Category: M

Martyn Family #190 *

THE MARTYN FAMILY

The history of the two branches of the North Bay Martyn families can be traced from John Martin, born in the mid 1700’s in Devon County, England. He was the grandfather of William Martyn (spelling of names was often changed as they were recorded in various documents) who immigrated to Durham County in Upper Canada sometime after 1853. He was a shoemaker. William married Ann Slemin who also emigrated from Devon County in England, in 1861. The couple had four children, two of which were sons, William Albert, born 1865 and Frederick John, born 1868. William Albert and Frederick moved to North Bay, Ontario in 1888.

In 1897, Frederick founded The Martyn Funeral Home which to this day has been owned by his descendants; son, lan; grandson George and his wife Ann; and great grandson, lan, who is the present owner. lan is married to Jody (nee Sloan) and he has four children, Zach, Jacob, Sloan and Rowan.

William Albert married Margaret Jamieson in 1891 and the couple had eight children. William became a well-known contractor and was responsible for building many notable buildings in the town of North Bay. William also sat on the North Bay Town Council in 1909 and 1910. He was a championship curler, played baseball, and was very musical, singing in the choirs of Trinity Baptist Church and subsequently St. Andrew’s United Church. He was known as “Black Bill” because of his black hair and large black moustache.

The second youngest of William and Margaret’s eight children was James Irving Martyn, known as Jimmy. He was a well-known businessman in North Bay owning Doan’s Grocery and Martyn Fuels. He acted as Returning Officer for numerous Provincial and Federal elections in the District of Nipissing. Like his father, Jimmy was very musical, playing piano and singing in a barber shop quartet. He was also an excellent curler, winning many bonspiels. Married to Anna Moore, they had two children, Robert James and Mary Lynn.

After obtaining his law degree, Robert James (Rob) became a highly respected lawyer in North Bay where he was born and raised and has remained since 1975. He has been active in many community organizations including the Nipissing Rotary Club, the Capital Centre, the Nipissing District Public School Board, Canadore College and most recently, a director on the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation.

Rob is married to Judy and they have three children, Jamie, Becky and lan. Mary Lynn has two sons, Christopher and Rob. She is married to Richard Armstrong.

The entire Martyn family has and continues to be proud of its deep connections to the North Bay community.

Miller, John Bourne #1067

Honoured by Ann Miller, Don, Sue, Cheryl and John.

Thank you for honouring John with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.

McKee, Nancy & John #630

Honoured by Marianne Rogers.

Thank you for honouring Nancy and JOhn with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.

McFadden, George & Bertha #186

Honoured by Jack McFadden.

In Memory of George and Bertha McFadden who somehow managed to raise and educate four sons and one daughter during the Great Depression and World War II. They were and are revered by sons Bert (deceased), Jack, Bill (deceased), and Bob and daughter Sheila (deceased) for their self -sacrifice, understanding and support. They showed us by example that we could get by on little, yet have much to give to others.

George was born in Trout Creek and, except for two years during the war working on the Canol Pipeline out west, was employed in the North Bay area as a truck driver and heavy vehicle operator, retiring from the North Bay Airport in 1965. Bertha was born near Perth, Ontario, and graduated as a teacher fron North Bay Normal School. Despite having to forego teaching while raising a family, she began teaching again as a supply teacher when she was about 60, learning to drive a car at that time as well.

Mounce, Janet Anne #590

Honoured by Ed Mounce

Thank you for honouring Janet Anne with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.

MacDonald, Milton & Lilian (Molly) #1233 *

Honoured by their Sons and Daughters-in-law.

Milton and Lilian (Molly) MacDonald were long-time residents of North Bay who raised a family of four boys in a modest home at 1233 Fraser Street.
Milton was born and raised in Foss Mill and left school to work for the railroad in order to help support his widowed mother and family during the depression. He was a strong and kind man who volunteered for active service when war broke out. As a sapper and NCO with the 1st Canadian army, he landed on the beaches of Sicily and Italy, was wounded in Ortona and later served in Holland.

Molly was a young woman growing up in London, England when war broke out. She married a Canadian soldier who was killed in action shortly after. Now a widow living in a city terrorized by buzz bombs, Molly decided to leave her home and family and set out for a new but uncertain life in Canada.

Molly and Milton met in 1945, a most fortunate event resulting from the grief and upheavals of the times. Molly had landed in Halifax and, after a brief stay in Kiosk, rented a room on Main Street in North Bay with Myrtle MacDonald, a kindly widow whose sons were still off to war. When Milton returned home with the rest of his brothers, he was smitten with this young woman and, after several months of dating they married. They initially took up residence on Lakeshore Drive before purchasing a bungalow on Fraser Street and, as the family grew, so did the house. With four sons, David, Richard, Rodney and Dennis, an additional half story was needed to house the growing boys.

Milton was employed with the CPR as a Carman until he retired in 1973. Molly initially stayed home as a fulltime wife and mother but later worked for the North Bay Public School Board as an assistant custodian. Between the two of them, they created a warm and loving environment for their four rambunctious and energetic sons. As the years passed, they welcomed daughters-in-law and several grandchildren into their hearts.

Milton and Molly were prime examples of kindness, courage and determination; two people brought together in difficult times who were determined to move on and raise a family together. Milton died as he lived; with courage and quiet dignity. Diagnosed with cancer, he fought bravely for two years before succumbing in 1975 at the age of 60. Likewise, Molly was stricken with cancer and died two years later after a valiant struggle at the age of 54. They were two extraordinary individuals who, together shared a remarkable life and left an indelible impression on all who knew them.