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 Grace Ellen "Grace Evangeline" WamsleyBorn 2 Sep 1880 Reno Township, Pope County, Minnesota, died 20 Sep 1949 Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota Event Description: Padua Cemetery, Stearns, Minnesota/Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota, age 69 years, buried Sedan, Pope County, Minnesota Obituary: Grace Martin Passed Away In Alexandria The many friends of Grace E. Martin, long time resident and business woman of Sedan, were deeply sorrowed to hear of her death on September 20, 1949, at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Alexandria. She had been hospitalized since April 2, 1949 when she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. He condition gradually weakened until she peacefully passed away. Grace Evangeline Wamsley was born on Sept. 2, 1880 in Reno Township, Pope county, and was 69 years of age at the time of her death. She was the oldest of eight children born to her parents, Edwin J. and Julia Mitchell Wamsley. When she was about ten years of age her family moved to Leven Township near the village of Villard. There she resided until 1900 and then again moved with her parents to Stearns county, a few miles north of Brooten. She taught in the public schools of Stearns county for two years, and then on January 3, 1902 was married to William E. Martin of Bangor Township. Shortly after their marriage, William and Grace Martin established their home in Sedan and they became active in local village, school and church affairs. Six children were born to them, two daughters, Mildred and Dorothy, both of whom died in infancy, and four sons who still survive. They are Melvin S. Martin, Warsaw, New York; Lyle of Alexandria; Robert of Faribault; and Richard of Kansas City, Missouri. In 1912 William and Grace Martin went into the mercantile business in Sedan and operated a general store there. They sold the business in 1919 but continued to live in Sedan until 1921 when the family moved to Villard. In 1923 they returned to Sedan and resumed their old business at the same old stand. On June 15, 1927 William Martin passed away and Grace Martin continued to operate the business thereafter with the help of her growing sons. As her sons grew up and made their way out into the world, she declined to retire to an easier life but continued to operate her business alone and to preserve her family home at Sedan. After operating the business single handed for a number of years, illness finally forced her to dispose of her business and home at Sedan in the summer of 1948. She then made her home with her sons until her final illness overtook her. On Sept 5, 1946 a severe windstorm hit the village of Sedan and she narrowly escaped when a bulk station was blown across the street and hurtled into the front of her store building where she was alone at the time. Even this harrowing experience failed to influence her to retire and she rebuilt her store and she continued to do business and make her home in the community which she loved so well. Grace E. Martin was treasurer of the village of Sedan from 1932 to 1948 and discharged her duties in a commendable manner. Also surviving besides the four sons are their wives, five grandsons and four granddaughters. One sister Mrs. Jim Egan, and four brothers, George, Otto, Ben and Giles Wamsley also survive. Requiem Mass was sung for the deceased by Father Thomas Shadeg at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Sedan on Friday, September 23, 1949. A large group of friends and relatives gathered to pay their last respects to a dear departed friend. She was laid to rest alongside her beloved husband in the Catholic cemetery at Sedan. Serving as pallbearers were the following: Melvin Brosvig, Tommy Mitchell, Gene Landwehr, Jack Casey, Don Mitchell and Russell Egan. A large number of floral and spiritual offerings were made, bespeaking a testimony of love, devotion and esteem for a departed friend. After conclusion of the services at the cemetery, the ladies of the parish served a dinner in the church basement for the friends and relatives. Among those attending the funeral from a distance were the following: Melvin S. Martin and son, Charlie, of Warsaw, New York; Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Martin of Faribault, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Martin and son, Johnnie, of Kansas City, Missouri; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Wamsley of Charlo, Montana and their son, Gene, of Helena, Montana; Otto Wamsley of Billings, Montana; Bem Wamsley of Wolf Point, Montana; Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Egan and Miss Mabel Rooney of St. Paul; Mr. and Mrs. Giles Wamsley of San Diego, Calif; Mrs. Margaret Wirtzzeld and son, LeRoy of Underwood, N.D.; Mrs. Lilly Chamberlain of Taconite, Minn.; Miss Anne Mitchell, Minneapolis; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Freese, Alberta, Minn.; and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Tintes, Eden Valley, Minn. Married 3 Jan 1902 Stearns County, Minnesota, age 21 years (married 25 years) to:  William Ethan "William Joseph" Martin, age by marriage 27 years, son of William Joseph Martin and Catherine Bridget Rooney.Born 20 Sep 1874 Lakeville Township, Becker County, Minnesota, died 15 Jun 1927 Sedan, Pope County, Minnesota, age 52 years Baptismal Sponsors: Pat Rooney, M A Collier. William E. Martin died o f ALS. The 1880 census lists this son of William Joseph Martin as also "William Joseph," and there are letters to him from his Canadian relatives addressed to "William Joseph." By the 1900 census, and still living at home, he is listed as "William E." And there are two certificates of second grade achievement for a "William J. Martin" (but dated 1887, which would make him born in about 1880 if he attended at modern ages). Lyle Martin's memories of his parents: In 1922 or 1923 when Dad was operating his hardware store in Villard he carried on a game of checkers with a friend in nearby Westport or somewhere nearby – they informed one another of their moves by penny postcard. I recall during the time we were in Villard, Dad had to replace a store front window of a drug store because I had playfully pushed an older boy who was leaning against the building and the window broke. Dad never did scold me about that at all. Also at Villard, I recall that the family received two Airedales (Biddy & Buddy) from someone. The dogs were supposed to be related to dogs that President. Harding or Coolidge had in the White House. Buddy remained a part of the Martin family for about 14 years. I'm quite sure that Dad served on the federal grand jury at St. Paul at one time – maybe 1924 or 1925. In about 1931 – after Dad's death, an old schoolmate of his told me that dad was "a whiz in mathematics" – that he didn't need to pencil. There is another incident in my memory that I've never been able to pinpoint very much – it is an occasion when at least dad and I went to Glenwood – and very likely the whole family was along. I recall there was a large crowd in the center of downtown - there to see some famous personage. Dad put me on his shoulders so that I could see him – so it must've been somewhere around 1919 to 1921. I would like to know who the fella was – maybe a political candidate. After Dad died, Mother had the heavy responsibility of running the family General store at Sedan and finishing the rearing of the four Martin boys. She had to work long and hard hours for the rest of her life. Struggling through the depths of the Depression in Sedan was a real test for her. The Farmers & Merchants State Bank at Sedan closed it's doors forever in the fall of 1931 (?), taking with it a substantial checking account of the Martin store. In the years went Mother operated the general store, with the help of Lule, Robert and Richard, she did almost everything that had to be done – she was buyer, credit manager, saleslady, home maker, cook, laundress, nurse and many more things all at the same time. Sedan was a village with an official population 147 during most of those years. The big business days were Monday, Wednesday and Fridays when the Sedan creamery bought cream from the farmers. Obituary: Deep sorrow prevailed throughout the village of Sedan and the surrounding community when it was learned that W. E. Martin had departed from this life Wednesday evening, June 15th, after a short illness at his home in Sedan. William E. Martin was born at Detroit Lakes, Minn., 1874. At the time of his death he was fifty-three years of age. With his parents he moved to Bangor where he grew to manhood. As a young man he made teaching his chief profession having taught in the rural schools of Pope County. Later he took charge of the school in Sedan for several years. During the past twenty years he has been engaged in the mercantile business with the exception of one year when he was manager of the Sedan farmers elevator. In 1920 he and his family moved to Villard where he operated a hardware store. Having spent about two years in Villard, he returned to Sedan where he resumed his old business. On Jan. 8, 1902 he was united in marriage to Miss Grace Wamsley. Four sons, Melvin who is attending the University of Minnesota, Lyle, Robert and Richard who are at home with the bereaved wife, are left to mourn the loss of a kind and devoted father. Two daughters, Mildred and Dorothy died in their infancy. Five brothers and three sisters survive the deceased, namely: James, Eden Valley; Thomas, St. Paul; Ed, Kenwood, Calif.; John, Cour de Lane, Idadho; Mrs. J. Shaw, Forth Worth, Texas; Mrs. D. Chamberlaine, Taconite, Minn; and Mrs. James Gaffaney of Forada, Minn. Requiem mass was sung for the deceased Saturday morning and on Sunday, June 19, at two o'clock the ...equies were conducted by Rev. ...ach at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Sedan, Minn. ...e the great assembly of friends and relatives listened to an eloquent and impressive sermon on death. An almost endless procession headed by the Modern Woodman escorted the remains to the Catholic cemetery near the little village he called his home. The pallbearers were: A. J. Phillips, Herman Pilotte, C. B. Wesse..ng, Joe Egan, Frank Landweir and P. J. Rooney. The floral offerings were many and beautiful and bespoke a testimony of love and esteem for a departed friend and sympathy for the sorrowing ones left behind. W. E. Martin will be remembered by everyone as a man staunch and upright in business, a kind friend and neighbor and one who had the courage of his conviction and dared to do right. His counsel and advise were sought by many as he was known to be a man of words, intelligence and sound judgement. Sedan lost a most distinguished and respected citizen in his death. Everyone has lost a friend and our hearts go out to the bereaved ones in their hour of sorrow. Those who attended the funeral from a distance were: Mrs. J. Wirtzfald, Martin, N. D.; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Martin, St. Paul; Mr. and Mrs. James Martin, Eden Valley; Mr. and Mrs. James Egan, Donnybrook, N. D.; Mr. James Hart, Waubon, Minn.; Mr. Chas. Keilty, Mahnomen, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Freixe, Clara City, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cosgrove and daughter, St. Cloud; Mrs. Geisen, St. Cloud; Mr. Giles Wamsley, Minneapolis; Mrs. James Gaffaney, Forada, Minn. Children: 1. Mildred Agnes MartinBorn 28 Nov 1902 Sedan, Pope County, Minnesota, died 12 Feb 1904 Stearns County, Minnesota Event Description: Padua Cemetery, Stearns, Minnesota, age 1 year and 2 months and 2 weeks and 1 day, buried Padua, Stearns County, Minnesota Baptismal sponsors: George Wamsley, Catharine Martin. 2. Melvin Sylvester MartinBorn 11 Nov 1904 Sedan, Pope County, Minnesota, died 5 May 1967 Warsaw, Wyoming County, New York Event Description: Saint Michael's Cemetery, age 62 years Baptismal sponsors: Ed Martin, Rose Wamsley. Age 62, formerly chief of the Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine for 19 years at the Wyoming community Hospital. He retired in 1966. He was on active duty with the US Navy as a commander in the Naval Reserve and saw combat duty in the South Pacific, receiving several decorations and two battle stars. He came to Warsaw from Binghamton in 1948. Inscription: CDR US Navy WWII 3. Joseph Lyle "Lyle" MartinBorn 15 Dec 1908 Sedan, Pope County, Minnesota, died 13 Feb 1995 Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota, age 86 years Lyle was a great Martin/Rooney genealogist. In 1984 he and Bert went to the Gatineau Valley and as far north as Maniwaki, Quebec. At Venosta and Farrelton, Quebec, the visited with Lima Plunkett and Jack and Hilda Sullivan and their daughter-in-law Judy. At Brockville, Ontario they visited with Rita, Frank, Woodrow Tucker and his wife Catherine. In 1981 they went to Ireland - Shanagolden, County Limerick, specifically, where they saw the record of the birth of Lyle's grandfather, William J. Martin. Former Alexandria/Osakis businessman, J. Lyle Martin, 86, died at the Community Memorial Home in Osakis, Minnesota, February 13, 1995. Lyle owned and operated Martin Business Service in Alexandria for 21 years, from 1954 to 1975. During this period he served as President of the Lake Region Board of Realtors. Prior to 1954 he was employed as an agent for the Internal Revenue Service in Alexandria for 10 years and before that owned and operated Martin's Grocery in Osakis for 10 years. Lyle was also very active in St. Mary's Catholic Church having served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and President of the Catholic Men's Club. He was one of the family's foremost genealogists and in pursuit of facts and documents concerning family history, traveled to Ireland, Canada, Salt Lake City and many other parts of the country. In 1982, after selling their Alexandria home, Lyle and his wife, Bertha, moved to St. Cloud where they lived for about 10 years. Age and illness led them back to their original home town of Osakis so that they could receive assisted living and nursing home care. Lyle was born in sedan to William and Grace (Wamsley) Martin on December 15, 1908. As a young man in his early twenties, he met a Sedan teacher, Bertha Hoerner. They were married in Hutchinson on August 4, 1931 and had two children. Lyle will be remembered by family and friends for his sense of humor, writing ability, honesty and kindness. He is survived by his wife Bertha; brother, Richard Martin of Plano, TX; his daughter Patricia and son-in-law, Virgil Tollifson of Minneapolis; his son, William and daughter-in-law, Valerie Martin of Denver, CO; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his mother and father, two brothers, Melvin and Robert; and two infant sisters, Dorothy and Mildred. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Alexandria with Rev. Peter Kirchner officiating. Entombment was in the St. Mary's Mausoleum with Thomas Tollifson, Jeffrey Martin, Sheila Tracy, Shelley Simpson, Don Butler and James Martin serving as pallbearers. Arrangements with Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria. (Echo Press, 22 Feb. 1995) 4. Dorothy Mary "Dorothy" MartinBorn 27 Jul 1910 Sedan, Pope County, Minnesota, died 26 Feb 1911 Sedan, Pope County, Minnesota Event Description: Padua Cemetery, Stearns, Minnesota, age 6 months and 4 weeks and 2 days, buried Padua, Stearns County, Minnesota 5. Robert William MartinBorn 27 Jan 1912 Sedan, Pope County, Minnesota, died 24 Dec 1986 Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota, age 74 years, buried Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota 6. Richard Edwin MartinBorn 23 Dec 1915 Raymond Township, Stearns County, Minnesota, died 16 Dec 1996 Dallas, Texas Event Description: Mount Olivet Cemetery, St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO, age 80 years | |||