California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


JOSEPH G. MARTIN. Familiarity with the lumber business in all of its details and through 
a long period of years qualifies J. G. Martin successfully to discharge his duties as secretary and 
manager of the Fresno Lumber Company, which has its yards on I and Ventura streets, Fresno, 
occupying about a block of ground for the storage of lumber. Mr. Martin has been a resi- 
dent of California since 1889, but is of eastern birth, a native of Waterbury, Vt. His father, 
Philip, who was born in Ireland, crossed the ocean to Ontario and from there removed to a 
farm in Vermont. The latter part of his life was spent in that state, and there also occurred 
the death of his wife, Mary (Tusau) Martin, who was born in Canada, of French descent. Of 
their six sons and six daughters, three sons and four daughters are now living. Three of the 
oldest sons were soldiers of the Federal army during the Civil war, namely : William H., now 
of Hanford, Cal. ; Dennis, who died in Vermont ; and Philip, who came to California and died at 
Stockton. All were members of a Vermont regiment. 

At Waterbury, Vt., where he was born February 17, 1854, J. G. Martin grew to manhood 
and received a fair education. On starting out for himself he took up farm pursuits, being thus 
engaged in Vermont for a few years. In 1879 he settled on a farm in Monona county, Iowa, 
but after two years abandoned agriculture and moved to Mapleton, that county, where he en- 
gaged in the sale of hardware, agricultural implements and lumber. When he came to Cali- 
fornia in 1889 he first settled in Hanford, which then boasted of only a few shanties, giving no 
indication of the prosperity it has since enjoyed. Securing employment as foreman of a lumber- 
yard, he soon proved his thorough knowledge of the business, and was then made manager of the 
company's yard at Lemoore. He assisted in the incorporation of the Central Lumber Company, 
of which he was chosen vice-president and a director, at the same time being appointed man- 
ager of the company's yard at Visalia. In the latter town he remained until 1902, when he dis- 
posed of his stock in the company and resigned his office. The following year he removed to 
Fresno, purchased an interest in the Fresno Lumber Company's business and assumed the man- 
agement. Since locating in Fresno he has identified himself with the Chamber of Commerce 
and Builders' Exchange. 

Politically Mr. Martin is a Republican, and during his residence in Visalia was elected on 
that ticket to the city council. While living in Hanford he met and married Grace Turner, who 
was born in Illinois, but has spent her life principally in California. In religion she is asso- 
ciated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which Mr. Martin is a contributor. Both are 
connected with the Order of the Eastern Star, and at Visalia Mr. Martin was honored with the 
office of worthy patron of Martha Washington chapter, and prior to this of Lucerne Chapter at 
Hanford. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World and the Masons. His 
connection with the latter fraternity began in Mapleton, Iowa, where he was master of Quary 
Lodge. After coming to California he placed his membership in Hanford Lodge No. 279, F. 
& A. M., and in the latter city he was raised to the Royal Arch degree in Hanford Chapter No. 
74. At Visalia he was knighted in Visalia Commandery No. 26, K. T., in which he is past 
eminent commander. He is further connected with Perfection Lodge No. 9 at Visalia, the 
Council and Consistory at Oakland and Islam Temple, N. M. S., of San Francisco. Through 
his activity in Masonry he has been brought into contact with many of the leaders of that fra- 
ternity in California, among whom he has a number of warm friends. A believer in the lofty 
principles of philanthropy for which the order stands, he has never allowed his interest in its 
work to languish, but has contributed thereto generously of his time, means and influence, and 
has given his sympathy and co-operation to all of its charities.