A biographical sketch of Abijah C. Martin and William P. Martin, of Elizabeth township, Miami county, Ohio, is the record of two brothers, separated in early childhood and united in early manhood. They have since lived in the same house and, since they were of age, have been in partnership in all their business affairs.

Their parents, Joseph and Mary (Clyne) Martin, were born in Miami county, Ohio, and were married in February or March, 1827, and lived their brief married life in Lost Creek township. There were three children born to them: Abijah C., born on the 23rd of December, 1827; William P. Martin, born on the 15th of February, 1830, and Hannah Martin, who was born March 20, 1833, and is now the widow of Dr. Kellogg and resides in Nevada, Iowa. Joseph Martin and his wife died in October, 1833, of cholera, both being attacked by that dreadful disease the same day. They died within an hour of each other, on the night of the day they were stricken with the disease, leaving three small children to the care of friends and relatives. Their uncle, Corbly Martin, was appointed guardian of the children. A. C. Martin lived with a relative of Corbly Martin, at Lebanon, Ohio, where he spent the years of his early youth. He removed with that family to St. Louis, Missouri. When he arrived at the age of twenty-one he returned to Miami county, and was married, March 2, 1859, to Elizabeth Knoop, daughter of Daniel and Lucy Knoop. This union was blessed with four children: Mary B., who is the wife of Dr. W. W. Ely, and resides in Walla Walla, Washington; Charles D., who married Miss Amanda See, and is living on the farm; John K., who is living at home, as is also the youngest child, Lucy D. Martin. They gave their children good educations and they are a source of pride and comfort to their parents.

W. P. Martin was bound out to David Hathaway, of Miami county, who removed to Troy when William was ten years of age. He then left Mr. Hathaway to live with his aunt, Minerva, the wife of Levi Hart. He lived with them until he was of age, working on the farm and, under the instructions of his uncle, Levi Hart, he also learned the cooper's trade. When his brother, A. C., came back from St. Louis and married, he formed a partnership with him and has lived with him to the present. The brothers had a little property left from their father's estate, and, in partnership, they purchased a farm near Alcony, in Elizabeth township, and afterwards a farm in Lost Creek township. In 1872 they purchased the farm on which they now reside, which was known in the early history of the county as the Gordan Cecil farm. It contains two hundred and seven acres. The two brothers followed farming as their principal occupation, and have the reputation of being up-to-date farmers in every respect. Their farm is under a high state of cultivation; their home is a magnificent mansion and the barn and outbuilding are first-class. On the farm they have a new tenant house, now occupied by the eldest son of A. C. Martin. W. P. Martin is a bachelor. His home with his brother was satisfactory to him and he never cared to change his life of single blessedness.

Both brothers are Democrats, but with liberal views on public questions. W. P. Martin has been honored by his party in being nominated for county commissioner, and received a flattering vote. The county is so strongly Republican that it is very seldom a Democrat is elected. He is township treasurer, and has served in the office for nine years. He has served many years as township trustee, and in 1899 he was elected without opposition as land appraiser. He is a director in the Troy National Bank. Be was never an office seeker, yet his record in life has been such that all parties trust in him and have confidence in his judgment and integrity.

In 1881 A. C. Martin had the misfortune to injure his arm in a clover huller, and that member was amputated above the elbow. He is known as a quiet, unassuming man, a thrifty farmer, blessed with a noble wife, and as he has reason to be, is very proud of his children.

This sketch would not be complete without referring to the grandparents of A. C. and W. P. Martin. Levi Martin and his wife, Delilah (Corbly) Martin, were among the early settlers of Staunton, on the banks of the Miami. They came there from Pennsylvania, but not until his wife had a sad experience of Indian cruelty. In 1788 the family of John Corbly lived at Girard Station, on the Monongahela river, not far from Red Stone Fort. While on their way to church they were attacked by the Indians, and Mrs. John Corbly and three children were killed; two other children, who were the youngest, and girls, were left for dead and were scalped, as was the mother and the older children. The two youngest girls recovered, and the youngest, Delilah Corbly, married Levi Martin and raised a family of ten children. Levi Martin was a soldier under General Wayne, and while scouting he saw the beautiful country along the Miami, now within the borders of Staunton township, and resolved when he could, to emigrate there, which he did, settling on a farm in Staunton township. Such is the ancestry of the subjects of this sketch. The pioneers of Miami county have left their impress upon the early history of Ohio, and their posterity have inherited their courage and love of justice.