Lewis B. Martin.
Lewis B. Martin.

LEWIS B. MARTIN

    During a residence in White County of nearly half a century, Lewis B. Martin has not only identified himself in a successful manner with the cares and responsibilities of farm management, but has possessed and exercised that public spirit which looks after the welfare of the community, and supports institutions and movements that have a broader significance than the well being of the individual. Mr. Martin has one of the fine rural places in West Point Township, situated on rural route No. 12 out of Chalmers.
    Though not a native of White County he was brought here in early youth by his father, John W. Martin, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, March 12, 1828, and moved with his family to White County on November 18, 1865. He was reared in his native state and was married there in 1849 to Samantha J. Neiswander, who was born November 20, 1832, and died July 25, 1901. Her parents were natives of Germany. John W. Martin was a son of John J. Martin, a native of Scotland but of English stock. Of the nine children born to John W. and wife, two died in infancy. Charlotte is the wife of Soloman Carr and lives in Frankfort, Indiana. The second oldest is Lewis B. Virgil A. and Walter both reside in West Point Township. Ella is the wife J. H. Carson, living in Rensselaer. Adda married George W. Chamberlain and they live at Chalmers. Lillie is the wife of Oliver Reid, living at Frankfort.
    John W. Martin died May 30, 1902, and is buried in West Point Cemetery. He was a man of many positive qualities and a useful factor in every community where he lived. For two years he served as township assessor and was a democrat, who stood loyally by his party and its principles but was not an office seeker. He was a man of college training, well informed, was keen in debate and argument, and for about ten years followed the vocation of teacher. He taught four or five terms in White County, having charge of the old West Point School two terms, the old Evolve School two terms, and for many years served as school director. He held to the Universalist faith in religion. John W. Martin arrived in White County with about $3,000, and at the time of his death was the owner of about 200 acres of fine farming land. He was a big man physically, stood 6 feet 2 inches tall, and weighed 200 pounds or more. For two or three years from 1883 he conducted a store at Wheeler Station.
    Lewis B. Martin was born January 18, 1853, in Franklin County, Ohio, and was about thirteen years old when he came with the family to White County. His father first settled in section 11, range 5 west, West Point Township, and in that locality the son completed his education in the common schools and was well trained in the industry, good habits and skill required of the successful farmer.
    In 1883 he married Lulu Campbell, a daughter of John J. and Susan Campbell of Tippecanoe County. The first of the five children born into their home is Edna M., now the wife of Frank Reissig and living in Hobart, Indiana. Mrs. Reissig was graduated from the Valparaiso University, and all the children have been given an excellent home training and the opportunities of schools. Blanche M., the second daughter, married Charles Wynekoop of Princeton Township, and their two sons are named Lewis and Allen. Cecile is the wife of John Sensenbaugh, living in Carroll County. The other children are at home, named John W. and Estella C.
    A farmer all his life, Mr. Martin is now the possessor of what is known as the "Good Hope" farm, situated eight miles northwest of Chalmers. It comprises about 172 acres and in general improvements and value ranks with any of the farmsteads found in that community. Mr. Martin also owns some property in Chalmers, and has stock in the Farmers Elevator Company at Chalmers, in the Bank of Chalmers and in the Reynolds Creamery. One of the secrets of his success has been his strict adherence to the rule never to go in debt and always pay cash for what he buys.
    He has more than once been a factor in securing local improvements. He took the initiative in the building of several roads and ditches, and started and circulated the petition for the Ernest Scipio and Charles Vineyard roads. In every direction he has stood for improvements of this character throughout the county. In politics he is a democrat, but only nationally, while in local affairs he votes for the man who will give the best service, but has never sought any honors of that kind for himself. Though not a member he supports the Methodist Church, and has no secret affiliations.


Source:

Hamelle, W. H., "Lewis B. Martin," A Standard History of White County Indiana: An Authentic Narrative of the Past, With an Extended Survey of Modern Developments in the Progress of Town and Country, Chicago and New York, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1915, pp. .

Created June 28, 2005; Revised June 28, 2005
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wynkoop/index.htm
Comments to [email protected]

Copyright © 2005 by Christopher H. Wynkoop, All Rights Reserved

This site may be freely linked to but not duplicated in any fashion without my written consent.

Site map

The Wynkoop Family Research Library
Home