Martin, John Henry

MULLOCK

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/23/2009 at 15:33:50

John Henry Martin left a deep impress upon the history of Bremer county, where for over fifty years he made his home. During that time he proved his worth as a capable man of business and a public-spirited citizen. His honesty and enterprise in business, fidelity in friendship and devotion to his family were qualities which made him one of the honored residents of the county. He was born in Marietta, Ohio, November 30, 1838, a son of John and Mary Martin, natives of Argylshire, Scotland. In his boyhood days he moved with his parents to Rockford, Illinois, and there grew to manhood, acquiring his education in the public schools. When he was twenty-two years of age he moved to Bremer county, settling in this part of Iowa in pioneer times and bearing his full share in the hardships of those early days. With his parents he took up his residence on a farm east of Tripoli and for a number of years thereafter engaged in agricultural pursuits, making his individual success a force in local development. In 1894 he rented his homestead and moved into Tripoli, where, with his son, Edwin H., he engaged in the banking business, becoming in time president of the Tripoli State Bank. He worked diligently and persistently to make this one of the strong financial institutions of the county and he filled his responsible position with credit and ability, following always the most honorable and straightforward methods.

On the 3d of June, 1866, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Mullock, and they became the parents of two children; Edwin H. and Myra E. His wife and children survive him and are well and favorably known throughout Bremer county.

As a citizen Mr. Martin was loyal, broad-minded and a man of high standards, taking a very active part in municipal affairs. When Tripoli was incorporated he was made its first major. He filled that position for ten years, proving a competent and fearless executive, who always regarded the city's interests before personal benefit. Mr. Martin died May 16, 1913, at the age of seventy-four and besides his family, left many friends in Bremer county to mourn his loss.

He was a charter member of the First Congregational church and always extended a willing and helpful hand in maintaining it. He was charitable, generous, kindly and upright and he merited and held a high place among representative citizens of Tripoli. The long years of his residence in Bremer county proved his sterling worth and caused his death to be deeply regretted by all with whom he had come in contact.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914