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         JOSEPH MARTIN, deceased, a pioneer settler of Louisa County, of 1838, was born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 9, 1814. He grew to manhood in his native State, and on the 12th of April, 1837, was united in marriage with Miss Mary Stingle, also a native of Pennsylvania, born Dec. 11, 1815. She is a daughter of Jacob and Lizzie (Pifer) Stingle, who were natives of Germany, and the parents of five children. The following year after his marriage Mr. Martin came to Louisa County and bought a house in Grand View. Later he became the owner of a farm about one mile east of that village, which he cultivated for six years, but on account of failing health was forced to abandon that occupation, and so returned to Grand View. He formed a partnership with his son-in-law, Thornton Latta, and operated a saw-mill, but after the death of Mr. Latta he entered into mercantile business, forming a partnership with another son-in-law, Isaac Freeland. He was also an insurance agent, and held various offices. He was elected and served as Justice of the Peace; was Notary Public of Grand View, and held several township offices. In his political views Mr. Martin was a republican, and both he and his wife were members of the Evangelical Church, of which he served as Class-Leader for many years. His death occurred Oct. 15, 1879. Thus one more of the pioneers of Louisa County passed away. Little can the present generation realize the hardships and trials endured by their parents in order to make homes in the new country. To such men as Mr. Martin, who was always ready to aid in the support of enterprises for the public welfare, Louisa County owes her present prosperity, and to them especial praise is due.

Seven children were born of the union of Joseph Martin and Mary Stingle: Julia Ann married Isaac Freeland, a resident of Letts; Ackson enlisted in Company K, 8th Iowa Infantry, at Davenport, in October, 1861, for three years’ service, but after about a year was honorably discharged, at Sedalia, Mo., on account of failing health. After somewhat regaining his strength he re-enlisted at Grand View for three years’ service in the 9th Iowa Cavalry, but was confined in a smallpox hospital on the island before St. Louis, and there his death occurred in 1863. The third child was Margaret, wife of David Steinman; James became the husband of Angeline Winters; Nancy is the wife of William Walker; Jacob wedded Melinda Holliday, and Elmira is the wife of D. M. Bridges. Mrs. Martin is still living in the village of Grand View.