 |
- DR. C. LOFTUS MARTIN, veterinary surgeon; born in
- Nottinghamshire, England, May, 1804, and son of John MARTIN,
a farmer by occupation, and, what was a very unusual thing in
his country, owned the land which he cultivated; Charles passed
his youth upon this farm, walking four miles to the village school;
at that time, the only schooling to be obtained was at colleges;
Dr. MARTIN, not being the eldest son, had no claim to the landed
estate, and at the age of 18, started for London, where for three
years, he was a student of St. George's Hospital, thence to the
Veterinary College, London, from which he graduated, then went
into business and two years after married the daughter of his
partner, and lived in one house nineteen years, till 1847, when
he emigrated to America; after spending
|
- one year in traveling through different parts of the United
States he settled in Beloit, in 1848; here he purchased a fine
farm, and lived upon it six years, when, upon the death of his
wife, he sold his property and removed to Janesville, his present
home; in 1857, he established himself as a veterinary surgeon;
he rapidly grew into an extensive practice, and has obtained
a good reputation as a thoroughly qualified surgeon; Dr. MARTIN
has been identified with the Republican party from its beginning
in the State, and is a hearty supporter of its principles but
not such an enthusiast as to at all times and at all places indorse
its acts; he has been honored with places of trust; was appointed,
by Governor Randall, Colonel of Militia; assisted in the organization
of the Rock County Agricultural Society, of which he was President;
has also been connected with the State Agricultural Society as
an active officer from its beginning, being at this time its
Vice President; he has long been prominently connected with the
Masonic fraternity of Wisconsin, bringing with him high testimonials
from the Grand Lodge of England, and has implicit faith in the
teachings of the Order; has belonged to the Masons from their
beginning in Wisconsin; in 1853, was elected Grand Master of
Royal and Select Masters of the State of Wisconsin, and was three
times re-elected; he is at present a permanent member of the
Grand Lodge; was elected Grand Senior Warden in 1873, also Grand
Scribe in Grand Chapter; was many years High Priest of Janesville
Chapter, and also Master of Janesville Lodge; has been Eminent
Commander of Janesville Commandery and is now an officer of the
Commandery; he is an Episcopalian, and has been for many years
one of the vestrymen of Christ Church; he is warmly attached
to its principles, and labors for its interests. Mr. M. married
Miss Ann CRONK, the daughter of his former partner; Mrs. MARTIN
died at Beloit in 1855, leaving no children; the Doctor, however
adopted a niece, Miss Ann CRONK, daughter of his wife's brother,
who repays his care of her with filial affection; she is now
Mrs. James HEMMING, and resides with her adopted father in Janesville;
Dr. M. was the first President of St. George's Society.
|
-
- Taken from "The History of Rock County, Wis."
(c)1879, pp. 714-715; lithograph p. 595.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|
