NORTHERN NEW YORK
Genealogical and family history of northern New York: a record of the achievements of her people and the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation.
New York: Lewis Historical Pub. Co. 1910.
Transcribed by Coralynn Brown
It is the generally accepted belief that this surname originated with St. Martin, the son of a Roman military tribune, who was born about A.D. 316 in that part of ancient Panonia which is the modern Hungary, and figured as one of the early exponents of Christianity in Western Europe. The name itself indicates no particular nationality, but is to be found in nearly every country in Europe. The name of Martin was brought into England by several followers of the Norman conqueror, whose names are recorded in the Battle Abbey, and among them are those of "Le Sire de S. Martin," and Martin of Tours. The Somersetshire family, from which some of the American Martins are descended, dates its origin in England from the Norman Conquest. The name appears in the early records of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Virginia, and is variously spelled: Martin, Martyn, Marten, Marteen, Martain, Marttin and Mortine.
Robert Martin, an immigrant from England, settled in New Haven, Conn., prior to 1655, and Samuel Martin, who came over about 1650, settled in Wethersfield, Conn. The Plattsburgh family, mentioned below, is undoubtedly descended from one of these immigrants.
(I) Isaiah Martin was born on South Hero Islet, Vermont, in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and resided there his entire life. He was also the son of an early settler at South Hero who went there from Conn. and cleared a farm from the wilderness. Information at hand states that this settler was wounded while serving in the revolutionary war, and that he carried a British bullet in his body for the remainder of his life.
Isaiah Martin was an industrious farmer. He was twice married, and the maiden surname of his wife, who was some years his senior, was Harrington. Both died at the age of sixty-seven years. His children, all of his first union, were:
Levi, born in 1800.
Miner, 1801, mentioned below.
(II) Miner, son of Isaiah Martin, was born at South Hero in 1801. He resided in his native town until thirty-two years old, when he purchased a farm in Plattsburgh, situated at Cumberland Head and containing one hundred acres. He subsequently added twenty-five acres of adjoining land and demonstrated the fact that general farming could be made a very profitable occupation. He was not only identified with the agricultural interests of Plattsburgh, but became a prominent factor in public affairs as well, serving with ability as an assessor and member of the school board for a number of years, and in various other ways he made himself useful to his fellow townsmen.
In politics he was originally a Whig, but united with the Republican party at its formation and vigorously supported its principles for the remainder of his life. Miner Martin died in Plattsburgh in 1868.
He married Mallah Wheeler, born in Fairfax, Vermont, in 1808, died 1875. Four children, all born at Cumberland Head, and the only survivor is Ansel Sherman, a brief biography of whom follows.
(III) Ansel Sherman, son of Miner and Mallah (Wheeler) Martin, was born in Plattsburgh, April 17, 1839. He received an excellent education, having pursued courses at the academy and high school in Plattsburgh, and after the completion of his studies he became a valuable assistant to his father in cultivating the homestead farm, adopting that honorable occupation with an energy and enthusiasm which is always productive of substantial success. At his father's death he succeeded to the possession of the property, and it may be truthfully said that he also inherited many of his father's prominent characteristics, particularly the progressive tendencies and thrift, for which his predecessor was noted. He ha always kept his land up to a high standard of fertility by availing himself of improved agricultural methods and machinery, and both the quantity and quality of his products amply attest the efficacy of applying advanced ideas in the treatment of the soil. Some twelve years ago he purchased the farm lying just south of the homestead, comprising one hundred and fifteen acres and possessing historic associations, as it was the home of General Benjamin Mooers during the war of 1812-15. Removing to this farm he has ever since resided there, but still owns the homestead farm, together with other property in the immediate vicinity.
Mr. Martin cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and has ever since acted with the Republican party in politics. While deeply interested in the welfare of the community he has never aspired to political prominence, although frequently solicited to accept nominations to important public offices, but he has invariably declined. He has, however, been actively concerned in forwarding the interests of public education at Cumberland Head for many years, serving as trustee of the school and contributing liberally toward its support.
He is a member of the local grange, Patrons of Hubandry, is public-spirited whenever occasion demands, and is regarded as one of Plattsburgh's most substantial and influential citizens.
Sept. 20, 1866, Mr. Martin was married in Plattsburgh to Hattie Elizabeth Weaver, his first wife. She was born in Schuyler Falls, N.Y., adopted daughter of Benjamin Weaver, and died in 1884.
His second wife, whom he married in Holyoke, Mass., Feb. 11, 1895, was Louise Furness, born in Malone, Franklin county, N.Y., daughter of Henry and Almira (Case) Furness.
Children, all of first wife:
1. Frederick L., born Jan. 5, 1868; married Bessie Allen and has one son, Herbert.
2. Ellen Louise, July 31, 1869; married E.J. Parmenter and has one child, Elijah.
3. Albert Sherman, Jan. 4, 1873; married (first) Margaret Hopkins, one son: Lawrence; married (second) Bertha Smith, one son: Lester.
4. Mary Phebe, Dec. 20, 1879; married George Staves; two children: Quentin and Alice.
5. Alice, Jan. 6, 1884, now the widow of Wallace Hall.
The founding of the Martin family of Lewis county, N.Y., herein recorded, was accompanied by a tinge of romance, probably often duplicated in the settlement of all new countries. John Martin, the founder, was born in 1790, in county Meath, Ireland, near Dublin. In 1818 a party of emigrants from his neighborhood were starting for the United States, and among them his sweetheart. John Martin went to Dublin to see them on board ship, but when the hour of parting came, could not endure the sorrow, so sailed with them. He landed at Quebec, Canada, where he married the girl who had drawn him so far from home and kindred, Ellen Connell. They settled, after some drifting around, in the town of Wilna, Jefferson county, New York, wehre they lived on a farm and reared a family of eight children:
Mary, Thomas, Ann, Margaret, James, Rosanna, Michael and Ellen.
John Martin lived a long and useful life that ended in December, 1882, after he had attained the great age of ninety-two years.
(II) Thomas, son of John and Ellen (Connell) Martin, was born in the town of Wilna, Jefferson county, n.Y., about 1820, died Jan. 16, 1905. He was educated in the public school located on his father's farm. It was the usual pioneer building made of logs and simple of furniture. He obtained a good education there, and after leaving school was employed at home in farm labor. He worked at different occupations, was saving of his earnings and in course of time he and his brother bought a large farm in the town of Wilna. They divided the property equally, each having a good sized farm as his share. He lived on and cultivated his farm until his death.
He married Nancy Commins, Jan. 1, 1854. She was born March 14, 1835, daughter of Richard and Johanna (Mahar) Commins. Richard Commins was born in county Waterford, Ireland, where he married. Soon afterwards he emigrated to Canada, landing at Quebec, where he remained a few years. In 1845 he removed to Carthage, Jeffesron county, N.Y., where he esablished himself and worked at his trade of blacksmith. Children: Anastasia, Nancy, Thomas, Margaret, Richard, Patrick, Mary and Peter.
Richard Commins was unexcelled as a smith, that trade having descended through six generations of his family, father teaching trade to son.
Thomas and Nancy (Sommins) Martin had children:
1. John T., see forward.
2. Richard, born July 15, 1858; married, June, 1894, Carrie Lyons.
3. Patrick, born Jan. 11, 1862, died Feb. 7, 1884.
4. William, born Aug., 1865, died Aug. 12, 1872.
5. Edward, born May 22, 1868; married Adah De Temple.
6. Frederick, born July 31, 1870; married, June 22, 1898, Grace Hines.
7. Emmet Augustus, born Jan. 23, 1876; married, June 27, 1906, Catherine Karnally.
8. Mary, born July 6, 1878; married, Jan. 13, 1904, Charles Bullis.
(III) John T., eldest son and child of Thomas and Nancy (Commins) Martin, was born in the town of Wilna, Jefferson county, N.Y., Oct. 1, 1855. He was educated in the public schools and reared on the home farm, where he grew to manhood. In 1875 he engaged with Joseph C. Otis, a farmer of Lewis county, with whom he purchased a productive farm in the town of Denmark, Lewis county, located near the village of Denmark, which he has since then very successfully operated. He makes a specialty of dairy and poultry farming, having a choice herd of graded Holstein cattle, and for the latter branch a large flock of "White Leghorns." Mr. Martin is modern in his methods of conducting his business, and has made his life a success. His strict integrity and manly, upright life has earned him the respect and confidence of his neighbors. He is an active member of Denmark Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, having held the offices of master, overseer, treasurer and insurance director. He is also a member of Lewis County Pomona Grange. He is a director of the "Crown Brand" Milk Company of Denmark, a flourishing industry.
Politically he is a Democrat, and a member of St. James' Church, Carthage, N.Y.
He married, April 20, 1881, Maryette, born Jan. 1, 1853, daughter of Edmund and Delaney (Dingman) Leonard. Edmund Leonard was born in the town of Harrisburg, Lewis county, N.Y. July 14, 1826, died March 30, 1903; married Delaney Dingman, born in Lowville, N.Y. Jan. 16, 1817, died Feb. 13, 1890. Children: I. Genio, born Nov. 2, 1848; married in 1891, Mary Dolton; children: Anna D., born Sept. 14, 1892; Agatha, born Dec. 25, 1893; Mary (Dalton) Leonard died April 5, 1896. 2. Vivaldia George, born Jan. 29, 1851, died April 1, 1854. 3. Maryette,
Edward Leonard owned and operated one of the finest farms in the county. He was a son of Edward and Annie (Risnee) Leonard. His wife Delaney was the daughter of William and Polly (Lawrence) Dingman. The Dingmans were among the very earliest settlers of Lewis county, New York.
William Deliverance Seaborn Martin, according to the history of North Brookfield, was the immigrant ancestor of this line, and was born, at his name indicates, on the voyage from England. The family was from Dublin, Ireland, and settled in Douglas, Mass. Isaac, his son, settled at Douglas, and Comfort Martin, who also settled there at the same time, was presumably a brother. At Colerain, Mass., whither Isaac went, we find in the census of 1790, besides Isaac and his son William, an Enos Martin, who had two males over sixteen and three under that age and four females in his family, and is believed to be a brother of Isaac.
(II) Isaac Martin, mentioned above, was a soldier in the revolution, from Douglas, in Captain Benjamin Wallis' company, Colonel Arnold's regiment in 1775. Another record shows that an Isaac of this section (town not given) was captain in Colonel Wood's regiment in 1776-77, and second major in Colonel Nathan Tyler's regiment in 1779.
Isaac appears to have moved to Colerain during the revolution. He married at Douglas (intention dated April 24, 1759) Sarah Foster.
Children, born at Douglas:
Lucy, Jan. 25, 1760.
Timothy, baptized March 18, 1764.
William, March 7, 1766.
Samuel, June 14, 1769, married Azubah ____.
Sarah, May 9, 1773.
Perhaps others at Colerain, the records of which are not complete.
In Douglas records Isaac is called "Jr." though we find no trace of any other Isaac there. Isaac died in Whitington, Vermont, according to the history of North Brookfield.
(III) Joel Martin, of the family mentioned above, was doubtless grandson of Isaac of Colerain, Mass., where he was born Sept. 7, 1803. He married (first) Clarissa Russell; (second) Sally Cottrell, born May 6, 1815, died Feb. 1, 1852; (third) Nov. 18, 1852, Mary Ann Smith.
He settled in Denmark, New York.
Children of second wife:
1. Almira, born at Denmark, Jan. 29, 1835, died Nov. 19, 1909; married Charles Dickinson.
2. Azubah, Sept. 28, 1836; died July, 1900; married J. Parker Adams.
3. Henry R., mentioned below.
4. Gardner, Sept. 3, 1843; married Celia Waite. Gardner died in April, 1897.
5. Elta, Sept. 11, 1848; married John Black; resides at Augusta, Kansas.
6. Ida, May 9, 1850; married Charles Scales; they reside at Waterloo, Iowa.
7. Child died young.
Children of third wife:
8. May, born Jan. 25, 1854; married Charles Johnson, of Champion, N.Y.
9. Lillie, April 22, 1857, married Charles Paul, of Evans Mills, N.Y.
10. Eva, Sept. 16, 1860; married Seward Merrill, who died Dec. 29, 1901.
(IV) Henry R., son of Joel Martin, was born at Denmark, N.Y. Aug. 29, 1838, and died April 22, 1908, after a long and painful illness. He was educated in the common schools of that town and the academies at Lowville and Denmark. After teaching school in the vicinity for several terms he purchased a valuable farm in the town of Denmark and followed farming with much success. His place was located on the East road, near Castorland village.
He was a sturdy, industrious and upright man, and a useful citizen. In politics he was a Republican, and for many years was overseer of the poor of the town.
In religion he was a Universalist.
He married (first) Melissa, daughter of Jonathan and Mahalia (Spaulding) Owens, Dec. 28, 1858; (second) Ursula Thompson Clark, born July 14, 1833, daughter of Timothy and Cornelia (Knight) Thompson.
Children of first wife:
1. Charles P., mentioned below.
2. Fred W., May 18, 1861; died May 13, 1898; married Feb. 10, 1886, Anna Clark; children: Clark, born Aug. 6, 1894; Curtis, May 6, 1896.
3. Minnie, April 2, 1865; died Oct. 12, 1877.
4. Clare Austin, July 2, 1869; married Maud Burns, Sept. 2, 1897.
5. Frank Williamson, twin with Clare Austin; married (first) Loella Byrnes, Dec. 19, 1893; before her marriage she was a successful and popular teacher; graduate of State Normal School at Potsdam. Children: Loella, died Feb., 1899; Harry, born Jan. 18, 1899. He married (second) Calla, daughter of Thomas and Annis (Dobson) Hickey; one child: Clyde, born Feb., 1907.
(V) Charles P., son of Henry r. Martin, was born in Wilna, Jefferson county, N.Y. Nov. 4, 1859. He attended the public schools of his native town. He spent his boyhood on the homestead assisting his father and, following his natural inclinations, took up farming as a calling, and succeeded to the homestead in the course of time. "Applegrove Farm," as his place is called, is noted for its fine dairy. Mr. Martin has a fine herd of Holsteins in which he has reason to take much pride. Painstaking but progressive, Mr. Martin keeps his farm up to the mark and his methods up to date. The sterling character, good sense and ability, that have made him successful in business, have won for him the respect and confidence of his neighbors. He takes rank easily among the leading farmers of this section and among the most substantial men of the town.
In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of Denmark Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, and attends the Methodist church.
He married Hattie Bohall, born June 24, 1866, daughter of Monroe and Lorinda (McDaniels) Bohall. They have no children.
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