STARK COUNTY OHIO - BIO: BEST, Martin L. (published 1883)
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From the "Portrait and Biography Record of Stark County Ohio", pages
346-347:
    Martin L. BEST, of Canton claims Pennsylvania as the State of his
nativity.  He was born in Fayette County, on the 16th of September, 1825,
and his father, Christian Best, was a native of the same locality.  The
latter was a leather finisher by trade and subsequently was engaged in the
milling business.  He was killed by falling from a bridge on a rock
causeway, his death occurring the day succeeding the accident, February 12,
1839, in Carroll County, Ohio.  He married Susanna Lutz, a native of
Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Martin Lutz, of German descent.  Her death
occurred in 1850.  The family numbered nine children, seven of whom grew to
mature years, the other two having died in infancy.
    Our subject is the eldest son.  His parents removed to Carroll County,
Ohio when he was only three years old and he there spent his boyhood and
attended the common schools.  When his education was completed, he began
learning th trade of a tinner and coppersmith, serving an apprenticeship of
five years and six months with Thomas H. Harbaugh, of Carlton, Ohio.  He
then travelled as a journeyman for two years, after which he returned to
Carroll County, and was united in marriage with Elizabeth Clark, daughter
of William Clark.  Unto them have been born four children;  William A.,
C.V.; Eva D., wife of George Althouse, and J.G.
    Our subject and his wife began their domestic life in Jefferson, Ohio,
where he worked at his trade for five years.  He then went to Steubenville
and became manager of the works of Sharp & Craig, manufacturers in tin and
copper and extensive dealers in stoves, serving in that position for
eighteen months.  He then returned to Carlton and embarked in business in
that line on his own account.  In 1855, he took charge of the tin and
copper shop of D. H. Harman in Canton, continuing that connection until the
spring of 1859, when he formed a partnership with Henry Russell and bought
out  the tin shop of R. Little & Horn.  To his business he then devoted his
energies until 1862, when he bought out the firm of Russell & Son and
formed a partnership with John Luper.  Six months later, Mr. Best sold his
interest to his partner and established a jobbing shop, working principally
for C. Aultman & Co.  Subsequently, he began dealing in metal cornices and
roofing and continued in that line of trade until 1881, when he invented
what is known as the Sun Vapor Burners, securing two patents on the same. 
The Sun Vapor Street Light Company was then organized, L. L. & Jacob Miller
being associated with our subject as partners.  In 1888, the business was
incorporated with a capital stock of $175,000, Jacob Miller being elected
President;  Levi Miller, Treasurer, and Martin Best, Vice-president and
General Manager.  On the death of Jacob Miller in 1889, his stock was
purchased by James McNath, and Robert A. Miller bought that of L. L.
Miller, Mr. Best retaining his half-interest.  The business was continued
under this management for six months, when Mr. Best sold all of his shares,
with one exception, to Robert A. Miller.  Since that time, he has been a
Director of the company and keeps a general oversight on the business.
    Other interests have occupied the attention of our subject.  He is now
a stockholder in the Artificial Ice and Storage Company, of Canton, and in
the Building and Loan Association.  He started out in life at an early age
without capital, and to his own efforts is due the success he has achieved
in life.  In politics, he is a supporter of Republican principles and keeps
himself well informed on the issues of the day, but has never been an
office-seeker.