Pgs 784-85

F.J. MARTIN, who is engaged in the livery and insurance business in Shawano, was born in West Winfield, N. Y., June 29, 1857, and is a son of James and Catherine (Kenna) Martin. Both parents were natives of Ireland, and when a child the father came to the United States with his parents, who were poor people. In consequence he was early forced to earn his own living, and learned and followed the trade of cheese  making in  New  York  for some years.
     
At an early day Mr. Martin came to Wisconsin with his brothers, but afterward returned to the Empire State. He married Miss Kenna, a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland, and in 1866 he brought his family to this State, locating in Rockland township, Brown county, where his brothers had located in the earliest days of its settlement. He operated a rented farm for two years, and then purchased a partially-improved tract of land, becoming owner of 120 acres, which he at once began to cultivate, making it a valuable and fertile tract, and securing a good home. On the 17th of July, 1892, while at work in a hay field he was accidentally thrown from his load of hay, and was trampled by his horses. The accident occurred at four o'clock in the afternoon, and he died the next morning. Twice before in his life he had met with accidents while handling hay, and had been temporarily disabled. His remains were laid to rest in De Pere Cemetery, and many friends mourned his loss. He had been an energetic, enterprising man, and had accumulated a comfortable competence. He was a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics usually supported the Democracy, but was not bound by party ties. Since her husband's death, Mrs. Martin has resided in Shawano, where she is yet living, at the age of sixty-eight. The surviving children of the family are: James, a skilled mechanic of Minneapolis, who acquired a college education, and formerly engaged in school teaching; F. J., of this sketch; Justin, of Green Bay, Wis,; and Catherine, who, for five years, has been engaged in teaching in the high school of Shawano.
     
Our subject attended the common schools of West Winfield, Herkimer Co., N.Y., and when about nine years of age accompanied his parents on their emigration westward. He was reared on the farm, and attended the district schools of his home and also the De Pere high school. At the age of eighteen he left the parental roof to make his own way in the world, and for ten winters thereafter engaged in teaching school in Brown, Shawano, Oconto and Marinette counties; during the summer being engaged in the nursery business. He first entered mercantile life in Marquette, Mich., where for two years he engaged in the implement business. On the 10th of January, 1887, he bought a livery stable in Shawano, which he still conducts, receiving a liberal support from the public. In 1890 he went into the insurance business, and now represents many of the most important companies in this and other countries. He also loans, money and, deals in real estate.
     
On the 28th of September, 1886, in Shawano, Mr. Martin married Miss Cora  M. Porter, a native of Oshkosh, Wis., and a daughter of ex-Sheriff A. K. Porter. They have two interesting children: Leo A., born November 3, 1888, and Leslie  K.,  born December 25, 1894.
     
In politics, Mr. Martin has always been a stanch Republican, and is recognized as one of the leaders of his party in his locality. For two years he served as assessor of Shawano; for two years was alderman, and for one year was president of the city council, and was a member of the county board of supervisors the same length of time. His wife, a most estimable lady, holds membership with the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Martin is a self-made man and the success that he has already achieved argues well for his future prosperity. He is conservative and careful in his business dealings, at the same time is progressive and enterprising, and has the reputation for honorable transactions that might well be envied. Alone and unaided he has worked his way steadily upward, and well deserves the high regard in which he is held and the prosperity that crowns his undertakings.