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T. I. St. Martin Family Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-00057

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of the papers of the T. I. St. Martin family. The majority of the papers concern T. I. St. Martin's career as a writer and doctor, as well has his military service. The collection also contains the papers of his wife, Gladys St. Martin, and his adopted daughter Cecele Edsberg. The collection includes correspondence, military records, medical records, manuscripts, photographs, printed materials, notes, and ephemera.

Dates

  • Majority of material found in 1905-1985
  • 1865-2006

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Physical rights are retained by Nicholls State University. Copyright is retained in accordance with U.S. copyright laws.

Biographical Note

Thaddeus Ignace St. Martin (1886-1968) was born in a settlement later known as Bayou Dularge in lower Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. His parents were Armond and Cecile Daigle St. Martin, and his mother was descended from a French-speaking Creole family. T. I. St. Martin attended Louisiana State University and the Tulane University Medical College, and interned at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. He entered into private medical practice in Houma, Louisiana in 1911, and in 1914 married Gladys Davidson (1889-1979). In 1917, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served at Camp Sevier in France as a member of the Medical Corps. His wartime experience inspired an interest in X-ray technology, and upon returning to his medical practice he became a diagnostic radiologist. St. Martin also wrote short stories and novels based on the people and customs of Terrebonne Parish. His only published novel was Madame Toussaint's Wedding Day (1936), though he also contributed reviews to literary publications. Gladys St. Martin served as a research assistant and editor for her husband's writings. The St. Martins were members of a literary circle which included Pat O'Donnel, Roark Bradford, Lyle Saxon, and John Steinbeck. Over the course of their lives, the St. Martins became close to Marion Cecele Edsberg (1909-2006), whom they considered their adopted daughter.

Extent

12 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Sensitive Materials Statement

This collection may contain material(s) with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which Ellender Memorial Library and Nicholls State University assume no responsibility.

Title
T. I. St. Martin Family Papers
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Nicholls State University Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Ellender Memorial Library
Nicholls State University
906 E 1st St.
Thibodaux Louisiana 70310 USA
985-448-4621