Page 687
ROBERT MARTIN. From lands across the sea many young men have come to swell the population of America and bear a worthy part in developing the resources of this country, which was to them the Mecca of all their hopes. One of this number is Robert Martin, whose portrait is presented in connection with this sketch, and who, after some years spent in struggling with adverse circumstances, became a landowner in this county and entered upon the high road to a competence. His remunerative property consists of four hundred and sixty acres of excellent farm land in Clear Lake Township. A visitor to the spot will see there the evidences of thrift and prosperity, as the land has been well developed and supplied with adequate and substantial farm buildings and other improvements.
Mr. Martin is a son of William Martin, an Irish farmer who died in 1858, and of Margaret (Foley) Martin, who died in 1853. Their family consisted of five children, two of whom are now living. Their home was in County Down, Ireland, where the eyes of our subject opened to the light July 3, 1840. His educational advantages were limited, his attendance at school including a period of but a few months, but with the wit and facility so characteristic of the natives of the Emerald Isle he has become practically well informed. His lack of book knowledge is counterbalanced by the education received through contact with his fellow men, and by keen observation of their manners and methods, and study of their traits of character.
Our subject was in his seventeenth year when he bade adieu to his native land and sailed from Belfast to the New World. After a voyage of five weeks he landed in New York City on the 27th of June, and remaining there but a short time went on to newburg, Orange County. He spent a few days in that town searching for employment, and finding it in the vicinity worked until November, when he came West as far as Illinois. Mr. Martin hired out by the month on a farm and was steadily employed by one man for more than three years. He then began farming for himself on rented land, and in the spring of 1862 took up his abode in the vicinity of his present home.
In July of that year he determined to enter the Union army, and for a little more than three years he bore a part in the arduous and dangerous duties of a soldier's life. His name was attached to the muster roll of Company I, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, spending forty-seven days in front of that famous stronghold, and afterward bore a part in the battles of Jackson, (Miss), Guntown, Jackson (Tenn.), Raymond, Black River, Forest, Memphis and Mobile. In the intervals between these engagements he took part in various skirmishes, scouting expeditions and marches, and bore his part in the usual camp duties. The regiment to which he belonged had charge of the pontoons at Montgomery, Ala., for some time prior to the cessation of hostilities, and Mr. Martin was ill there and lay in the regimental hospital a few days. He was mustered out at Vicksburg and discharged at Camp Butler in August, 1865.
After the war Mr. Martin was unable to do much for some tie, but gradually regained his former strength. He farmed on shares until the fall of 1866, when he made his first purchase of land. He has added from time to time as circumstances allowed until his estate has reached the fine figure before noted and he stands upon a solid financial basis. This is the more creditable as he had but $10 when he arrived in Springfield, and all that he now possesses has been won by hard labor, wise economy and a prudent use of his opportunities. In connection with general farming he raises cattle and swine in considerable numbers.
The wife of our subject bore the maiden name of Caroline McCune. She was born November 19, 1844, in this State, and is the daughter of John M. and Jane (Baker) McCune, old settlers of Sangamon County and natives of Kentucky. They are now residents of Rochester. The marriage rites between our subject and his estimable wife were solemnized at her home in Cooper Township August 28, 1867. The congenial union has been blessed by the birth of five children, but the parents mourn the death of their first born, John W. The living members of their family circle are - Charles E., James A., Eva J., and Robert E. Mr. Martin always votes the straight Republican ticket. He is a respected member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. A peaceable and law-abiding citizen, an energetic farmer, and a man who is kindly and considerate in his domestic and social relations. Mr. Martin has made many friends in his adopted country.
Elsewhere in this volume the reader will find a view of the pleasant homestead of Mr. Martin.
[Note: Although the first paragraph of this bio indicates that a photo of Mr. Martin was included in the book, it was apparently omitted. No photo of him is listed in the index and the only illustration with his name is the view of his farm which has been included here.]