January 21 1941
Courier-Post, Camden, New Jersey, Tuesday, January 21, 1941
Solemn Requiem Mass will be celebrated for Charles S. Martinez, 68, in the Gesu Church, Eighteenth and Stiles streets, Philadelphia, at 10 a.m. Thursday. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Mr. Martinez was a retired tobacco importer and former Philadelphia city amateur chess champion. He died Saturday night at his home, 1811 West Thompson street, Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Tuesday, January 21, 1941
C. S. MARTINEZ DIES; CHESS CHAMPION
Retired Importer Held City Title;
Native of Cuba
Charles S. Martinez, retired tobacco importer and former city amateur chess champion, died Saturday night at his home, 1811 W. Thompson st. He was 68.
Mr. Martinez, a native of Cuba who came to this city as a young man, had been ill several years. At the time of his retirement several years ago he was a member of the firm of E. A. Calves and Co., tobacco importers.
Active in Spanish Catholic circles here, he was one of the founders of the Spanish Chapel, 1903 Spring Garden st., and for a time headed the St. Vincent de Paul Society of the church. Outstanding among American amateur chess players, he was champion here for a number of years.
Surviving are his widow, Agnes; three sons, John, Francis and William, and two daughters, Mrs. Mary Grady and Jane Martinez. Francis Martinez is a member of the staff of the Evening Ledger.
February 16 1941
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sunday, February 16, 1941
We note with regret the death of Charles S. Martinez of this city, a retired tobacco importer and formerly a member of the firm of E. A. Calves & Co., who died January 18th, 1941, at his home, 1811 W. Thompson st., at the age of 68.
D. M. Martinez, father of Charles S. Martinez, came to Philadelphia about 50 years ago and became a naturalized United States citizen. He was a noted linguist, including the ability to translate Chinese poems into English. He was also an exceptionally able chess player, and shortly after coming to Philadelphia arranged with W. Steinitz, then the world's champion, to visit this city and play a match. This was done and the games were published all over the world. D. M. Martinez, however, was outplayed by the great Bohemian expert, although he made a hard fight.
Charles S. Martinez, his son, was active in Spanish Catholic circles here and was one of the founders of the Spanish Chapel. He was also a member of the Franklin Chess Club and a player of marked ability. He won the championship of the Junior Chess Club in 1886 and in the years 1902 and 1911 won the championship of the Franklin Chess Club, thereby having his name inscribed on the George W. Childs cup as Champion of Philadelphia.
When Dr. Emanuel Lasker, who died recently in New York City, first visited Philadelphia a series of games were contested by Dr. Lasker with Philadelphia's leading players, and among his few defeats in this country was a well played game by Charles S. Martinez, the game lasting several sittings and over 80 moves.—Walter Penn Shipley
Charles Severo Martinez and Wife, Grave Marker, Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
