Henry Martin 1850-1933

MARTIN, BIEBER, SANDRY, MCKAY, DANNENBERG

Posted By: Janet Koozer (email)
Date: 10/31/2008 at 12:49:03

Henry Martin Is Summoned After Long, Useful Life

Had Been Engaged In the furniture Business Here Nearly 60 Years

Henry Martin, well known Waukon furniture dealer, passed away at the home of his son Otto in this city. Thursday morning, January 5, 1933. He had been in failing health for some time past, but was only confined at home about two weeks, his demise being due to infirmities of age and other complications.

Deceased was born in Germany on April 14, 1850, and was in his 83rd year. When six years of age he came to America with his parents, settling on a farm near Sheboygan,, Wis. At the age of 16 he started out to make his own way in the world and came to this county where he worked as a farm hand for several years. Later he learned the carpenter trade and for a time was employed in Munger's furniture factory at Lansing..

In 1874 he engaged in the furniture business at Harpers Ferry, and in January, 1876, he moved his stock to Waukon, renting a small building on the lot now owned by Peterson Bros. on West Main street, where the Schwartz store is located. Later he purchased a business site on East Main street and occupied a frame building thereon which was destroyed by fire in 1903. He then erected the building now occupied by the B. & D. bakery in which he conducted his furniture business for years, having in the meantime acquired the able assistance of his two sons, Otto and Willard.

To meet the demands of their increasing business Mr. Martin and sons erected eight years ago the commodious three-story brick block on Allamakee street where their store and salesrooms have since been located. Mr. Martin retired from active management some years ago but repaired to the store every day, as had been his custom, and busied himself at his work bench and other minor affairs until enfeebled by the illness which overcome him a few months ago.

In 1873 Mr. Martin was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Bieber at De Soto, Wis. Two children were born to this union, Otto P. of this city, and Mrs. Hulda Dannenberg, Wausau, Wis. Some years after the death of his wife he was again married to Miss Barbara Sandry of near Lansing. Three children were born to them, Mrs. Jas. McKay of Clear Lake, Utah, and Willard and Wayne, twins, the former of this city, and the latter of McGregor. All of the children survive and were present at the last sad rites excepting Mrs. McKay, who spent several weeks here with her father last fall. Mrs. Martin passed away on February 14, 1931.

Mr. Martin was honorable and upright in his dealings and a man who had the highest respect and confidence of all who knew him...His home life showed his deep reverence for his Maker and all things holy, and his love for his church was evidenced by his generous support of it.

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at Zion Reformed church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Stucki. The many who attended bespoke of the esteem in which the deceased was held during his lifetime and of the sorrow of the community over his passing from their midst. The floral offerings were beautiful and profuse. Burial was in the family lot in Oakland cemetery. Those who carried the remains to their last resting place were Fred Intlekofer, Fred Ludeking, Fred Meierkord, J. C. Opfer, P. F. Dravis and G. A. Hansmeier.

Waukon Dem.