According to some Martin researchers Stephen was the youngest of the Martin brood of James and Elizabeth (Crawford). I do not believe this is correct. James & Elizabeth (neé Crawford) Martin had eight children, six boys and two girls as mentioned in James’ will (1771) and land deed documents.

Other researchers identify Stephen as the brother to James; I agree with this and here’s what I believe is partial proof to support that theory. If anyone has proof to show that Stephen was James’ son, I would love to see it; please share.

1.) On June 14, 1759 James Martin filed six deeds in the court for Albemarle County, St. Ann’s Parish, Virginia. In these deeds he divided his property for his sons John, Azariah, James Jr, Obadiah, William, and David, giving each son a parcel of land for love. To Stephen Martin, James sold 200 acres whereupon Stephen was already living. James does not mention in the deed that Stephen is his son, as he does with the other boys, and he sells the land instead of giving it to Stephen.

2.) In Stephen’s will dated December 15, 1768, James is a witness for this last will and testament. In the will Stephen mentions seven children and his wife. Two of his daughters are married and he mentions his son, Gideon’s, plantation. He gives his son Stephen the land that his wife is currently living on with the promise that she can live there until she dies.

3.) In James’ will, dated September 25, 1771, he mentions six sons (David, John, James, William, Azariah & Obediah) and two son-in-laws (William Terrill Lewis and Thomas Anthony). There is no mention of Stephen, or of his wife or children. Since Stephen died in 1768, it was common for the wife or children of a deceased child to be mentioned in a will.

The following entry is from the Virginia County Court Records Deed Book 2, Albemarle County, Virginia February 9, 1758-March 12, 1761 pp 135-136

THIS INDENTURE made this third day of May in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine between JAMES MARTIN of the Parish of St. Ann’s in the County of Albemarle of the one part and STEPHEN MARTIN of the same Parish and County Witnesseth that James Martin for sum of Twenty two pounds of currant (sic) money of Virginia to him paid doth sell Stephen Martin his heirs one certain tract or parcel of land containing two hundred acres scituate (sic) on the South side of Meriwethers Branch in the said county it being the same lands where one the said Stephen Martin now lives and is bounded Beginning at a forked white oak on the said branch and runing new line South & West to pointers on the Old line then with the Old & East to a red oak then North sixty degrees East one hundred and twenty nine poles to Branch as it meanders to the first station…
James Martin
Presence: David Martin
William Martin, (B–D–L) Martin
John Martin, James Martin Junr
John Staples
At a Court held for Albemarle County for fourteenth day of June 1759. This Indenture Memorandum & Receipt were acknowledged by James Martin party thereto & ordered to be recorded.

I have found no information connecting James and Stephen as father/son. Stephen died three years before James and mentions seven children in his will. The dates indicate that Stephen and James are probably close in age.

Thanks for reading. Let’s work together to unravel the Martin family history.

Cheers,

Deborah