My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM W. MARTIN, one among the old citizens of Franklin County, was born within two miles of Decherd October 17, 1829. He is one of a family of eleven children born to the marriage of Nathan R. Martin and Jane Witt. The father was born in South Carolina December 1, 1804, where he lived till the age of twelve, when, in 1816, he immigrated to Franklin County, Tenn., where he married, lived and died, his death occurring in 1859. The mother was born December 20, 1804, in Virginia, whence she came to this county when seven years old. She lived in this county till 1874, when she removed to Houston County, Ga., where she now lives. Our subject was reared on a farm. He learned the blacksmith trade, and when twenty-one he began the pursuit of his trade for himself, which he continued until 1858, when he entered the mercantile business, which he continued till 1861. He then raised a company for the Confederate service, but the company was not received. He then remained at home till 1863, when he went to Houston County, Ga., there worked at his trade in the Confederate service till the close of the war. After the war he engaged at his trade in Decherd, and continued till October, 1865, when he established his present merchandising trade, which he has successfully continued ever since. He was married, March 19, 1853, to Miss Lizzie Hines, the result of this union being ten children, eight of whom are living: Edward H., Annie, Lou B. and Isaac H. (twins), Nathan E., Theodosius W., Meredith P. and Clyde. Mr. Martin and all of his family, except the two youngest children, are members of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Martin being an elder in the church. Politically he is a Democrat, and is one of the leading and influential citizens of the community.