Martin, W. R. (Rev.) 1859-1899

MARTIN, WRIGHT, GLEASON

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 1/19/2004 at 09:41:47

Rev. W. R. Martin was born in Grundy Co., Mo., June 21st, 1859, and died at his home in Prairie City, Ia., Oct. 29, 1899. From childhood he was religiously inclined. In early manhood he was converted and united to the M. E. Church. In 1887 he was licensed to preach in Gowrie in the northwest Iowa conference. In 1891 was ordained Deacon by Bishop Foss in Des Moines. In 1896 was ordained Elder by Bishop Newman at Corydon, Iowa. He served the following charges: in the northwest conference at Lehigh one year; in the Des Moines conference at Rippey four years, Grand Junction five years, and had begun his second year in this church, where he so suddenly fell at his post. He was a man of remarkable gifts. Although a great sufferer much of it was unknown save to himself and his Maker. He went forward in a marvelous spirit of courage and cheerfulness, omitting no duty or sacrifice. Rev. Martin and his faithful wife have won a very warm place in the hearts of our people, and not alone in the family and church in their grief, but the whole community mourns the loss of a godly man whose broad charity and spotless life endeared him to all who formed his acquaintance; and the last sermon and the last prayer meeting will long be remembered by those who heard him. It would seem that he labored in each service as though it were to be his last. He had arranged for revival services and had engaged an evangelist to assist him, but his labors are ended. Although he has gone from us the blessed influence of a holy life will ever live among those he labored with and for. The funeral services were held in the M. E. Church Tuesday at 10 a. m. There a very large audience had gathered to pay the last sad tribute of respect to their pastor. The following clergymen were present and, with the resident pastors of other churches, took a part in the services: Re. E. M. Holmes, D. D., Presiding Elder of the Boone district; Rev. J. H. Senseney, Pres. Elder Des Moines district; Rev. G. W. L. Brown, pastor Prospect Park; Rev. H. V. Adams, pastor Highland Park; Rev. T. McK. Stewart, pastor Grace Church; Rev. Enoch Hill, pastor Grand Junction; Rev. D. M. Helmick, pastor Monroe; Rev. A. R. Miller pastor Mitchellville; Rev. B. F. Cosier Des Moines. Rev. Martin was a member of the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen; both orders attended the funeral in a body and closed the service at the cemetery. The relatives and friends from other points were: Rev. W. C. Martin, D.D., and wife of Corydon, Ia., parents of deceased; G. G. Martin, Esq., Freemont, Neb.; J. R. Martin, Rich Hill, Mo.; James Martin, Esq., Fort Dodge, brothers; and Mrs. Kate Wright of Corydon, a sister; G. D. Gleason of Ruthven, a brother of Mrs. Martin; F. J. Harned and Henry Frontz, Grand Junction; Mrs. R. Snyder, Dana, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Schlieman of Angus, also Misses Jennie and Emma Jester, Des Moines. As we looked at him as he lay in the casket and no trace of the terrible suffering he had endured visible on his countenance, we though truly, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” The deepest sympathy is extended to Sister Martin and her children in this their hour of sorrow. ~ The Newton Record, Thursday, November 2, 1899, Page 4, Column 2 – Prairie City Press

Rev. W. R. Martin, pastor of the M. E. Church in this city, passed away Sunday 10:30 a.m. His death, as was decided by a number of physicians, caused by liver disease and complications. His last attack was of only one week’s duration, but his sufferings were severe. Drs. Schofield and McCartney of Des Moines, assisted by the resident physicians, performed a surgical operation Friday, which brought relief but could not save his life. A noble life has ended here but begun in a better home. He faced, the ordeal performed by surgeons, like a hero knowing his chances of recovery were few. But all things with him had been set in order and he seemed to realize that the time of his departure was near at hand. Those who heard his last sermon will never forget its impress, one could almost think it would be the last time he would admonish his people or warn sinners. The funeral was held Tuesday at 11 a.m., the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen having charge of the service. A large delegation of the M. E. ministers were present. ~ Iowa State Democrat, Thursday, November 2, 1899, Page 1, Column 5 – Prairie City
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Prairie City (IA) News, 1898

Rev. W. R. Martin was born in Grundy County, Missouri, June 21, 1859, and died at his home in Prairie City, October 29, 1899.

In 1887, he was licensed to preach at Gownie, in the North West Iowa, Conference.

In 1891, he was ordained Deacon by Bishop Foss in Des Moines and in 1896 was ordained an Elder by Bishop Newman at Corydon, Iowa.

He had begun his second year at the M. E. Church in Prairie City.