The daily progressive-miner., 1916-09-18
MIKE" [. MARTIN CROSSES TIE
 GREAT DIVIDE
Expired Last Evening In His Home Surrounded By Many Relatives
 And Friends.
Mike Martin deadl

Mike Martin dead!
 Such was the exclamation on ey- erybodys lips today, when the news was spread that Mike E. Martin had passed away last evening about ten o'clock.
 For several years Mike r. Martin had been a sufferer from rheumatism that became chronic. Of late he .om- plained of dizziness and often | ito sit down 10 save himself from falling. Not long ago he fell in his place of business and was picked up by friends. 4 few days ago while standing on the yeranda of his beautiful home where he used to like to sit so we'll in a big chair and watch the boys play all kinds of games, one of those dizzy spells came on him and he fell off. a distance Of some eight feet. bruising himself considerable. He was picked up by friends. carried into his home and layed in bed. unable to move un- til death relieved him Of his suffer- ing.
 Mike. as he was familiarity known, came Jo KetcbHlan several years ago. He may be said to have been the fath- CT of Ketchikan. At that time there was nothing here only stopping place for a few native fishermen. He was one Of the first 10 build cabin. Later he started a small trading place which he kept until the town had grown to the extent of permitting the opening of a liquor house. which busi ness he maintained until his death. Being about the first settler, he had the choice Of location, and taking ad- vantage. he secured a beautiful site for g home which he improved to such an extent that it was one o1 the most beautiful spots in the city
 As the years rolled by. relatives and friends located also in Ketchikan, and Mike" married Mr. Eli Copeland's sister who died few years ago. At the time Of his death, he had accum- ulated considerable property and was considered well-off.
 Mike Martin was generous to q fault Nobody ever went hungry when Mike knew il. 4 down-and-outer was his friend. always. Many generous deeds are set opposite his record Deeds that showed a big heart. Mike was broad in body but no more so than in mind For that reason. he had no enemies. While many there were who dislikcd his business. yet they liked him for his kindness towards all He was truly considered a father or Ketchikan. To prove that, il is only necessary 10 state that when the town was incorporated, while there were many who could have filled the place, probably better than Mike, nev- erthaless, ho was chosen the frst mayor of Ketchikau, and the people have never regretted it.
 On the streets or in his place Of business. his appearance was always an occasion for q joke, a compliment Or encouragement. Everybody had to smile with his. Long faces did not appeal 10 hin and hard-luck stories were soon dispellcd. Thousands of dollars went during his life here 10 relieve distress That was Mike Mar tin
 1t is only few days ago that he said he had planned to go to New York 10 visit with relatives and friends this winter, but that he had changed his mind. giving as his req. son that ho wanted 10 help elect his friend ]. k. Heckman to the senate #ith his vote because he said, "he is the man the people should have to represent them Mike knew man when he saw him, because hd was d man himself
 He was born In Ireland and came to the United States when q mere boy and 10 Ketchikan in 1887 where he has resided since. lie left besides several relatives by marriage, legion8 of friends who will mourn his death.
 interment will be- made in tho local cemetery. the Eagles having charge of the funeral services, unless other arrangements intervene.
 He vas i member Of the F.aglea, Red Men and Arctic Brotherhood.
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 After making T strenuous effort to get out of rut, man sometime finds himself in q hole.