FRED H. MARTIN

         Fred H. Martin, a prominent and enterprising young farmer who is meeting with creditable success in his agricultural labors, represents one of the pioneer families of Fremont county, his parents having come to this section of the state at a very early period in its development.  He was born in Sidney township, Fremont county, in the year 1872, a son of A. S. and Harriet (Phipps) Martin.  The father is a native of Ohio, born in Athens county, on the 2d of November, 1833.  He was only four years of age when, in 1837, he was taken to Illinois, the family locating in Coles county.  In 1853, near Camargo, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Phipps, a native of Putnam county, Indiana, whence her father removed with his family to Camargo.  In 1860 A. S. Martin and his wife came to Fremont county, casting in their lot with the early settlers who were engaged in opening up this region to civilization.  They reared a family of thirteen children and are now residing in Colorado.  [Actually, Harriet had died in 1894, but Archelaus Martin was residing in Colorado at the time of the 1900 census.]

         On the old family homestead Mr. Martin of this review spent the days of his childhood and youth.  As soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields and his labors proved an important factor in the cultivation and development of the land.

         The public schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges and he remained with his parents until his marriage, which was celebrated in 1893 [1894, according to official records], Miss Eva Lena Young becoming his wife.  She is a daughter of Robert S. and Emma (Robbins) Young, the latter now deceased.  Her father was a soldier in the Civil war, participating in many engagements, and passing through many thrilling experiences.  On three different occasions he was taken prisoner, and at one time he aided a fellow prisoner to escape by giving him his three days' rations, and thus he was forced to go without food for that length of time.  Two of his brothers, James and John Young, together with a cousin, Colonel Palmer, were also in the army.  The latter was a gallant officer and is now a railroad commissioner.  The home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin is brightened and blessed by the presence of two little sons, Lyle and Lyman.

         Mr. Martin owns and operates a farm of eighty acres.  His land is under a high state of cultivation and the place is improved with all modern accessories and conveniences, including the best machinery, good fences, substantial buildings and high grades of stock.  Careful consideration of the political issues before the country has led Mr. Martin to give his support to the men and measures of the Democracy, for he believes the principles of that party contain the best elements of good government.  He and his wife enjoy the esteem and good will of the entire community and well deserve mention in this volume.