Anton C. Martin, 1867

stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org on Tue, 13 Feb 2001

Surnames: MARTIN, VAUGHN, SANDERSON, O'HARE

----Source: 1918 History of Clark Co., WI, by Franklyn, Curtiss-Wedge

ANTON C. MARTIN, veteran of the Spanish-American war, and of the Mexican border mobilization, now major, Headquarters 107th Ammunition Train, with the American Expeditionary.  Force in France, was born in Norway, March. 17, 1867, only child of Christopher and Dorethea Martin. The father, a miner, died in 1868, and in 1873, the mother brought Anton C. to the United States, settling first at La Crosse, this state, and moving shortly afterward to Stevens Point, where two years later the mother married Vaughn, a railroad contractor. With her husband and son she moved to Auburndale, Wood County, where the latter passed some years boyhood, and attended school.

At the age of 16 he left home and returned to Stevens Point, where he found work in the mines, thus beginning his long connection with the lumber business. In 1904 he became manager of the retail lumber yard of the R. Connor Company, at Granton, and was thus engaged for nine months. He then moved to Neillsville to take over the management of the B. Connor lumber yard in this city, which was sold to the Farmers Co-operative Elevator Company in June, 1915, Mr. Martin continuing as manager.

Major Martin first became interested in military matters Sept. 25, 1889 when he joined the National Guard, located to, Marshfield. He was soon promoted to the rank of sergeant, then to second lieutenant and later to captain. In 1897 he left the service, but re-enlisted in April, 1898, on the breaking out of the Spanish-American war and went out as first sergeant of Company A, Second Wisconsin Volunteers, serving through the campaign in Porto Rico. On the subsequent reorganization of the regiment in the National Guard, he took command at Marshfield as captain of the company, but resigned that position on moving to Neillsville. In 1905 he became second lieutenant of Company A, Third Infantry, W. N. G., and in February, 1907, was promoted to the rank of captain, which he held until promoted to his present position. He served with his regiment during the Mexican mobilization, and went into service with the entrance of the United States into the World War in the summer of 1917.

Major Martin is affiliated fraternally with the Canton and Encampment of the Odd Fellows, as well as with the Beavers. He was married May 25, 1891, to Kate O'Hare, who was born in Kilbourn City, Wis., daughter of Patrick and Mary (Sanderson) O'Hare. Major and Mrs. Martin have one daughter, Dorethea, who graduated from the University of Wisconsin with the class of 1917, and is now a teacher. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Royal Neighbors and Lady Maccabees. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian Church.