Have you ever considered how a single person's life, even one seemingly private, can weave into the larger story of a family, perhaps even a famous one? It's a fascinating thought, isn't it? The journey of discovering family roots often leads to remarkable individuals whose quiet existence holds significant historical threads. Today, we're going to take a closer look at Martha Upshaw, a woman whose personal history, you know, touches upon a family lineage that would eventually gain worldwide recognition.
Her story, pieced together from historical records, offers a glimpse into a time and place that shaped generations. We can learn a lot about the past, and indeed about ourselves, by exploring the lives of those who came before us. Martha Upshaw, in many respects, represents a crucial link in a chain that extends from a small town in Alabama to the bright lights of global entertainment.
This exploration will shed light on her birth, her family, and the connections she made that resonate even today. It’s truly a way to understand how individual lives contribute to the rich tapestry of human experience, so let's get started on learning more about Martha Upshaw and her place in history.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Martha Upshaw
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- The Connection to a Famous Family
- Exploring Her Family Tree
- Remembering Martha Through Records
- Frequently Asked Questions About Martha Upshaw
- A Lasting Family Thread
Biography of Martha Upshaw
Understanding Martha Upshaw's life involves gathering pieces from various historical documents. Her journey, like so many others of her time, began in a specific place and time, then unfolded through family bonds and life events. It's almost like piecing together a puzzle, where each record gives you a bit more of the picture.
Birth and Early Life
The arrival of Martha Upshaw into the world occurred on a winter day, December 14, 1907, in a place called Jernigan, which is in Russell County, Alabama, United States. Her parents, Jeanette Brown and Daniel Upshaw, were both quite young at the time, each being 21 years old when she was born. This detail, you know, gives us a sense of the beginnings of her family line, rooted deeply in the American South.
Growing up in the early 20th century in rural Alabama would have shaped her experiences quite a bit. Records from the 1920 census, for instance, show Martha at the age of 13, living her life during a period of significant change in the country. These glimpses into her early years help us picture the environment that contributed to the person she became, and how her young life was unfolding, really.
Marriage and Family
As she grew older, Martha Upshaw entered into marriage with Prince Albert Screws. It's interesting to note that his surname was later changed to Scruse, a detail that often appears in family history research, showing how names can evolve over time. This union, as a matter of fact, would be quite significant for generations to come, though perhaps not immediately apparent at the time.
Together, Martha and Prince Albert became parents to two daughters. Their names were Hattie and Katie, the latter being Katherine Esther Scruse. These daughters, you see, would carry on the family line, with Katie Katherine Esther Scruse eventually becoming a very well-known figure in her own right, which is something quite special.
Later Years and a Quiet Passing
Martha Upshaw lived a long life, spanning much of the 20th century. She passed away on April 30, 1990, at the age of 82. Other records also indicate her passing on April 29, 1990, in Los Angeles, at the age of 82, which is very close. These dates provide a frame for her life, showing she witnessed many historical events and changes during her time.
While not a great deal of public information exists about the everyday details of Martha's later life, her death records and obituaries serve as a final testament to her existence. These documents, in a way, help us remember her and acknowledge the journey she completed. It's a quiet remembrance, but an important one for those who seek to understand family lineages.
Personal Details and Bio Data
Here’s a quick look at some key details about Martha Upshaw, compiled from various records. This kind of summary, you know, helps put all the pieces together in one place for easy reference.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martha Upshaw (also known as Mattie, Martha Lee West Upshaw, Martha Upshaw Screws, Martha Screws, Martha Upshaw Screws Bridges) |
| Date of Birth | December 14, 1907 |
| Place of Birth | Jernigan, Russell, Alabama, United States |
| Date of Passing | April 30, 1990 (also cited as April 29, 1990, and April 25, 1990) |
| Age at Passing | 82 years old |
| Place of Passing | Los Angeles, California (as per some records) |
| Father's Name | Daniel Upshaw |
| Mother's Name | Jeanette Brown (also cited as Jennetta Brown) |
| Spouse | Prince Albert Screws (later changed to Scruse) |
| Children | Hattie Screws, Katie Katherine Esther Scruse (Katherine Jackson) |
The Connection to a Famous Family
Perhaps the most widely recognized aspect of Martha Upshaw's life, for many people, is her direct link to one of the most celebrated families in music history. Her daughter, Katie Katherine Esther Scruse, became famously known as Katherine Jackson. This connection, honestly, places Martha in the ancestral line of truly iconic figures.
Prince Albert Screws, Martha's husband, is widely recognized as the father of Katherine Jackson. He is also, quite significantly, the grandfather of the legendary singer Michael Jackson. This means that Martha Upshaw was Michael Jackson's maternal grandmother. It's a direct family tie that, in some respects, connects her to a legacy of unparalleled musical influence and cultural impact.
For those interested in the lineage of the Jackson family, Martha Upshaw represents a foundational figure. Her life, though less publicized than her descendants', provided the very roots from which such extraordinary talent blossomed. It's a reminder that every grand story has its quiet beginnings, you know, often in places far removed from the spotlight.
Exploring Her Family Tree
For anyone with an interest in genealogy, the details of Martha Upshaw's life provide a compelling starting point for family research. Discovering a person's family tree, for free sometimes, can be an incredibly rewarding experience, revealing hidden connections and stories. Martha's lineage, you see, offers a rich field for exploration.
Genealogical resources allow people to search for records about Martha Upshaw, sometimes known as Martha "Mattie" Upshaw, across vast databases. These resources can include birth records, which confirm her December 14, 1907, birth date in Jernigan, Alabama. They also often contain marriage records, detailing her union with Prince Albert Screws, which is very helpful.
Beyond the core facts, census records, like the 1920 census that showed Martha at age 13, offer insights into family structures and living conditions of the past. Historical photos and other documents, when available, can really bring a family member's story to life. These records, more or less, paint a picture of her life's journey and the people around her.
Exploring the family history of individuals like Martha Upshaw often means delving into the lives of her parents, Daniel Upshaw and Jeanette Brown. Understanding their origins and lives adds further depth to the family narrative. You can learn more about family history research on our site, which helps people piece together these kinds of stories.
Remembering Martha Through Records
The memory of Martha Upshaw is preserved through various records that are important for family historians and those simply curious about her life. Obituaries and online memorials, for instance, play a significant role in how we remember individuals after they pass. These documents provide a space for shared memories and a celebration of life, often including details about funeral home services and condolences.
Searching for Martha Upshaw obituaries and death notices can reveal not only the dates of her passing but also the locations and any public services held. These records are often found in newspaper archives or dedicated genealogical databases. They offer a tangible link to her life and the way she was remembered by her community and family at the time, which is rather touching.
Beyond obituaries, historical records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, along with census data, collectively shed light on her life. These official documents provide factual anchors for her existence. Accessing collections of historical records allows one to begin a journey into the past with just a few clicks, truly making history accessible.
It's interesting how these records, even those about Martha Screws, her married name, can reveal so much. They help us understand the changes in her life and how she might have been known by different names over time. These collected pieces of information help build a comprehensive picture of who Martha Upshaw was and her enduring place in family histories, especially for those connected to her through her famous descendants. You can explore more family connections through these kinds of records.
Frequently Asked Questions About Martha Upshaw
Many people have questions about Martha Upshaw, especially given her connection to a very well-known family. Here are some common inquiries and their answers, based on available records.
Who were Martha Upshaw's parents?
Martha Upshaw was the daughter of Jeanette Brown and Daniel Upshaw. Both her parents were born around 1886, making them 21 years old when Martha arrived on December 14, 1907, in Jernigan, Alabama. This information is consistently found in various genealogical records, giving us a clear picture of her immediate family origins.
When and where was Martha Upshaw born?
Martha Upshaw was born on December 14, 1907. Her birthplace was Jernigan, a community located in Russell County, Alabama, United States. This specific detail is often a key piece of information for anyone looking to trace her early life and family roots, providing a precise starting point for research.
What was Martha Upshaw's connection to Michael Jackson?
Martha Upshaw was Michael Jackson's maternal grandmother. She married Prince Albert Screws (who later changed his name to Scruse), and they had a daughter named Katie Katherine Esther Scruse, who became known as Katherine Jackson. This makes Martha a direct ancestor of the legendary singer, a fact that many find quite interesting when exploring family trees.
A Lasting Family Thread
The life of Martha Upshaw, though not widely documented in public accounts, holds a significant place in the narrative of a truly remarkable family. From her birth in a small Alabama community in 1907 to her passing in Los Angeles in 1990, she lived a life that spanned much of the 20th century. Her marriage to Prince Albert Screws and their daughters, Hattie and Katherine, created a lineage that would eventually touch the lives of millions through music and entertainment.
Exploring Martha's story, pieced together from birth, marriage, and death records, as well as census data, reminds us of the profound importance of family history. Each individual, no matter how quiet their life, contributes to the rich, ongoing story of human connection. Her story, very truly, encourages us to look deeper into our own family pasts, to understand the threads that connect us to generations gone by. These kinds of explorations can reveal so much about where we come from and the people who helped shape the world we know today.
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