The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-03

half century and was for many years
foremost in public affairs of the state.
He was 79 years old. A general phys
ical breakdown is believed to have
caused his death.
For several weeks Senator Martin S
condition had been regarded as critical
and in the last two weeks but little
hope had been entertained for his ul-
innate reco. ~. He became sick June
2S and after the first attack was never
able to leave his bed. For several
days, it is stated Senator Martin had
not been conscious and gradually
grew weaker. His entire family was
at the bedside this morning when
death came
For so years John Martins life was
a part of the daily history of Kansas
and in those years he held many Of
fees of honor and trust in the state
And yet during those years, Senator
Martins political affiliations were al
ways with the Democrats and the
Democrats were always the minority
party in Kansas. Yet that fact did not
prevent his receiving the highest honor
in the gift of the people of Kansas
election to the United States senate.
First County Attorney.
Senator Martin was "a years old
when he came to Kansas and began
to take an active hand in territorial
affairs. He was born November Il,
1888, in Wilson county, Tennessee, and
lived with his parents until he was at
tracted to the new state and scene OF
border struggle. In territorial Kansas,
John Martin decided to study law. No
sooner was the Tennesseean admitted
to the bar, than Shawnee county peo-
pie urged his candidacy for county at
torney And from his home in Te-
cumseh, John Martin came to Topeka
to become the first public prosecutor
of Shawnee county.
But that was not John Martins first
achievement in Kansas. In 1S57-the
wear that he came to kanSaS-he was
elected county clerk and register of
deeds and held that consolidated Of
flee for two years. In further recog-
milton of the ability which the young
man displayed, he was elected assist
ant clerk of the first territorial legIs-
lature at Lecompton. Shortly after
the session adjourned, Martin was ad
mitted to the bar.
Brought Asylum to Topeka.
After serving his term as the first
county attorney of Shawnee county,
Martin opened a law office in Topeka
in 1861. In 1878, he was elected on
the Democratic ticket as a member of
year, he was again elected. During
those two sessions John Martin was
most faithful in his representation of
Shawnee county. And it was due to
the efforts of this young lawyer that
Topeka won the state hospital, which
has since become one of the most inn
portant charitable institutions in the
state.
In 1883, there was vacancy in the
district judgeShip in the Third dis
trict and John Martin was appointed
to the office. After his term on the
bench, Martin went back to the pri-
vate practice of law, although he al
ways took an active hand in local and
state politics
Three Gubernatorial Nominations.
Three times during his residence in
Kansas, John Martin was the Demo-
cratic EubernatOrial nominee. But
Martin was compelled to face tre-
mendous Republican majorities and
never became the states chief execu-
tive, although his personal popularity
in Kansas resulted in his greatly re-
ducing the Republican ma ajority.
In the Democratic state convention
of 1892, Martin was an important
character. 1t was through his efforts