Martin, Albert, 1808-1836
Captain Albert Martin (January 6, 1808 – March 6, 1836) was born in Providence, the son of prominent merchant Joseph S. Martin and his wife Abby. He received a good education, including a short stay at the U.S. Military Academy (West Point). His father’s economic reverses prompted Albert, his brother, and their parents to start anew around 1831 in bustling New Orleans, but by 1834 the Martins had transferred their business to Gonzales, Texas, then part of a Mexican province.
When a revolt by Americans against Mexican rule erupted in 1835, Albert Martin joined the fray, becoming a captain of militia. His acts of glory and heroism came in February and March 1836 as a defender of the Alamo in San Antonio.
Having left the mission-turned-fort to secure reinforcements by fighting his way out through Mexican siege lines, he then courageously returned with 32 volunteers, only to perish with them when the 187 Texan defenders fell to Santa Anna’s army, estimated at nearly 3,000 men, on March 6, 1836.
– (Dr.) Patrick T. Conley