The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-03-28

Of the federal buisdine. was there at
that time md an election WuD being
held IN It. On the opposite side OF
Kansas avenue between Ft&th ana
Sixth streets. there was . deep gully
with Email three foot bridge oeF0os
II.
The year following his frvt visit
to Topeka, Martin went to PhtlAdel-
phia. where he worked in q book Of
nee until 1851 and completed = dve
October night precsdins Martins de-
parture for the east, the news OF John
Browns capture OF HArpers Ferry
had been received In L0oOApoon ana
there was intense excitoln0at among
the pro-slavery men ~ Martin LETT
the territorial capital.
Largest Reesuual Acquaintance.
With perhaps four exceptions
Geary, Reedef, John Brown ana d. r.
Atchison-Nartin had more personal
acquaintance with men or conse-
quence In the making OF the state
history. He saw every session OF the
legislature except the one In 1S6! ana
torial legislature In 7e5e-59 and the
special session In 1851.
The Junction City Union was found
ed by Martin in 1851 almost tmme-
diately following his return from
Pennsylvania His new Publication
was the most westerly In the state
until 1857 when B. ]. r. Hanna ee4ab-
lished the SalinA Herald. For five
years the Union was the only paper
published between junction City and
Denver and under Martins guidance
the paper was q power In the new
state. Martins pen was always active
and he was a born fighter.
A. Avyr ~ tsW R~
tin was the use Of Junction City stone
IN the building OF the state. house:
Stone from q quarry near Vinewood
park, Topeka, was used in the founoa-
ton and 1t crumbled to dirt. That ex-
pertinent cost the new state ~, go ana
afforded material for columns OF DIS
terinE editorials In Martins paper. An
other notable Martin newspaper fight
was the papers criticism and condem-
nation of the State Agricultural col
lege' IN seeking to ignore the purpose
of the act OF congress creating 1t ana
sity at Lawrence.
Held Office In 1885.
In 1855 Martin held his first Office.
He was "a years old when appointed
register OF the Junction City land Of
fice.s He served until November. 1855,
and his was the first removal made
by Andrew johnson. And An 1863. Mar
tin was the first man TO be reinstated
by President Grant. In ASH, Martin
was the victim of q, senatorial row
when the land Office was moved to Sa-
lima and Martins Job expired with the
removal.
During the interim In the land Office.
Martin served as assessor OF Internal
revenue for the district between Man
haitian and the west line Of the state
Politically, Martin was always a Re-
publican. Even before he could vote.
Martin cast his lot with the party, al
though he always reserved the right to
bolt and frequently did 30. He bolted
when prohibition was put in the state
platform and denied tho right OF his
party to take this course. In 1882.
Martin supported Click. In 1886 he led
the fight on John A. Anderson, Repub-
lican candidate for congress In TT
Fifth district In later years when
Martin moved to Wyandotte county, he
denounced his party leaders ana
charged them with ballot box stuffing
and supported Mason 8. Peters. a
Democrat, who was sent to congress-
from the second district. Martins set
rule was that party reform never came
from within, but from whipping at
the hands Of the enemy.
When the Republicans received their
first real whipping in 1874. Martin was
held largely responsible.
Four Terms rs State Printer.
In 1873, a week before the York
Pomeroy exposure, Martin was elected
state printer. His election followed q
week Of bitter nghting that terminated
in the supreme court. Martin served
four terms as state printer and was
barely beaten in his candidacy for q
fifth term. In 1883, Martin was q MEM
Der Of the state legislature. was urged
for the speakership but refused to per-
init his name to 20 before the Republic
can caucus. Martins tenure OF o1fce
as state printer marked the hrst re-
form in the old state printership eraft.
An instance is cited where H. 600 copies
Of the school laws were furnished by
Martin under the same rule and same
measure as in former years which cost
the state $3.50 less than the former
cost for 10000 copies.
Changed Name OF y County.
For years before Martin moved to
Kansan city. kan, in 1888, to start a
new daily publication, he fought to
secure the change OF the name Of Davis
county. The name Davis-bestowed in
honor Of Jefferson Davis-was a red
rag to Martin and It was through his
efforts that the name Of the county
was changed to 0eary.
In the Republican state convention In
1894, Martin received LIZ votes for gov
ernor, although he was not seriously
a candidate for the nomination.
Martin was one OF the founders OF
the state historical society OF which
he was many years secretary. Follow
ing the death of Secretary Franklin G.
Adams in 1899, George w. Martin was
elected as his successor. He held the
Office until a few weeks ago when he
resigned because of his failing health
He was succeeded by William E. Con-
nelley. elected by the state executive
council to I'LL the unexpired term.
December 20, 1858, Martin was mar
ried to Lydia Coulson. who died In
June. 1900. Mr.. and Mrs. Martin were
the parents OF five children. In Octo-
Der. 1901, Martin was married to Mrs