CHARLES MARTIN
1715-1790
Charles Martin was born in 1715 in Fairmont, Monongalia, West
Virginia, his father was John Martin. He died in Harrison, West Virginia.
He settled in what is not Monongalia County on Crooked Run, near the
Pennsylvania line. He erected a fort against the hostile Indians, an
account of which is given in “Border Warfare.” He took up a patent on
a large tract of land in Virginia, now West Virginia.
The common motive prompting large migrations from Great
Britain to America was the seeking of religious freedom. Charles seems
to have been a man of some means, because as stated he took up a
large tract of land and patented it. He became a slave owner.
Excerpts from DAR Patriot Index
Charles Martin produced a certificate from the Commiss,rs of
Yohogania Monongalia and Ohio for 400 acres of land on the
Monongalia River to include his settlement made in 1769. Fort Martin
was later built on his land.
Fort Martin, one of the nation’s most modern power stations and
one of the earliest church’s still surviving west of the mountains today
grace the land on which Fort Martin and its satellite homesteads stood.
Col. Charles Martin settled in 1769 and built his fort sometime between
then and 1773. The Forts worst year was 1779, when a particularly
bloody raid when it was attacked by Indians. Many famous people
were entertained at Mr. Martin’s home.
Charles Martin is said to have been over six feet high, of dark
complexion, with a keen piercing eye. It is said that he came from
Eastern Virginia, and was first in Union District at Collin’s ferry.
The next Indian attack was in June 1779 it is related in the book
“Border Warfare”. The Indians attacked and killed and made prisoners
of ten of them. They were carried into captivity. They were taken to
Indian territory, which later became present Columbus Ohio. One
woman’s account said “She was not treated badly after she became
acquainted with the Indians and their white captives, some of whom
became her friends.”
The following is a copy of his will.
In the name of God, Amen…I Charles Martin of Monongalia
County and the state of Virginia considering the uncertainty of this
mortal life and being of sound and perfect mind and memory blessed
by Almighty God for the same do make and publish this, my last will
and testament in manner and for following vis’t.
First, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Martin one
half of my home tract of land where I now live and her part is to be
bounded by Stuarts Road and the State line and to include all between
them during her natural life. I give and bequeath to my wife Mary
Martin, one negro woman called Selvey and two of her children called
Lucy and Win during her natural life. I also give and bequeath to my
wife Mary Martin one third of all my personal estate after my debts are
paid absolutely excepting my negroes and the increase of my negro
woman Selvey to return to my estate and after the decease of my wife
Mary Martin, Selvey is to be a free woman and clear of servitude from
any of my heirs forever.
I also give and bequeath to my son Spencer Martin one tract of
land containing four hundred acres and adjoining the tract whereon the
said Spencer Martin now lives and situate the water of Traverbough to
him and the said Spencer Martin forever.
I also give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Randall, one
negro girl called Sal to her and her heirs forever.
I also give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Harrison, one negro
girl called Pagg now in her possession to her and her heirs forever.
I also give and bequeath to my son Presley Martin four hundred
acres of land where on I live excepting and reserving the afore said
bequeathment to his mother during her natural and also one negro boy
called Abraham and one of the negro girls bequeathed to his mother
after death or the increase of my negro woman Selvey which my son
Presley is to have his choice after his mother’s death to him the said,
Presley Martin, his heirs and assigns forever and it my desire that the
afore said bequeathment all except to my son George Martin and my
wife Mary Martin is to be to them and their heirs and assigns forever
and lately as to all the rest residue and remainder of all my real and
personal estates goods and chattels of what kind or nature so ever is to
be sold by executors at public sale and the money arising there from
after all my just debts is paid and all other expenses is dispersed the
rest is to be equally divided between my son George Martin, my son
William, my son Spencer Martin, my son Presley Martin, my daughter
Elizabeth Randall, my daughter Ann Harrison and grandson Charles
Martin, the son of Jesse Martin as tenants in common and the money
to be paid the legatees within two years after my decease.
I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Mary Martin executrix and
Stephen Cape of Dunker Creek and my son Presley Martin Executores
Of this will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness whereby I have here unto set my hand seal this first
day of November in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred
and Ninety Eight. (1798)