Several family trees on Ancestors.com show Robert A. Martin as the first child of Neal Martin and Elizabeth Brown. The place and time of birth match other info I have found about Robert A. Martin.

Neal Martin migrated west, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and traveled to Texas in 1816. In 1835, Neal Martin was asked by General Rusk to supply food and shelter to troops on their way to aid Sam Houston at San Jacinto. Neal joined the troops and went with them into battle at San Jacinto where the Mexican forces under Santa Anna were defeated.

There is a historical marker dedicated on July 6, 1969 to Neal Martin. It is located at the Rocky Point Cemetery three miles north of Will’s Point in Van Zandt County, Texas on State Highway 47. The inscription on the marker reads:

“Site of burial of Neal Martin (1777-1879) Came to Texas from Kentucky in 1816. Hunted buffalo in Van Zandt County about 1839 and settled here later. Fought in Battle of San Jacinto during Texas War for Independence. Was later a member of Texas Rangers. Fought in Indian Campaigns. Served in U.S. Army during Mexican War.” Marker placed by great-granddaughter, Mrs. Edna Martin Pollard.