El Dorado County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm



 
MICHAEL MARTIN
 
            Of Grizzly Flat, was born in Detroit, Michigan, on the 12th day of 
June, 1840.  He is the oldest son and third child of George and Mary Ann Martin, 
who were natives of France.  When only 10 years old he met a returned 
Californian, who showed him some gold, which decided him to leave his home and 
attempt that then hazardous journey of crossing the plains.  After reaching the 
Missouri river he fell in with a good train that brought him through safely to 
Diamond Springs.  He followed the mines at different places until 1858, when he 
located on his present home and began farming and teaming.  This he has followed 
since, with the exception of two trips East, in 1857 and 1863.  He has made 
Grizzly Flat his constant home, where he has 260 acres of land, on which he 
raises hay and fruit, and keeps cows from which he sells the milk.  He is also 
engaged in furnishing wood and timber to the Mount Pleasant mine.  He was 
married January 1, 1877, to Lucy McAffee.  They have three children, George A., 
Lucy and Nellie.  Mr. Martin�s first attempt at Diamond Springs was a success; 
when he left there for the Rabbit creek mines in Sierra county, he could not 
shoulder his gold, but when he again returned to El Dorado, he could carry it 
easily.  His brother, Henry A. Martin, is also a resident of Grizzly Flat, where 
he has 160 acres of land adjoining his brother.
 
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & 
Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo 
Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 255
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler