My Genealogy Hound

JOHN MARTIN, deceased. It has been said that life is not measured by years but by intensity. Scarcely fifty years from his birth, Mr. Martin passed to his final rest. But though called hence in the prime of his useful and vigorous manhood, he had accomplished much for the good of his fellow-men, and if existence were counted by years and not by deeds, he might well be called the most venerable of men. For a long time he was closely connected with the best interests of St. Joseph, and was one of the prominent merchants of the city until his demise.

Born in Ireland in 1832, our subject was the son of Charles and Ann Martin, natives of the Emerald Isle. The biographer finds little of special interest to record concerning his childhood, which was passed in an uneventful way on the Isle of Erin. He attended the schools and acquired the rudiments of his education, which was afterward broadened by extensive reading and travel. Having resolved to emigrate to the New World and seek a home in the country which offered such magnificent opportunities to the poor of other lands, he set sail on an American-bound vessel in March of 1852 and after a safe voyage landed in New York in July.

From that city Mr. Martin proceeded directly to St. Joseph, Mich., where for a time he engaged in buying railroad ties and staves, which he shipped to Chicago. Later he embarked in the general mercantile business in this place, and by the exercise of excellent judgment and conscientious dealings with all, he acquired a wide reputation as a successful and enterprising business man, in whom the public had every confidence. His death, October 24, 1882, was regarded as a public loss, for his influence throughout the community had always been elevating and ennobling. After his demise, his widow continued the business, of which she assumed the management. In 1892 she sold out, and the enterprise went into other hands.

The lady who for twenty years was the devoted helpmate of Mr. Martin bore the maiden name of Jane McLaughlin and became his wife December 29, 1862. Mrs. Martin was born in Ogdensburgh, N. Y., and is the daughter of Francis and Sara M. (McMullen) McLaughlin, natives of Ireland, who came to this country when quite young. Miss McLaughlin attended a convent of the Sisters of Mercy at Chicago. With her parents she removed to the State of New York in 1844, and resided there until her marriage. Seven children were born unto her, five of whom are still living, as follows: John F.; Alice, who married Warren Ballengee, and resides in St. Joseph; William E.; Sarah; and George H. The handsome family residence is located on State Street and is the abode of hospitality. Mrs. Martin and her children are members of the Catholic Church, with which Mr. Martin was also actively identified. In his political sympathies, he was a stanch Democrat.