John Francis (Baptized Joannes Franciscus)
Born: February 26, 1873
Died: October 18, 1964
Martens
John F. Martens, beloved husband of Helen; fond father of Gertrude, Harry and Frances. Funeral Monday 8:30 a.m. from Scanlon Funeral Home, 2907 N. Clark Street at Surf, to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Interment St. Joseph's.
Marriage: First Wife Frances Shulz, mother of their 3 children Died abt. 1910. Second Wife Helen M. Scheller (Married abt 1920) in Picture with John.
Frances 1921
John Francis Martens may have been the engineer of this train as he had the train route that went thru Coleman WI up to MI.
1920 U.S. Census Cook County, Chicago, Ward 17, January 13, 1920.
John Martens and his 3 children were roomers living with Mary Rauscher (46), and her sons Frank (28) and George (25) both tire salesmen. Mary was the head of the household. John's occupation was listed as Engineer Railroad.
1930 census living in ward 46, block 228 Chicago IL, locomotive engineer is occupation, rents, married to Helen for approx. 10 years, is 56 years old. Son Harry G lives with him. Did not serve in the service nor did Harry G. Harry G's mom was polish. They were renting at 734 Barry Street in Chicago. Here is an enlargement of the census: Visited the location on June 7, 2003; Apartement building is still there. Clark and Belmont area - very "yuppie" today. Wonderful, exciting area of the city sometimes called Wriggleyville. First 3 images are of the building and the remaining 2 are of the street. There is no new building directly on this segment of Barry but much new building in the surrounding area. Rents begin at $850/mo. for a 1 bedroom on first floor.
John's occupation was that of locomotive engineer, Helen had no occupation listed. John's age was 56, Helen was 46. Harry G., son, lived with them and his occupation is listed as buyer for Wholesale Cigar.
