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


WILLIAM JACOB MARTIN. The present clerk of Stanislaus county, elected to the office 
November 4, 1902, is a man of many sterling qualities which have won for him the material 
appreciation of those with whom he has come in business or social contact. A native son of 
the state, William Jacob Martin was born near Waterford, Stanislaus county, March 23, 1868. 
His father, William Harvey Martin, a native of Michigan, crossed the plains with ox-teams in 
1850, upon his arrival in California engaging first in freighting to the Mariposa mines, after 
which he located on Dry creek, this county, and for many years conducted an inn or hotel, which 
was well known in the early days. Later in life he engaged in stock-raising and continued 
so occupied until his death June 1, 1874, on the ranch, when in his sixty-third year. His wife, 
formerly Adeline Gardenhire, a native of  Arkansas, "died October 14, 1897, also aged sixty- 
two years. 

Of the seven children born to his parents, five sons and two daughters, three attained ma- 
turity, of whom William Jacob Martin was the oldest son and the second child. He was reared 
to the practical duties incident to the life of a farmer, during his boyhood years acquiring a 
common-school education in the school in the vicinity of their home. He was but six years 
old at the time of his father's death, and upon attaining manhood he engaged with his brother 
in farming pursuits upon the old homestead. This work remained his principal employment 
until his election to the office of county clerk, the duties of which office he is discharging to 
the satisfaction of all concerned. 

In Stockton Mr. Martin was married to Laura Jane Welch, a native of Stanislaus county, and 
they are the parents of two children, William Erwin and Lilah Bernice. In his political con- 
victions Mr. Martin is a Democrat, and has always been interested in the promotion of the 
principles which he indorses, having served at various times on the county central committee. 
Fraternally he is a member of Oakdale Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is also identified with the 
Woodmen of the World.