 May 1666?) in York County, Virginia. This John Martin had a son Abram Martin who was born in England and resided in King William County Virginia (sic) in 1680. [8]
- It is said that John Martin's son Abram married Elizabeth and had four sons and a daughter. Their eldest son, John Martin, was the first of the family to be born in America, about 1683 in New Kent County (sic). John Martin the younger represented Caroline and King William Counties in the General Assembly from March 1752 to March 1756 and died 25 March 1756 during the 1756 session. John the younger married Leticia Lewis in about 1702/03, and they were the parents of ten children. [12]
- 3 added by Coleman-5109 11:33, 4 July 2017 (EDT)
- However, there is evidence that a John Martin born in 1616-19 cannot have been the son of Thomas Martin and his wife Elizabeth Gerrard(Jerrard). His birth was almost 50 years after the children of this couple were born.
Thomas Martin married Elizabeth Gerard in 1561 in Trent [13]
- John Martin , was according to the 1623 visitation of Dorset, the 2nd son of Thomas Martin and Elizabeth Gerrard. His younger brother, William the 3rd son, was 58 at the time of the visitation . The pedigree appears to have been submitted, by Thomas, the 19 year old son of William. [14] .John, as second son must have been born in about 1564, The will of Elizabeth's father William Jerard, written in 1567/8 provides further evidence that this couple had young children in the 1560's. William bequeathed to his daughter, Elizabeth Martin 100 lambs and to each of her children , one lamb. [15]
Furthermore, Thomas Martin appears to have died in 1584 [16], Thomas Martin, gent' was buried in 1584 at Puddletown [17] (as yet no evidence has been found of the subsequent lives of Francis, the eldest son ,or of John, the second son of Thomas Martin and Elizabeth Gerrard. It may be that they died without issue, since the inheritance may have gone to William's son Thomas (aged 19 in 1623) It was certainly a Thomas Martin who owned Park Pale, when it was sequestered during the Civil war)
Disputed Parents
Capt John Martin, early Jamestowne adventurer, is said to be the son of Thomas Martin and Elizabeth Gerrard Martin. The evidence from multiple sources weigh heavily against this and instead support as the parents of Capt John Martin, ancient adventurer, as Sir Richard Martin (d 1617} and Dorcas Eccleston Martin (d.1599). Sir Rochard Martin was a significant investor in the London Company.
It is recommended, based on the supporting evidence that Capt John Martin be removed as a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Gerrard Martin, of Dorset. It is recommended that Capt John Martin, of Jamestowne be linked to his proper parents, Sir Richard and Dorcas Martin. See research notes above for evidence and additional documentation.
The Second Virginia Charter (May 23, 1609)
"James, by the grace of God [King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, etc.] To all [to whom these presents shall come, greeting.]
"Whereas, at the humble suite and request of sondrie oure lovinge and well disposed subjects intendinge to deduce a colonie and to make habitacion and plantacion of sondrie of oure people in that parte of America comonlie called Virginia, and other part and territories in America either apperteyninge unto us or which are not actually possessed of anie Christian prince or people within certaine bound and regions, wee have formerly, by oure lettres patents bearinge date the tenth of Aprill in the fourth yeare of oure raigne of England, Fraunce, and Ireland, and the nine and thirtieth of Scotland, graunted to Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers and others, for the more speedie accomplishment of the said plantacion and habitacion, that they shoulde devide themselves into twoe colloniesthe one consistinge of divers Knights, gentlemen, merchaunts and others of our cittie of London, called the First Collonie; and the other of sondrie Knights, gentlemen and others of the citties of Bristoll, Exeter, the towne of Plymouth, and other places, called the Seccond Collonieand have yielded and graunted maine and sondrie priviledges and liberties to each Collonie for their quiet setlinge and good government therein, as by the said lettres patents more at large appeareth.
"Nowe, forasmuch as divers and sondrie of oure lovinge subjects, as well adventurers as planters, of the said First Collonie (which have alreadie engaged them selves in furtheringe the businesse of the said plantacion and doe further intende by the assistance of Almightie God to prosecute the same to a happie ende) have of late ben humble suiters unto us that, in respect of their great chardeges and the adventure of manie of their lives which they have hazarded in the said discoverie and plantacion of the said countrie, wee woulde be pleased to graunt them a further enlargement and explanacion of the said graunte, priviledge and liberties, and that suche counsellors and other officers maie be appointed amonngest them to manage and direct their affaires [as] are willinge and readie to adventure with them; as also whose dwellings are not so farr remote from the cittye of London but that they maie at convenient tymes be readie at hande to give advice and assistance upon all occacions requisite.
"We, greatlie affectinge the effectual prosecucion and happie successe of the said plantacion and comendinge their good desires theirin, for their further encouragement in accomplishinge so excellent a worke, much pleasinge to God and profitable to oure Kingdomes, doe, of oure speciall grace and certeine knowledge and meere motion, for us, oure heires and successors, give, graunt and confirme to oure trustie and welbeloved subjects, ..."
Among those "welbeloved subjects" listed are: John Marten, gentleman, Captyn John Martyn and Richard Murrettone [Martin]. [18]
Sources
- ↑ Captain John Martin, Profile # L69R-KM4 Family Search.org, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- ↑ Passenger List of the Jamestown Fleet Research and compilation by Anne Stevens, packrat-pro.com.
- ↑ Jamestowne Society: Martin, John - A5209; living in 1629; 1607-10; Elizabeth City Co.: 1624-25 (Councillor). (accessed 25 Sep 2021)
- ↑ Wikipedia: John Martin (Jamestown)
- ↑ John Martin (Jamestown), Capt. John Martin (c. 1560 – 1632 : Wikipedia
- ↑ Samuel M. Bemiss,"John Martin, Ancient Adventurer," Virginia Historical Society 65.2 (April 1957), 209–221
- ↑ Courthouse of 1770 Historical Report, Block 19 Building 3, Originally entitled: "The Williamsburg Courthouse, A Research Report and Interpretive Guide", David Thomas Konig,1987, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1218 Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library, Williamsburg,Virginia,1994
- ↑ John Martin Profile # GZM7-4LV Family Search.org, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- ↑ Wikipedia: King William County, Virginia
- ↑ Wikipedia: King and Queen County, Virginia
- ↑ Wikipedia: New Kent County, Virginia
- ↑ John Martin, b. 1616
- ↑ Dorset History Centre, Trent parish register, PE TNT RE 1/1, viewable on ancestry.co.uk
- Thomas Martine and Elizabeth Jerarde ye 25th daie of November
- ↑ The Visitation of Dorset, 1623 archive books
- ↑ National Archives Will of William Jerard or Jerarde of Trent, Somerset, 31 January 1568 PROB 11/50/25
- ↑ M.R.P. MARTIN, Thomas (c.1530-83), of Park Pale, Tolpuddle, Dorset. Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler, 1981 History of Parliament online
- ↑ Dorset History Centre, Puddletown parish register, PE:PUD RE 1/1 viewable on ancestry.co.uk
- ↑ The Second Virginia Charter (May 23, 1609)
See also:
- Some Martin families: descendants of Martin de Tours and his wife, Geva de Burci, 1033-199, compiled by Leroy and Mildred (English) Collier, Authors: Collier, Leroy, 1920- (Main Author), Collier, Mildred English, 1920- (Added Author), Bowling Green, Kentucky : L. Collier, c1992, 130 p.
- Source: Title: Ancestry Family Trees Publication: Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com. Original data: Family Tree files submitted by Ancestry members.; Repository: This information comes from 1 or more individual Ancestry Family Tree files. This source citation points you to a current version of those files. Note: The owners of these tree files may have removed or changed information since this source citation was created.
- Source: S-2009482853 Repository: #R-2009482618 Title: Ancestry Family Trees Publication: Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com. Original data: Family Tree files submitted by Ancestry members.; Note: This information comes from 1 or more individual Ancestry Family Tree files. This source citation points you to a current version of those files. Note: The owners of these tree files may have removed or changed information since this source citation was created.
- Repository: R-2009482618 Name: Ancestry.com Address: http://www.Ancestry.com
Acknowledgments
- Thank you to MJ Martin for creating Martin-15565 on 27 Dec 13. Click the Changes tab for the details on contributions by MJ and others.
- WikiTree profile Martin-4460 created through the import of Ancestors of PBHowe.ged on Jun 6, 2011 by Buck Howe. See the Changes page for the details of edits by Buck and others.
- This biography was auto-generated by a GEDCOM import.Martin-16927 was created by Tom Culver through the import of Culver1_2014-04-05-11.ged on Apr 5, 2014. This comment and citation can be deleted after the biography has been edited and primary sources are included. It's a rough draft and needs to be edited.
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Current associations with children are questionable. They should be reviewed and dissassociated if in error
[1] Captain John's wife?
The evidence, as presented in the biography indicates Capt Martin was connected to Thomas and Elizabeth Gerrard Martin of Dorset in error. The evidence also indicates the date and place of birth for Capt Martin are also in error and should be corrected to agree with the evidence.
He cannot have been born in 1585 or 1616 because he was born in 1564 (younger brother baptised 1563, older brother 58 in 1623) Elizabeth makes John executor of her will, not something one would do with a 3 year old child. Both Thomas and Elizabeth were long buried by 1616
The parents of Captain John Martin 1560 of Jamestown are as it says on the profile known except that wikipedia says the father was Richard Martin from a quite different family .(he does not appear to have a profile on wikitree)
Unless there is any other evidence, I would suggest that this profile is unlinked from a couple who do not appear to be his/their parents.
A new one can then be created for the John born in c 1564, executor of his mothers will in 1588 but nothing more found from the available evidence. (though being older than William, why are no children or wife mentioned at the Visitation for either of them?. It seems to me that the visitation suggests that it was William who eventually inherited)
My personal opinion is still that there needs to be 3 profiles 1) For Capt John Martin of Jamestown see also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Martin_(Jamestown) and https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Martin-4476
2) For John Martin of York Virginia with no known parents This one seems to have very many variations on the internet, found none with sources and they are all far too late (and why Mary Elizabeth Gerrard at this date long before middle names in common usage? )
3) For John Martin son of Thomas Martin and his wife Elizabeth Gerrard. (ie what this profile ought to be!)
Parents married 1561(parish register) He was second son Third son b 1565 ,age 58 in 1623.(1623 visitation)
I would also like to remove Captain from the prefix field and include in the bio. that 1)He does not seem to be the first John Martin who has a documented alternative ancestry. 2)He cannot be the second as born too early
On reflection, this is just a plaster. It doesn't solve the problem. There does appear to be a Captain John, he doesn't appear to be related to this family. He may also not be related to his supposed wives and sons. There is another John Martyn but he can't be this one because he was born too late. There is the John Martyn of this profile; nothing much known about him other than his birthdate which is too early to be version no. 2.
If we are aiming for an accurate sourced tree, there needs to be at least three profiles for three different John Martins
Is there not a project who could take the two emigrant personas under their wing?
At this visitation his younger brother was 58 so born 1565 . Since this William obviously inherited Pale Park and was in situ in 1623 it may be that his older brothers had died but this is not stated. What is clear is that John cannot have been the first John Martyn who appears to have a quite different ancestry nor was he born as late 1616 or even 1619 as the second bio of the man who moved to Virginia. His brothers seem unlikely to have moved with him since Pale Park was sequestered in 1645 The then owner Thomas Martyn , probably William's son, was obviously a Royalist since his land was sequestered and he was accused of recusancy. He was pleading for alleviation from the terms of the sequestration some years later. He needed to be able to rebuild his burnt house. (see ref 2 on Thomas son of William's profile)