Martinelli the Great

I am seeking any and all info on Martinelli the Great - the Tie, Chain and Handcuff King (real name John Francis Welsh). He was my great uncle and an "escape artist" in the 1930's (or longer). He was originally from Savannah, Georgia, and I have found evidence of him performing in a Carnevale in Delaware in 1934. Word handed down in the family is that he "headed to California". I have a publicity photo of him tied in chains and handcuffs, but that is all.....any info would definitely be appreciated.

Hello, are you still looking for information about your great uncle? In researching a 1927 southern flood, I have come across a small notice about him. Will pass along if you are still looking . . .
Susan

I am seeking any and all info on Martinelli the Great - the Tie, Chain and Handcuff King (real name John Francis Welsh). He was my great uncle and an "escape artist" in the 1930's (or longer). He was originally from Savannah, Georgia, and I have found evidence of him performing in a Carnevale in Delaware in 1934. Word handed down in the family is that he "headed to California". I have a publicity photo of him tied in chains and handcuffs, but that is all.....any info would definitely be appreciated.

Seeing the photo of your uncle would be helpful.

ML

I am seeking any and all info on Martinelli the Great - the Tie, Chain and Handcuff King (real name John Francis Welsh). He was my great uncle and an "escape artist" in the 1930's (or longer). He was originally from Savannah, Georgia, and I have found evidence of him performing in a Carnevale in Delaware in 1934. Word handed down in the family is that he "headed to California". I have a publicity photo of him tied in chains and handcuffs, but that is all.....any info would definitely be appreciated.

Susan

Since the post that Judy made was several years ago, she may not use this Forum very much.

I would suggest clicking on her name in the upper right of her post, that is a link to her email and maybe you can contact her that way.

Ron

I am seeking any and all info on Martinelli the Great - the Tie, Chain and Handcuff King (real name John Francis Welsh). He was my great uncle and an "escape artist" in the 1930's (or longer). He was originally from Savannah, Georgia, and I have found evidence of him performing in a Carnevale in Delaware in 1934. Word handed down in the family is that he "headed to California". I have a publicity photo of him tied in chains and handcuffs, but that is all.....any info would definitely be appreciated.

I have sent you an email. M. Martinelli the handcuff king as we know of him is my great grandfather.

I am seeking any and all info on Martinelli the Great - the Tie, Chain and Handcuff King (real name John Francis Welsh). He was my great uncle and an "escape artist" in the 1930's (or longer). He was originally from Savannah, Georgia, and I have found evidence of him performing in a Carnevale in Delaware in 1934. Word handed down in the family is that he "headed to California". I have a publicity photo of him tied in chains and handcuffs, but that is all.....any info would definitely be appreciated.

Just wanted to share what I have on Martinelli...

I am seeking any and all info on Martinelli the Great - the Tie, Chain and Handcuff King (real name John Francis Welsh). He was my great uncle and an "escape artist" in the 1930's (or longer). He was originally from Savannah, Georgia, and I have found evidence of him performing in a Carnevale in Delaware in 1934. Word handed down in the family is that he "headed to California". I have a publicity photo of him tied in chains and handcuffs, but that is all.....any info would definitely be appreciated.

Well I tried to send an email but it didn't go through. M Martinelli as we know him was my great grandfather. My grandfather spent his entire life searching for any information. He looked just like M. Martinelli.

I am seeking any and all info on Martinelli the Great - the Tie, Chain and Handcuff King (real name John Francis Welsh). He was my great uncle and an "escape artist" in the 1930's (or longer). He was originally from Savannah, Georgia, and I have found evidence of him performing in a Carnevale in Delaware in 1934. Word handed down in the family is that he "headed to California". I have a publicity photo of him tied in chains and handcuffs, but that is all.....any info would definitely be appreciated.

Hello everyone! I am also researching since 1998 any information on Martinelli aka John Francis Welsh, he was my GG Uncle! This is like a Christmas present for me to see this information! Please email me and I will share all the information I have been able to find. Curtis if this is truly your Grandfather, I would really like to share emails and family information. I am in Savannah, GA where his parents moved to from Ireland.

Thank you all so much! I hope to hear from any of you! God Bless you!

I am seeking any and all info on Martinelli the Great - the Tie, Chain and Handcuff King (real name John Francis Welsh). He was my great uncle and an "escape artist" in the 1930's (or longer). He was originally from Savannah, Georgia, and I have found evidence of him performing in a Carnevale in Delaware in 1934. Word handed down in the family is that he "headed to California". I have a publicity photo of him tied in chains and handcuffs, but that is all.....any info would definitely be appreciated.

Thanks for posting Fred.

ML

I am seeking any and all info on Martinelli the Great - the Tie, Chain and Handcuff King (real name John Francis Welsh). He was my great uncle and an "escape artist" in the 1930's (or longer). He was originally from Savannah, Georgia, and I have found evidence of him performing in a Carnevale in Delaware in 1934. Word handed down in the family is that he "headed to California". I have a publicity photo of him tied in chains and handcuffs, but that is all.....any info would definitely be appreciated.

Curtis, please email me. Thank you!

I am seeking any and all info on Martinelli the Great - the Tie, Chain and Handcuff King (real name John Francis Welsh). He was my great uncle and an "escape artist" in the 1930's (or longer). He was originally from Savannah, Georgia, and I have found evidence of him performing in a Carnevale in Delaware in 1934. Word handed down in the family is that he "headed to California". I have a publicity photo of him tied in chains and handcuffs, but that is all.....any info would definitely be appreciated.

Still trying to locate Curtis. Thank you!

There was another "Martinelli", handcuff king and illusionist.  His name was L.V.Williams and he lived in Sydney Australia in the 1930s, though his publicity brochure said he was born in England. So this is certainly not Mr.Welsh.

Kent Blackmore
http://sydneymagic.net

This is very interesting stuff, I for one would love to see a book on Houdini‘a competitors and contemporaries, all those old photos are fascinating.