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Below is a family biography included in History of Warren County, Iowa published by Union Historical Company in 1879.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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MARTIN, WM., farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. St. Charles; born in the northern part of Ireland, Nov. 15, 1815; while yet an infant, parents emigrated to America, landing in Canada, remaining there, however, but a few months; determined to take shelter beneath the protecting wings of the Eagle, they removed to New York city, and two years after came to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where their son was raised; his father having exhausted his wealth and the hard earnings of years in reaching this country, William, while yet a youth, was thrown upon his own resources, deprived even of the limited educational advantages commonly afforded to children in those parts; in the year 1841, Mr. Martin removed to Des Moines county, this State, and three years after was married to Miss Mary Ann Sharp, a native of Pennsylvania, Oct. 30, 1844; by this union they have two sons living: John S. and George; James M. died Dec. 2, 1876; Mrs. Martin died October 2, 1854; Feb. 20, 1856, Mr. Martin was married again to Miss Mary McClellan, of Pennsylvania; by this marriage they have four children: Thomas, Robert, Jesse, Henry L.; on Jan. 3, 1866, Mr. Martin was again left a widower, and after a lapse of time was married to Miss Elizabeth Jourdan, of Marion county, Iowa, formerly of Holmes county, Ohio; Mr. Martin located where he now resides in the spring of 1857, having entered 160 acres about two years previous; having but little means at this time and quite a family to support, the battle of life became an earnest struggle; although meeting with many discouragements, he has won for himself and family a substantial home, and has the confidence and respect of all that know him.

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This family biography is one of 548 biographies included in The History of Warren County, Iowa published in 1879.  For the complete description, click here: Warren County, Iowa History and Genealogy

View additional Warren County, Iowa family biographies: Warren County, Iowa Biographies

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