Martin Sells, who is a farmer by occupation, was born in Johnson County, Ind., January 9, 1845, and is the son of William and Catherine (Robinson) Sells. The father was born in Washington County, Va., in 1800. He was the son of Abraham and Nancy (Carr) Sells; the former was a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter was a native of Virginia. They came to Johnson County in 1821, and settled in White River Township, where they lived till their deaths occurred. Their children numbered nine, viz.: William, Peggy, Margaret, Elizabeth, Susan, Frank, Jane, Charlotte and Thomas. William was married in 1831, unto Catherine, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Surface) Robinson, early settlers of Johnson County. Catherine was born in Wythe County, Va., in 1811, and died in this county in 1876. William also died in this county in 1869. The marriage of William and Catherine Sells resulted in the birth of these children: Eliza, Isaac, David, Elizabeth, Loyd and Martin. Martin was raised on a farm, and his life has been devoted to farming. He remained with his parents up to the age of twenty-one years. January 25, 1866, he married Emma Brown, daughter of Absalom and Mary Ann (Gathright) Brown, the former a native of Indiana, and the latter of Kentucky. Mrs. Sells was born in Iowa; October 4, 1845. Her marriage resulted in the birth of a daughter, named Mary Catherine, born July 9, 1871. In politics, Mr. Sells is a staunch democrat. He is also a Master Mason.

Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker

Banta, D. D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888, page 911.