Bennington

MARTIN, James Loren & Joseph Gray

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 257-259

Biography of James Loren MARTIN - pp 258-259 (brother of Joseph G.)

James Loren MARTIN, of Brattleboro [Windham County, Vermont], was born 18 
September 1846 at Landgrove [Bennington County, Vermont], son of James and 
Lucy (GRAY) MARTIN. Received his early education in the district schools, 
and at Londonderry [Windham County], and Marlow (New Hampshire) academies. 
In 1867 he became a student of Judge H. H. WHEELER, and pursued his legal 
studies as time and opportunity permitted. The following year he went to law 
school in Albany [Albany County], New York, from which he graduated, and was 
admitted to the Bennington County bar at the June term in 1869. He practiced 
law in Londonderry from that time until January 1882, when he bought out the 
law business of the late Charles N. DAVENPORT, and moved to Brattleboro 
[Windham County, Vermont]. In 1888 he formed a copartnership with Hon. E. L. 
WATERMAN, and later George B. HITT became a member of the firm. He commands 
a leading position as a lawyer.

In 1886 elected president of the Brattleboro Tool Company; two years later 
appointed tax commissioner by Governor DILLINGHAM, which office he still 
holds. In the fall of 1891 formed a partnership with L. E. HOLDEN, for the 
manufacture of lumber; firm now conducting a large business. Is president of 
Martin & Fitts Lime and Cement Manufacturing Company. His political career 
began with election to Legislature as representative of Londonderry 1874; 
served on committee on education; had charge of bill abolishing board of 
education and appointing state superintendent. Two years returned to 
Legislature; chairman of committee on elections and member judiciary 
committee; 1878 elected third time; chosen speaker of House; elected to House 
1880 and 1882; both times speaker. Thorough knowledge of parliamentary law, 
and aptitude for prompt dispatch of business won him reputation as model 
speaker. In 1892 represented Brattleboro; declined candidacy for speaker; 
was chairman judiciary committee, second on ways and means committee; won 
reputation of a painstaking, hard-working, very useful House member.

On 19 November 1869 he [James Loren MARTIN] was first married, to Delia E., 
daughter of Lewis and Mary (AIKEN) HOWARD. She died 14 December 1881. Three 
children were born to them, none of whom survive. On 10 January 1883 he 
married Jessie Lilley, daughter of Capt. Edward and Susan (LILLEY) DEWEY, of 
Montpelier [Washington County, Vermont]. They have three children: Margaret 
Susan, Helen Ruth, and Katharine Gray.

Biography of Joseph Gray MARTIN - pp 257-258; portrait p 258 (brother of 
James L.)

Joseph Gray MARTIN, of Manchester [Bennington County, Vermont], was born 08 
October 1850 in Landgrove [Bennington County, Vermont], son of James and Lucy 
(GRAY) MARTIN. Educated in the schools of Landgrove, and Londonderry 
[Windham County], and for a time enjoyed private instruction in the latter 
place and at Peru [Bennington County]. After a visit to the South he 
returned to his native place on account of ill health, and in 1869 studied 
law with his brother J. L. [James Loren] MARTIN in South Londonderry. Here 
he remained until 1874 when he was for a short time with Jonathan G. EDDY of 
Jamaica [Windham County]. He was admitted to the bar at the April term of 
Windham County court in the same year, and soon after opened an office in 
Londonderry, where he remained until 1881, when he removed to Manchester 
Center. Has been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court and both the 
district and circuit courts of the United States.

By meritorious exertion he has arrived at a large general practice, has been 
retained as attorney for two national banks and employed as counsel for 
either the state or the respondent in several important criminal cases. In 
1886 he [Joseph Gray MARTIN] formed a copartnership with Frank ARCHIBALD, 
state's attorney, which arrangement still continues. In 1894 he organized 
the Vermont Spring Company, of which he is president. This corporation owns 
a large tract on Putney mountain containing chalybeate and sulphur mineral 
springs. He belongs to the dominant party of the state [Republican], but has 
held only a few minor offices. Episcopalian in religious belief. Has taken 
the Masonic degrees conferred in Anchor Lodge No. 99, Free & Accepted Masons, 
of South Londonderry. On 14 January 1873 Mr. [Joseph Gray] MARTIN married 
Mary E., daughter of Joshua and Lydia A. (WALKER) BARNARD, of Winhall 
[Bennington County, Vermont], who died 09 March 1886, leaving four children: 
Lucy E., Willard B., Lucius P., and James G. (deceased).

Submitted by Cathy Kubly