Clark County MO Archives Biographies.....Martin, John October 18 1840 - 1896 +
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Robert Hartman http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00014.html#0003289 February 6, 2005, 10:44 am

Author: Unknown

. Judge John Martin or Jackson Township, was born in Germany, October 18th, 
1840, and comes of sturdy, industrious stock.  He is eminently a self made 
man.  His farther came to America in 1852, landing in Keokuk June 17 of that 
year.  Black of Muscatine, Iowa, was a German settlement and to this point the 
family moved.  Young John went to work at once “paddling his own canoe,” at 
first at the munificent salary of $4.00 per month.  This was afterwards 
advanced to six, which was the salary he was earning in 1861, when the war 
broke out.  He at once joined the army going to the front a member of Co. I, 
Sixth Iowa Infantry.  He was wounded at Tipton, discharged and sent home.  As 
soon as he had recovered sufficiently to carry arms he reinlisted in the 16th 
Iowa and served until the close of the war with honor to himself and his 
country.  He was mustered out at Keokuk, Iowa, and remained there, entering 
the employ of John T. Godman, the pork packer.  In 1867 he bought the Green 
Tree Hotel on corner Second and Johnson street, Keokuk, Iowa, and conducted 
same for twelve years with great success.  These were great years in Keokuk, 
as during this period the Des Moines Rapids canal and the Keokuk and Hamilton 
bridge were built.  Mr. Martin kept a model hotel and its fame was such that 
it was always crowded.  In 1878 Mr. Martin sold out his business to Capt. 
Gilkerson and moved to his present home in Jackson township.  Here pursued the 
same untiring energy and success has crowned his every endeavor.  Judge Martin 
is today one of the largest land owners in Clark county.  His other 
investments are varied and always successful.  He is one of the organizers and 
directors of the Exchange Bank of Kahoka, being one of the heaviest 
stockholders.  Although he had not lived in the county but a few years 
comparatively, the people of the country early recognized his sterling worth 
and elected him a member of the county court in which position he served the 
community with signal ability and success.  The judge has a great following of 
personal friends and his advise and counsel is sought by people of all grades.


Additional Comments: 
Johnson’s Illustrated and Historical Atlas
Clark County Atlas 1896
Page: 17
Biographical Sketches


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