The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1903-08-25
A GOOD
CITIZEN
is GONE
Martin L. Chamberlin Ex-
pireS this Morning

pireS this Morning
Hon. Martin l.. Chamberlain, one
OF the best-known and most highly
residents OF Salem, died at
the family home. corner Liberty and
Division streets, at 5:45 o'clock this
morning, after a lingering illness,
aged 81 years, 3 months and day0.
Deceased was a native OF Dryden,
La Peer county, Michigan, where he
was born Msy II, 1886. He was the
son OF Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Chamber
lain, and the oldest OF a family of
several children. His father came to
Oregon In 1855 as a missionary to the
Indians, and during the missionary's
first few years stay I'm this state, his
young son Martin was the mainstay
OF the family In Michigan, who were
temporarily deprived of a fathers
care.
In 1857 the father sent for his faml-
ly, and on arrival here they located
on the Indian reservation at Fort
Yamhill, where Rev. Chamberlain's
work required his presence, and here
the subject of this sketch first became
familiar with pioneer life. Here he
made many friends, among them be-
ing the commondnnt of the fort, later
known to fame as General Phil. Sher-
idan, the greatest cavalry leader OF
the Union army during the Civil war.
who was a friend of the family OF the
earnest missionary TO the Indians OF
that part OF the Willamette valley.
In 1862 the family removed to Ma
rion county, and five years later Mr..
Chamberlain located In Salem, since
which time his life has been closely
bound up In the growth and prosperity
OF this city. and is q part OF Salem's
history.
He filled many minor offices Of hon
or and trust, and his sterling honesty
OF purpose. his high integrity and
clear Judgment soon made him lead
er of men and, being ready TO sacri'
fice his own interests for the we'll
being OF tho community, he was often
placed in the forefront to do battle
for the rights of the people, and these
contests generally were crowned with
victory for the deceased. In 1880 he
was elected county clerk and two
years later was reelected by a trust
ing and grateful constituency, and dur
ing his incumbency of the office his
records became models OF neatness
and simplicity. He was given rest
for two years after retiring from the
clerks Office, when he was again
called upon TO serve his constituents
In the capacity OF legislator, being
chosen as state senator for the term
offour years, beginning July 1, 1886,
and well did he perform the duties of
this position, with honor to himself
and profit to his constituents. Dur
ing this time he had engaged In the
real estate business and conducted an
abstract Office with Hon. G. b. Moores,
the business now conducted by A. H.
Schafer.
In the campaign Of 1898 Mr., Cham.
berlain was the frs. staunch supporter
of T. T. Geer for governor, and when
that administration came In during
the early part Of 1898, he was appoint
ed chief clerk of the state land otfice,
which position he held until compell-
ed by illness, on April last, TO lay
down the work his principal subor-
dinate clerk, Geo G.. Brown, being
appointed by the board to succeed
him until such time as Mr.. Chamber
lain should again be able to take up
the work. But this was not to be.
for he steadily failed. being afflicted
by a complication of diseases. to the
ravages of which he finally suceumb'
ed at an early hour this morning.
In 1885 Mr.. Chamberlain married
Miss Rose Weller Of this city, and
the union was a most happy one. The
fruits of this union were two sons,
both sturdy young lads now almost
grown 10 manhood. and with their
mother. three sisters and numerous
friends throughout the state. are left
to mourn his untimely demise.
Deceased was a prominent member
Of the Odd Fellows being a past
grand OF Chemeketa Lodge. No. /,
and a past chief patriarch OF William
ette Encampment, No. 2, and In both
OF these he stood high. having re
peatedly represented the two bodies
in the state grand bodies, where also
he was in high standing.
Deceased was cheerful up 70 the
end. and though by reason OF his Sc
riOus illness he was able TO talk but
little. he was always glad TO sec his
intimate friends. and enjoyed their
visits very much. He failed rapidly
during the past day OF two. and early
this morning his condition became
alarming and the nurse hastily noti-
fed the family that the end was ap-
preaching, but before all the members
could reach his bedside his spirit had
down, and Martin Luther Chamber
lain was at rest