Born August 4, 1834, in Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio, the son of Samuel S. and Mary V. Martin. He was one of a family of eight children. Mr. Martin's early years were spent on his father's farm until he reached the age of 16 when he went to the academy of Republic, Ohio, continuing there for a period of two years, when he entered Heidelberg College at Tiffin, Ohio, remaining there until he had virtually completed the college course. After leaving college, Mr. Martin selected the legal profession. Mr. Martin rather avoided than courted politics, the field not being a fascinating one for him. He was, however, elected prosecuting attorney for Iowa County at the August election in 1857. He represented Iowa County in the Ninth General Assembly as a member of the House, and as a war Democrat. He was a candidate for Congress in the election of 1862. Mr. Martin married Miss Ellen A. Parker in May 1889, at Marengo, Iowa. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.