Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1909-11-12
Biographical Sketch Of Cart l. ?. Martin.

The following biographical sketch of
the late Capt. A. P. Martin of Water
proof appeared in last weeks Enterprise
as part of beautiful tribute to the MEM
ory of a good and just man:
Captain Augustus Percival Martin was
born in Great Clocton, Lancashire, Eng
land, August 10, 1888, being in the nth
year of his age at the time of his death.
In his youth he served for several years
as sailor and ship-carpenter, finally set
Ting in the United States. Prior to the
civil war, he came to Louisiana, engaging
in the steamboat business on Red River.
At the outbreak of the war he enlisted
in the Confederate army from Baton
Rouge, his command being attached to
the corpse of Gen. Braxton Bragg, oper-
ating in Tennessee, Virginia and Missis-
sippi. For meretorious services he was
soon promoted to the rank of lieutenant
and afterwards commanded q company
of sharpshooters, holding the rank of
major. He made splendid record as
soldier, serving the Lost Cause gal
lantly and faithfully.
On January 8, 1855, he was united in
marriage, in New Orleans, to Mrs. Louisa
B. Turner, of Waterproof, who survives
him. No children were born to this
union. After his marriage Captain Mar
tin made his home here, conducting
livery and hauling business, which still
continues. In the early seventies he en-
gagged in levee contracting, in which he
met with much success, retiring in 1893.
AS buildee of levees he gained a wide
reputation, being known for years as the
'Levee King" His field of operations
extended far up and down both sides of
the Mississippi river, and many of the
largest and strongest levees in Louisiana
stand to-day as monuments to the excel
lence of his work. After his retirement
from this field, he took up his permanent
residence in Waterproof, where he con-
Quoted receiving and forwarding bust
ness, having charge of the Waterproof
river landing, in addition to managing
his livery stable and other enterprises.
Success crowned his efforts and he accu-
mulated considerable property.
Captain Martin was one of the towns
most substantial citizens, having served
as member of the city council for the
past three terms. He was also a member
of Tensas Lodge, No. "a, Knights of
Pythias, and of the Waterproof Club. |
He was staunch and loyal Democrat,
and was leader in the movement which |
overthrow Republican rule in the dark |
days of reconstruction. A constant read |
er, he was well informed upon all topics |
of the day, and was most pleasant and
companion, one whose COM
pany was welcomed to every gathering.
Captain Martin was big hearted, kind |
ly man, and his death removes one who |
will be sincerely missed by every class |
of citizenship, white and colored alike. |
His acquaintance extended far and wide,
and especially by the commercial travel |
ers, with whom he was extremely popu- |
lar, will his death be sorely regretted. |
In Natchez, Vicksburg and other river
towns he was well known, and the prese
Of these cities have paid tribute to his
memory.
He leaves widow, q sister, Mrs. |
Brice, of Brooklyn, N. Y, and other
relatives, besides countless friends, to
mourn his loss.