Martin, William J. (1859-1934)

MARTIN

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/22/2019 at 17:03:30

William James Martin
May 5, 1859 - Nov 25, 1934

(From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.641)
W. J. MARTIN was born in Logan County, Illinois, May 5, 1859. His parents, Ira and Eliza (WOOD) MARTIN, both natives of Pennsylvania, were married in Ohio and subsequently removed to Illinois, settling in Logan County. His mother died when he was twenty-two years of age, and his father died in 1885, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a farmer all his life, a Democrat, and a member of the Christian Church. This worthy couple were the parents of five children, namely: Ira, of Silver Creek Township; John, at Macedonia; Harriet Jane, at Carson; William J., whose name heads this sketch; and Montgomery, a soldier in the late war, died from disease contracted while in the service.

William J. was reared on a farm in his native county and received his education in the public schools of that place. In 1879 he left Logan County and came to Iowa, settling in Pottawattamie County. He purchased 80 acres of land in Silver Creek Township, where he now resides, and to this, in 1885, he added 80 acres more, now having 160 acres of rich and productive soil. It is well improved and is adapted for stock and grain. He has a frame house 16 X 24 feet, one and a half stories high, with a one story addition, 12 X 14 feet. It is surrounded by a fine grove and orchard, and makes an attractive home. He has stables and cribs for the accommodation of stock and farm products, and his land is divided into four fields.

Mr. MARTIN was married in Council Bluffs in 1881, to Miss Eveline COOK, a successful teacher. Her father, Howley COOK, was born in Otsego, New York, February 11, 1811, and died in Fillmore County, Minnesota, September 30, 1887. For several years he was a teacher, but later in life gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Martin's mother was nee Mary SEWARD. She was born in Cattaraugus County, New York, December 1, 1821, and departed this life January 28, 1863. She was a Christian woman and a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. And Mrs. MARTIN have two children: Lela Frances and Ira Elmer.

Politically, Mr. MARTIN is a Democrat. He is a man in the prime of life, frank and cordial in his manner to all and honorable in every respect. Mrs. MARTIN is a constant member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.