Martin - John C.
Source: H.W. Beckwith History (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 388
J. C. MARTIN, merchant, Mace, was born February 22, 1842, on
the old homestead. Evi Martin, his father, was born February 20,
1796, on Mill creek, ten miles north of Cincinnati. About 1806
his parents moved to Lebanon, Ohio, and lived there five years,
then in Troy, Ohio, till 1827. He was married August 19, 1819, to
Ann MILLS. She was born October 4, 1799, near Lebanon, Ohio. In
1827 Mr. and Mrs. Martin turned their faces west toward Indiana,
and arrived at his father's house in Union township, Montgomery
county, November 26, 1827. Mr. Martin soon entered the S. 1/2 of
S. W. 1/4 Sec. 7, and N. 1/2 N. W. 1/4 Sec. 18, T. 18, R. 3 W.,
what was afterward called Walnut township. About the middle of
December be built a cabin, made a bedstead of two poles, one
post, two augur-holes, and bed-cord brought with them. February
4, 1828, the family moved into their new abode, the fifth cabin
built in the township. Mr. Martin was soon attacked with a light
form of asthma, and for three continuous years he was unable to
lie down to sleep. Mr. and Mrs. Martin, by energy and economy,
gathered a competency for old age. In 1854 they moved to Linn
county, Iowa, where they remained till 1865. They then sold and
returned to Indiana and lived with their son, J. M. Martin, till
June 1867, then went again to Iowa, to their son Samuel, in
Mahaska county. After one year they lived with their son Isaac,
at Center Point, Iowa, till June 6, 1871, when they again
returned to Indiana to make their permanent home with J. M.
Martin. In their old days Mr. Martin sold his place and put his
money, over $3,200, in a bank; the bank failing, the savings of a
lifetime were lost, a severe stroke to the old people. In 1830
they united with the Regular Baptist church, and were baptized by
Rev. John Lee, the first Baptist preacher of their region, and
Mr. Martin's house became a favorite place for pioneer worship.
In his prime days Mr. Martin supported whig principles, but later
became a radical republican. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are the oldest
people in Walnut township, and have lived together in happiness
for sixty-one years. They sent six sons to the civil war, all of
whom returned. J. C. Martin was educated mostly in the field, and
in 1854 went with his parents to Iowa. June 25, 1861, he enlisted
in Co. C, 5th Iowa, under Capt. John L. Grubb. He fought in about
twenty battles, and was neither hurt nor captured. He was always
present when his regiment was engaged. A few of the battles in
which be took part are Iuka, Corinth, Champion Hill, all the
battles in the rear of Vicksburg. At Vicksburg Mr. Martin made
himself famous among his company by an act of bravery. A
volunteer was called for to reconnoiter the enemy's position, and
Mr. Martin immediately stepped forward. Twice he examined their
positions and reported, and explained the mode in which the
charge should be made, declaring the charge possible. So near to
the enemy was he that there were a thousand chances of his being
shot to one of his safe return. The charge was ordered, but the
captain being killed the sergeant refused to make the charge,
whereupon he was threatened with death from Martin's gun, and the
arms of another. Just then orders came not to go. The cowardly
sergeant was reduced to the ranks, and J. C. Martin promoted to
the place. In a letter written by an officer of that day, in
years since, appear these words regarding the daring deed: "Had
that act been done under the eye of a Napoleon, the actor would
have worn a marshal's cross." Mr. Martin was also at Mission
Ridge. He made two trips north on recruiting service, a veteran
furlough. Was in the rear at Atlanta, also was at Franklin,
Nashville, Spring Hill, and Pulaski. In the meantime the 5th Inf.
had been transferred to the 5th Iowa Cav., and under Gen. Wilson
he was in Wilson's raid. August 17,1865, Mr. Martin was
discharged. He returned to Iowa, and in 1865 came to Montgomery
county, Indiana. He farmed in Franklin township till 1873, when
he engaged in general merchandising in Mace, which he still
follows. In 1880 he erected a very fine residence in Mace,
costing about $1,800. Mr. Martin was married January 21, 1869, to
Miranda HUTCHINGS, of Franklin township, this county. She was
born in Union county, Indiana, September 16, 1849. They have
three children: Elmer G., Everet J. E., and Arthur J. Mr. and
Mrs. Martin are Methodists. He is thoroughly
republican.