Martin, Frank

Description

Frank Martin was born on September 5, 1894, in Richmond, Virginia, to Peter Martin and Josie Hunt. He was part of a large family that included multiple siblings, among them his twin brother Jessie Martin, as well as brothers Eugene, Percy, Luther V., and Thomas Martin. His early life reflects the experience of African American families in the post-Reconstruction South who later became part of migration patterns into the Northeast.

By 1905, Martin was living in Rye, New York, where he remained through at least 1915, residing in a household that formed part of the working-class community supporting the region’s estates and local economy. At the time of his World War I draft registration on June 5, 1917, he was living on Boston Post Road in Rye and was employed by Max Goldstein in New Rochelle. He was single and was described as of medium build, with brown eyes and black hair.

World War I Service

Martin entered military service on August 2, 1918, in Westchester County, New York. He was first assigned to the 152nd Depot Brigade, a unit responsible for receiving, organizing, and training soldiers for service during the war.

He was subsequently assigned to Motor Transport Company 590 and later to Motor Transport Company 589 of the Motor Transport Corps, which was responsible for the movement of troops, equipment, and supplies within the United States Army. His service took place at major training and logistics centers, including Camp Holabird in Maryland and Camp Meigs in Washington, D.C., both critical installations for motor transport training and military logistics during World War I.

Martin advanced in rank from Private to Corporal on December 20, 1918, and later to Sergeant on March 24, 1919, reflecting competence and leadership within his unit. His service was entirely stateside, and he did not serve overseas or engage in combat operations. He sustained no wounds or injuries during his military service.

He was honorably discharged on May 23, 1919, having provided valuable motor transport service in support of Army operations during the war.

Life After Service

Following his military service, Martin remained in New York and became part of the workforce during a period of industrial and suburban expansion. By 1950, he was living at 53 North Goodwin Avenue in Elmsford, Westchester County, New York, where he was recorded as head of household.

At that time, he was employed as a porter for a telephone company, working 40 hours per week as a wage employee. His employment reflects the growth of communications infrastructure and service-sector jobs in the mid-twentieth century.

He was living with his wife, Carrie Martin, and his brother, John Martin, maintaining close family ties within the household.

The date and circumstances of his death are not clearly documented in available records.

At the time of his death, surviving family members are not identified in available records.