My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM MARTIN, the head of one of the largest and most important businesses in Dunkirk, and at present the political head of the municipality, was born in the city of Exeter, England, on the first day of March, 1848, and is a son of George and Grace (Howard) Martin.

William Martin was brought to this country in early childhood and in youth learned the machinist’s trade. He was educated at the East Greenwich Seminary, Rhode Island, and from thence engaged in theological study and in 1871 came to Dunkirk and filled the pulpit of the First Methodist church of that city. He engaged in the ministry of that denomination for twelve years and for two years labored in the Presbyterian cause.

In 1872 he married Frances Helen Cary, daughter of David E. Cary, and their union has been blessed with four children: Sarah; Cary; Grace; and Howard. In the latter part of 1872 Mr. Martin left Dunkirk and returned in 1882 to develop the present immense business which he now directs. About this time an animated discussion arose regarding the feasibility of replacing the car stove for heating railway trains, and Mr. Martin believed he could solve the problem. He executed a model and induced the officials of the Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley and Pittsburg railroad to allow him the privilege of equipping a train, and by experience perfect the system. The first model worked well, and in May, 1882, they applied for a patent and formed a stock company with an authorized capital of two hundred thousand dollars. He associated with him Frank E. Shaw of Sinclairville, and Charles A. Clute, then assistant superintendent of the D., A. V. & P. R. R. Their system was rapidly improved and in May, 1884, the “Bee Line” was equipped and today about five thousand engines and cars are operating this mode of heating. The out put of 1888 showed about five hundred thousand dollars and some seventy-five people are employed in their beautiful buildings, recently erected at the corner of Third and Dove streets. This invention ranks with the Westinghouse brake for safety, and with George M. Pullman’s famous palace cars for comfort and convenience. The deadly car-stove is displaced by this contrivance, which, in case of a wreck, automatically shuts off the steam and prevents the horrors of burning in flames or scalding by steam.