Washington

MARTIN, Frank J.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 257

Frank J. MARTIN, of Barre [Washington County, Vermont], was born 22 October 
1858 in Washington [Orange County], Vermont, son of Kimball P. and Delana 
(WILEY) MARTIN. The MARTIN family came to Vermont from Connecticut. Frank 
MARTIN's progenitors were early settlers of Williamstown [Orange County, 
Vermont], and their descendants form no inconsiderable share of the 
population of that town. The early life of Frank J. MARTIN was on the farm, 
and more than ordinary tasks devolved upon him in consequence of the sickness 
and early death of his father. In spite of his increased duties he managed 
to secure such a share of knowledge as was afforded by the schools of Barre 
and Williamstown, and some attendance at the Barre Academy.

For four years after he had entered active life he divided his attention 
between employment as a clerk in the winter season and labor on the farm in 
summer. In 1880 he had acquired sufficient funds to take a four years' 
course of study at Worcester Academy, Massachusetts. This he accomplished in 
three years, and graduated in June 1883. He then taught school in 
Connecticut and in Williamstown [Vermont], and after employment as a clerk in 
Massachusetts and Vermont, he commenced in 1887 the study of law in the 
office of Frank PLUMLEY, of Northfield [Washington County, Vermont], 
remaining there until May 1888, when he went to Montpelier, and while deputy 
clerk of the Washington County court studied with M. E. SMILIE, until April 
1890, when he entered the office of H. A. HUSE, of Montpelier, and was 
admitted to the bar at the general term in 1890.

In December 1890, with F. P. CARLTON, he [Frank J. MARTIN] began legal 
practice at Barre in the firm of Martin & Carleton, which continued until Mr. 
CARLETON's removal to Montpelier in 1892. In December 1892 he and L. P. 
SLACK formed the firm of Martin & Slack. Republican; one of the town grand 
jurors; one of the listers of Barre; in 1890 and 1892 was second assistant 
state librarian. Has taken the blue lodge degrees and affiliates with 
Granite Lodge No. 38, Free & Accepted Masons. On 28 December 1892 Mr. [Frank 
J.] MARTIN was married to Ida M., daughter of Samuel G. and Lucy M. (WHEELER) 
NORRIS.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly