John Ringold Martin Family

J. R. & D. J. Martin were members of the Methodist Church in 1878, J. R. was listed as School Director in Long Creek School in 1882. Some Martin family legend is that John Ringold Martin was Sheriff of Gosper County, (not verified) My father, Lee McGuire, his memory fading, thought Ringold was a deputy, and was hung by Vigilantes, the legend passed down to Irene Mudloff by her mother Beulah, was that Ringold was a Sheriff and was shot by Vigilantes, the truth may be somewhere between the two versions, or he could have been a Vigilante himself. superficial research uncovered stories that there was a gang of thieves/rustlers operating in the south part of Gosper County at that time known as the "Turkey Creek Gang" and may have been the group responsible for Ringold's demise, for so many people repeating a similar story about Ringold, there must have been some truth in it.

Arapahoe Public Mirror - Page 5, May 17th, 1900

J.R. Martin, who has been afflicted with lung and stomach troubles for several years past, died at his home eight miles north of this city at 12 o'clock Monday. The funeral took place on Wednesday at the family home, the remains being interred in the McGuire Cemetery. A brother of the deceased arrived here Tuesday from Missouri. Many friends sympathize with the bereaved wife and children in their great sorrow.

Note: Unmarked Grave

Burial: McGuire Cemetery Gosper County, Nebraska, USA

Back Row: Archie Martin, Dora Martin, Willis Martin

Front John Ringold Martin, Drucillia Martin, George Martin

This picture came from my Grandmothers family album, The names were on the back of the picture. The lady I identified as Drusilla may be incorrect. The picture just says Grandma Martin (1st wife). The 3 on children on the back row were born between 1874 & 1879 judging by their estimated ages this picture would have to be taken in the 1890's. Other sources show that Drusilla died 1885.

Grandmother's family album