For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 585
WALTER EDWARD MARTIN....For more than a quarter of a century Walter E. Martin has been a resident of Muscatine county and today he is one of its fortunate landowners, possessing one of the most productive farms in Sweetland township. He was born in Warren county, New Jersey, January 17, 1857, and is a son of Scotch-Irish on the paternal side. His father Benjamin Frank Martin, was also a native of Warren county, born September 30, 1820, and was a son of Jonathan and Lydia ( Reed ) Martin. The mother of our subject was Mary S. Pittinger before her marriage, a daughter of William and Hannah ( Van Horn ) Pittinger. There were thirteen children in the family of Mr. amd Mrs. B. F. Martin, seven of whom are now living, Walter E., being sixth in order of Birth. The father died in Sussex county, New Jersey, December 29,1880, at the age of sixty years, and the mother was called away in December, 1901. B. F. Martin was a very successful business man and was highly respected in his native state on account of his many commendable qualities. At the time of his death he was the owner of about four hundred acres of land.Walter E. Martin received his education in the public schools and continued in New Jersey for several years after reaching his majority. As an ambitious young man he desired to advance as rapidly as possible and in 1884 came to Muscatine county, Iowa, where he began farming on his own account upon rented land. Subsequently he purchased one hundred acres in Wilton township, upon which he lived for nearly nine years, and then in 1892 removed to Sweetland township, where he located permanently upon a tract of one hundred and sixty-three acres. As time passed he acquired more land until he now owns a beautiful place of two hundred and seventy-six acres which under his skillful management has become highly productive. He cultivates his farm along up-to-date lines and keeps thoroughly informed as to the markets and the most approved methods in agriculture and stock-raising.
On April 23, 1884, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Addie G.McClean, a daughter of William and Hannah McClean, in whose family there were seven children, of whom she was the eldest. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Martin six children have been born : Mary, who married Henry Paul and has one child, Ina Fay ; Joseph S., who married Lois Darling and is the father of one child, Olive Mae ; Percival ; Lizzie ; Benjamin ; and Clyde, all of whom are at home.
Fraternally Mr. Martin is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Grange. He is a stanch friend of education and for many years has served as a member of the school board. In his wife he has found a worthy assistant and loving companion. She is a woman of fine social qualities and of excellent judgment. In the work of development and progress in the region where he lives, Mr. Martin has borne an active part and always contributes his full share toward any worthy undertaking.
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