Esther Ellen Martin, daughter of John Martin and Anna Jenkins (Martin), began her mortal life 17 July 1879 at Samaria, Idaho.  Her paternal grandparents were John Martin and Mary Ann Gibbs.  Her maternal grandparents were David Jenkins, and Anna Evans. 

While a young woman she lived on the homestead property of John and David, her two brothers, with her sister, Sarah Jane.  Later she went to live with her sister Katie who was living in Pocatello, Idaho.  It was in Pocatello where Esther met David Phillip Thomas.  The Thomas family were neighbors to Katie.  Esther Ellen and David were married in 1898.  David and Esther Ellen’s first child, John Reese Thomas, was born 3 Nov. 1898 at Pocatello, Idaho.  He died 28 March 1902.  He is buried in Goshen, Utah. 

After a while they went to Silver City, Utah where David mined.  Then they returned to Samaria where Esther had obtained some property from her father’s estate.  They sold the property and bought a wagon and some horses from David and William, sons of Uncle David Jenkins, and left for Alberta, Canada, but they had to return to Samaria, after a short while because they could not make a go of things in Canada. 

Later they went to Montpelier, Idaho where her husband commenced work for the Oregon Short Line as conductor.  To this couple was born a second son, David Kenneth, 18 Nov. 1905 at Montpelier, Idaho. 

While David was still working on the railroad, he and Esther took up a ranch in the Dry Pine area near Samaria, Idaho.  He continued working on the railroad while his wife lived on the farm.  Once when Esther was out herding the cows in the hills in Dry Pine, the horse which she was riding slipped and fell on her.  By her own grit she made it back to her home.  Edward Jenkins Martin, her brother, was living not far from her home so she told him of her experience. 

As a result of the accident which she had with the horse in the mountains she lost her life.  Her death is vividly told in the Deseret News June 7, 1912 page 8.  “The body of Mrs. Esther E. Thomas, who died at the Dee Hospital an an early hour today, June 6, 1912, will be taken back to her home town, Samaria, Idaho for burial.  The funeral will be held in Samaria Saturday afternoon.  Bishop William W. Williams will conduct the services.  Esther Thomas was the wife of David P. Thomas, a conductor on the Oregon Short Line.  She underwent an operation about two weeks ago.  Her death was due to peritonitis.  Mrs. Thomas was born in Samaria in 1879.  She leaves a  husband, a son and several brothers and sisters.”