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         JOHN T. MARTIN, a representative farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 5, Marshall Township, was born Dec. 20, 1810, in Somerset County, Md., and is a son of John and Letitia (Irvin) Martin. He was of English and Scotch descent on his father’s side. When but three years of age, his father removed to Kentucky, and in 1816 became a resident of Pickaway County, Ohio, where our subject received his education in the common schools and lived for fifteen years. In 1831 John Martin was united in marriage with Mary A. Colbert, a native of Somerset County, Md. He engaged in farming in Pickaway County, and there two of the children were born: Evaline, who is now a resident of Illinois, and Eliza, wife of Joseph Graham, a farmer in Cowley County, Kan. In 1839 Mr. Martin removed to Fountain County, Ind., where two other children were born, John and Rachel, who are now deceased. The family remained in Indiana until 1850, when they became residents of Louisa County, Iowa. Mr. M. first rented a farm from the late Henry Churchman, a gentleman of his acquaintance in Indiana. In the month of June after their arrival the excellent wife of our subject was called to her last rest. She was a member of the Covenantor Church, a most loving wife and tender mother, and her death was mourned by a large circle of friends. On the 27th of January, 1851, Mr. Martin was again married, Miss Catherine Cummings being the lady of his choice. She was born in County Donegal, Ireland, Feb. 28, 1823, and is a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (McElheney) Cummings, who were also natives of the same county, and emigrated to America in 1837, locating in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., where they resided until 1840, and then came to Louisa County, settling on section 6, Marshall Township. Here they lived until the death of the mother, which occurred Aug. 14, 1851, after which Mr. Cummings made his home with our subject and his wife until his death, in 1873.

By this union five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin: Margaret J., wife of Scott Hewitt, a resident of Morning Sun Township; Thomas H., who wedded Susan Higbee; Letitia, wife of H. C. Hamilton, a resident of Taylor County, Iowa; John L., who is living in Marshall Township, where he is engaged in farming, and Sarah Mary, wife of William Hewitt, also a farmer of Taylor County, Iowa. In 1853 Mr. Martin purchased 160 acres of land. At that time he was quite sick, and so his neighbors gathered in and erected a log cabin, into which the family moved, and at once began the labor and hardships which come to all who make homes in the new country. During the fall of that year Mr. Martin broke twenty acres of land, and the following spring put in his first crop of corn. His purchase consisted . . .

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. . . of a soldier’s claim, which he supposed comprised 160 acres, but it was found that there was only 150 acres. Since that time he has added other lands until he now has 200 acres, all under a fine state of cultivation, and fifty-four acres of timber land. When Mr. Martin came to this county his capital consisted of an old wagon, a team and $15 in money, but with a determination to succeed and make for himself a home in the then new country, he at once set to work, and now has a comfortable competence. In his political views Mr. Martin is very liberal, but casts his ballot with the Democratic party. He and his wife have given their children good common-school educations, such as would fit them for the practical duties of this life, and as they left the parental roof furnished to each a good home. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Covenantor Church, and are ranked among the highly respected people of Louisa County.