Birth Date: 18 May 1806

Birth Place: Somerset County NJ

Death Date: 1892

Death Place: Ypsilanti MI

Occupation: Mason/farmer

Father: William B. Martin

Mother: Katie McKeel

Marriage Date: 1830

Marriage Place: Greece, N.Y. or Seneca County

Notes:

a note from Grace Witty says they were married in Romulus, N.Y.

Lived in Greece for a while

was one of the appraisers of Stephen's property Nov 29, 1852

"Byard Martin. the gentleman whose name figures above may be counted among the old residents of this county, having lived here since 1853, although his residence in the city extends only over the past eight years. Mr. Martin was born in Mascataway township, Somerset county, N.J. May 18, 1806, and is a son of William B. and Katie (McKeel) Martin, the former being a mechanic by trade. Our subject lived in his native state until twenty-five years of age when he removed to New York and located in Varick township, Seneca county, where he worked at his trade, which is that of a mason, until he was enabled to buy a farm in Greece Township, Monroe County, N.Y., which was ten miles north west of Rochester.

The original of our sketch was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Lowden of Varick township, September 9, 1830. this lady is the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Leonard) Lowden, and was born April 10, 1811. she spent her youth in her native place until marriage. the first child born to our subject and his wife came to them while they were living in Seneca county; they named him Jacob H. Their second son, James O., now lives in the State of Washington: William resides in St. Paul, Minn.

On leaving Greece, Monroe County, N.Y., Mr. Martin bought a farm comprising one hundred and thirty-seven acres about tow miles south of the city on what is known as Paint Creek. the farm was well improved, but had been neglected and sadly run down. this he improved and there made a fine home. they lived on the old home for thirty years almost to a day and during that time added valuable improvements to the place. They erected fine barns, planted new orchards and vineyards. finally making up his mind to sell the old place, Mr. Martin moved to Ypsilanti and bought a fine home on South Huron Street. He is owner of other property in the city.

The original of our sketch has retired from active business pursuits, but takes great delight in attending to his garden., which produces luscious vegetables and small fruits. In national affairs he is a Democrat, but in local politics he usually gives his vote to the man whom he thinks best fitted for the position in question. Our subject's eldest son, Jacob H., has a home and family of his own - a charming wife and four bright children, three daughters and one son. Of the daughters Nellie is now the wife of Asa Smith of Bay city; Mamie married A. DeClements of Detroit and Jessie resides in New York State. The son is called Jacob H. Jr.. Our subject's second son, James, is a railroad man. William B. has been bereft of his wife who left him two sons - Walter T., a resident of Riverdale, CA and Wm B. Jr. who lives in Wisconsin. Mabel, the daughter, is in Ypsilanti. Mr. Martin is one of the old settlers in this portion of the county.