Courting in rural North Carolina in the 1920s. Raising children in a simple home and relying on God and hard work. A family's excitement over a "new" 1947 wood stove, or their first electric washing machine that had to be plugged into one of the only hanging outlets in the home. Buying the farm's first tractor. Participating in 4-H and the Fair. Following the childhood to adulthood paths of numerous Martin family members. This painstakingly compiled genealogy is unlike most, due to the countless rich narratives shared that bring individuals' lives to life. Readers, whether connected to the Martin family or not, will appreciate this snapshot of a bygone American era - when less distractions, and more focus on relationships and working together - was most important. Martin Memories is interesting and delightful, from start to finish. This book primarily documents the history and memories of the Fredrick “Fred” and Elsie Ora Graves Martin family who made a great contribution to the heritage of Cherokee County, N.C., in their homelife, education, church, community organizations, political, and patriotic contributions. The Martins were exemplary and passed on to their seven children a desire to achieve, to work and to accomplish, highlighting the significant contributions they made. All family members worked unselfishly for the good of the family. Our roots in Cherokee County, N.C., trace back to William Riley Martin and Annis Jones Dockery, who came from Burke County, N.C., on the Martin side, and Benjamin Graves and Rachel Asher who came from Tennessee on the Graves side. Their pioneering spirit and dedication laid the foundation for our family’s presence in the area.