Eugene Martin, for many years one of the best known and most
highly esteemed citizens of Carlinville, Macoupin County, died at his home
in this city on March 6, 1902, his death being mourned sincerely as a loss
to the community. He was born near Leon, France, February 14, 1834, and was
a son of Epolite and Julia Martin. His father was a mill owner in that
country and a prosperous man, although his death occurred at a very early
age.
Eugene Martin was but seven years of age when his father died.
He obtained his intellectual training in the schools of Paris, then learned
the trade of a miller which he followed in his native country until 1854. In
that year he came to the United States, being the only member of his family
to locate in this country. He landed in New Orleans, then came up the river
by boat to St. Louis, Missouri. On account of ill health he returned to
France, but again came to this country during the Civil War. As transports
were not allowed up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, Mr. Martin was
compelled to remain in New Orleans. He obtained employment as an engineer
and continued at that work until the war was at an end, then immediately
came up the river to St. Louis. There he met and married Amelia Forney, and
they continued to reside in that city for two and a half years, Mr. Martin
during this time following engineering. They later moved to Trenton,
Illinois, where they lived little more than a year, and in 1868 came to
Carlinville, where he thereafter lived until his death. For a period of 20
years he was engaged as engineer for the Weir Milling Company, the plant
being later acquired by the firm of Yeager & Cupless. It was while in the
employ of the last-named firm he met with an accident, which was ultimately
the cause of his death. He was a man much respected by all who knew him, and
was highly skilled in his line of business, always having the confidence and
good will of those who employed him and were associated with him. Although a
Republican in politics, he was broad and liberal minded, and in local
politics was free to vote for the man best qualified for the particular
office, irrespective of politics.
Mr. Martin was a prominent member
of Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M., and his last wishes were that he
be buried under the auspices of that order. His relict who now resides in
her pleasant home on West Main street is a woman of many virtues and is well
loved by her many friends in Carlinville. She is a devout member of St.
Mary's Catholic Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin was born one son, Oscar E.
S., who died while his parents were living at Trenton, Illinois. They
adopted a son, George Lenhart, who now bears the name of Martin. He married
Minnie Clark, a native of Macoupin County. He is a traveling salesman and is
also manager of the Carlinville Opera House, and is a young man who has many
friends in this section of the State.
Extracted 2018 May 04 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 61-62.
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