Martin, Mulford

Mulford Martin

Early Life

Mulford Martin was born on November 26, 1863, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of David Martin and Mary B. Seely. He spent his early years in New Jersey, residing in Jersey City in 1870 and later in Englewood by 1880, reflecting a family rooted in the New York metropolitan region during a period of rapid urban and suburban growth.

He later established himself in Rye, New York, where by 1900 he was living as head of household and had become part of the community’s established professional class. He married Rosa Rainsford, and together they raised a family that included their sons Mulford Martin Jr., George Rainsford Martin, and John Rainsford Martin. His life in Rye placed him among the town’s long-standing residents during its transition into a suburban enclave.

His later life was marked by personal loss, including the death of his son John Rainsford Martin on September 15, 1916, in Rye, and the death of his son George Rainsford Martin on May 22, 1928, in Boston, Massachusetts.

World War I Service

Martin entered naval service on March 22, 1917, as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve, part of the rapid expansion of naval forces during World War I.

He was assigned to duty in connection with the USS Wacondah (SP-238), a patrol vessel used for coastal defense and harbor security during the war. His service included command responsibilities associated with submarine base operations at New London, Connecticut, one of the Navy’s principal submarine training and operational centers.

He later served within the 3rd Naval District, which oversaw naval operations and administration in the New York region. His duties were primarily administrative and operational in nature, contributing to coastal defense and naval readiness rather than combat at sea.

He was released from active duty and discharged on March 22, 1921, following the postwar demobilization period.

Life After Service

Following his naval service, Martin continued his professional career as a broker and mining expert, maintaining his residence in Rye, New York. He remained an established member of the community and continued to reside on Forest Avenue.

Mulford Martin died on February 14, 1932, in Rye, New York, at the age of 68. His death was followed shortly thereafter by that of his wife, Rosa Rainsford Martin, who died after a prolonged illness at their home on Forest Avenue.

Funeral services for Mrs. Martin were held at the family home in Rye, with burial at Greenwood Union Cemetery, reflecting the family’s longstanding ties to the community.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Rosa Rainsford Martin; his son, Mulford Martin Jr. of Hackensack, New Jersey; and his grandchildren, John Cabot Martin and William Rainsford Martin of Boston, and Sarah Elizabeth Martin of Hackensack, New Jersey.