FARRELL MARTINS OF AMARILLO, TEXAS:Information about Nathan Eugene Martin
Mr. Nathan Eugene Martin (b. June 21, 1908, d. August 1, 1995)
Notes for Nathan Eugene Martin:
Nathan Eugene Martin was born on June 21, 1908 in the home of his grandfather, N.C. Martin.The home was located in the area of the city of Amarillo that is now known as the Forest Hill addition.His father, Finley operated a dairy.The dairy was in operation from about 1907 until about 1926.Nathan remembers that when he was seven years old in 1915, he was given the responsibility of milking one cow each morning and evening.At the age of eight, he was given the responsibility of milking two cows each morning and evening.He was progressively given more responsibilities and by the age of nine, he was milking six cows every day.
A great flu epidemic developed in Amarillo in 1918.His father, Finley became very ill and was unable to deliver milk to their customers.So, at the age of ten, Nathan drove the family model "T' Ford automobile and delivered milk to all of their customers.
By the age of fifteen, Nathan was milking sixteen cows daily and by the age of seventeen, he was milking thirty-two cows twice daily.Obviously, he was a responsible and dependable young man that had the potential to become an outstanding employee or business owner.
Nathan entered the first grade at the old "Buchanan Street School" when he was seven years old.This school is still in operation and is now known as "Mann Middle School".He was an avid reader and excelled in math.He received excellent grades in school.He was known as a well behaved child also.However, during his last semester at Amarillo High School, a dispute developed between the principal and himself.Rather than compromise, Nathan quit school and never received his diploma.If he had chosen to do so, he could have entered any university and graduated with honors.In spite of the lack of a formal education, Nathan sought every opportunity to become informed on numerous subjects.He was able to converse with others on any subject and at any level of knowledge.
Nathan told this story.At the age of twelve, he and several other friends decided to celebrate Halloween by pouring syrup on the pet dog of Alma Cheshire, sister-in-law of his Uncle Clay.When she called the little dog to her, the dog was covered in syrup.Alma's husband Jule and a friend, Tom McCartney chased the boys.They caught Nathan and Dewitt McPherson and threw them into the cold water of a "cow tank".The other boys, Jack Buntin, Jewell Jones, Lawrence Hurdle and Nathan's brother, Lee escaped the cold water.Nathan said that the water was bitterly cold and he promised himself that he never wanted to do that again.
On another Halloween night, a group of these same boys planned to spend the evening overturning "outdoor toilets".Nathan's Uncle Clay and Aunt Millie anticipated their plans and waited for them in the outdoor toilet.They had gathered buckets of water and when the boys arrived, they were all doused with water.
After the sale of the Martin Dairy in 1927, Nathan went to work for the Pool Creamery (now known as Plains Creamery).He was familiar with the milk business and believed that he could do well.However, this job required that he work seven days a week.Therefore, he decided to look for a different type of work.His father, Finley Martin was acquainted with the President and Owner of Amarillo Hardware Company.He approached him on behalf of his son, Nathan.In 1928, Mr. Hardin, President of the Company sent word that he would like to talk with Nathan about joining his company.He was interviewed and learned that he would not have to work on Sundays. He decided to take the job and remained with Amarillo Hardware Company for 43 years.
Nathan and his family were members of First Christian Church in Amarillo for many years.After the Forest Hill addition was developed in 1927, it was the dream of the family to have a neighborhood churches as well as schools and parks.The First Christian Church was approached to start a satellite church.The church leaders didn't seem interested.When the District Superintendent of the Northwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church approached Nathan and other members of the family about planting a church in the Forest Hill addition, they readily agreed.The family donated lots on Grand Avenue to build the new church.It was named "Forest Hill Methodist Church".The Church later merged with Wyatt Memorial United Methodist Church and is now known as Community of Grace United Methodist Church.Nathan and his family took an active role in the church and served in various leadership positions.
Nathan retiredfrom Amarillo Hardware Company in 1973.He opened a lawn mower repair business and was known for his honesty and integrity.He developed many friendships that were strengthened and maintained for many years.After the death of his wife, Juanita Farrell, he continued to visit with his many friends.He lived alone with the support of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and their husbands and wives.
He developed pancreatic cancer and entered the Crown of Texas Hospice program.With their support and the support of his children, Wanda Lynn, Kay, Jerry and N.C., he was able to remain in his own home.He died quietly in his home at 12:25 A.M. on Monday, August 1, 1995.
More About Nathan Eugene Martin:
Burial: August 3, 1995, Llano Cemetary, Amarillo, Texas.4899, 4900
Fact 1: Bet. 1908 - 1928, Assisted father Finley on Dairy.4901, 4902
Fact 2: 1929, Worked for Plains Creamery.4903, 4904
Fact 3: Bet. 1930 - 1947, Worked various capacities for Amarillo Hardware Co..4905, 4906
Fact 4: Bet. 1947 - 1949, Operated own dairy in Escalon, California.4907, 4908
Fact 5: Bet. 1949 - 1972, Returned to Amarillo Hardware Co as sales manager..4909, 4910
Fact 6: Bet. 1972 - 1995, Owned and operated Lawn Mower Repair Service..4911, 4912
More About Nathan Eugene Martin and Juanita Eola Farrell:
Death of one spouse: November 30, 1992, Amarillo, Texas.4913, 4914
Marriage: September 6, 1931, Tucumcari, New Mexico.4915, 4916
Children of Nathan Eugene Martin and Juanita Eola Farrell are:
- Calvin Eugene Martin, b. September 18, 1932, 801 N. Woodland St., Amarillo, Texas4917, 4918, d. September 18, 1932, 801 N. Woodland St., Amarillo, Texas4919, 4920.
- +Nathan Clay Martin, b. October 11, 1933, St. Anthony's Hospital, Amarillo, Texas4921.
- +Wanda Lynn Martin, b. August 10, 1935, St. Anthony Hospital, Amarillo, Texas4922, 4923.
- +Gerald Ray Martin, b. February 10, 1937, St. Anthony Hospital, Amarillo, Texas4924, 4925.
- +Kay Ann Martin, b. September 29, 1941, St. Anthony Hospital, Amarillo, Texas4926, 4927.