MABEL CLAIRE ERWIN PITTMAN THOMAS MARTINEAU
Wife of John Ellis Martineau, 28th Governor (1927-1928)

Born: December 25, 1870
Died: November 27, 1952
Children: one foster son
Original Home: Des Arc, Arkansas

Mabel Erwin grew up and went to school in the town of Des Arc. She also attended school in Anchorage, Kentucky, and at the Arkansas Female College in Little Rock. She was twice widowed when she met and married John E. Martineau.

Mabel Martineau assisted her husband’s gubernatorial campaign in many ways. She gave speeches and sometimes accompanied her husband out on the campaign trail. She often worked in the campaign headquarters meeting people and helping with the distribution of literature, and entertained supporters and staff members at their home. Governor Martineau's inauguration ceremony became the first ceremony to be broadcast over the radio.

Mrs. Martineau kept herself busy with family, friends, church, and clubs. She was a member of the First Methodist Church South. She belonged to many clubs including the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Fine Arts Club, the Woman's City Club and the Country Club of Little Rock.