Biographical Sketch of
Charles Martin
Transcribed by Robert Schieber Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Pages 459 - 460 Charles Martin is one of the leading citizens and active business men of Dell Prairie township, Adams county, who operates a well-drilling machine and deals in windmills. Until a short time ago he owned a large and well-improved farm of three hundred acres of land, forty-seven acres of which was the homestead farm and was known as the L. S. Carter place, the latter being one of the earliest settlers of the county. Our subject improved the property and made a model farm of it, but sold it in the early spring of 1900. Mr. Martin was born in Newark, Licking county, Ohio, March 29, 1854, and was the son of William and Sarah (Showman) Martin. His father moved from Maryland to Ohio, and was one of the early settlers of that state. He was a farmer by occupation, and in 1861 went to Elkhart, Indiana, where he followed his calling until his death in December, 1864. His wife survived him twenty-five years and upon her death, July 8, 1890, was laid to rest beside her husband at Elkhart. Our subject early began to assist in the support of his mother and the family of children, but did not slight his opportunities for education. He was an apt pupil and possessed a studious nature, and made use of every chance to improve his condition. At the age of nineteen years he came to Dell Prairie, Adams county, Wisconsin, and was employed by B. S. Bement, one of the prominent farmers of the county. After leaving his employ he purchased and sold land for some time, and then located on the farm mentioned above, which is situated in the best part of Dell Prairie township. Since about 1892 he has conducted a well-drilling, pump and windmill business, and finds all the work which two men can do. The labor and overseeing of the business calls him from home a great part of the time, and a comfortable income results from his work. Mr. Martin was married July 27, 1873, to Libbie Carter, daughter of Lyman S. and Elizabeth Carter, of Dell Prairie township, who came to this region from Pennsylvania at an early day. Mrs. Martin's parents were married February 3, 1837, in Washington county, Maryland. Her mother died May 3, 1885, and her father died August 5, 1890, and both were buried at Kilbourn, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are the parents of six children, as follows: Sarah, now Mrs. E. Barton, of Hancock, Adams county, Wisconsin; Leslie, in partnership with his father in the pump business; Lottie, Louis, Clarence and Minnie. The four youngest children are at home with their parents. Mr. Martin is a Democrat in political sentiment, but does not take an active part in the movements of his party, nor accept any public offices, his business claiming his attention from his home district so often. He is interested in the welfare of his community, and has done all in his power to further its development and is one of the upright citizens of Dell Prairie township. He has resided among the people of that vicinity long enough to gain from them their respect, and they willingly accord him a name as a gentleman of excellent character and business ability. His home is one of the pleasant places within that fertile district, and he has devoted much time in the improvement of his property, and he accepts advanced ideas, and uses modern methods and machinery in every available way. He is progressive, industrious and honest, and well merits his success and good reputation.Transcribed by Robert Schieber
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