Washington

MARTIN, Willard S.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 259-260 
(portrait p 260)

Willard S. MARTIN, of Plainfield [Washington County, Vermont], was born 26 
January 1827 in Marshfield [Washington County, Vermont], son of Joshua B. and 
Betsy (SHEPPARD) MARTIN. He enjoyed only the privileges of the common 
school, but by active observation and assiduous reading he is practically a 
well-educated man. In 1860 he moved to Plainfield and purchased a fine 
property of nearly six hundred acres, and has made his home here ever since. 
He has been an extensive dealer and breeder of fine stock. A public-spirited 
man of kindly and sympathetic nature, he has met with some serious losses in 
generous attempts to assist his neighbors and friends. Republican. Has been 
entrusted with many responsible positions in his town. Has been justice of 
the peace for thirty years; was chosen to the Legislature in 1864 and 1865; 
elected associate judge in 1874, and continued on the bench for four years; 
senator from Washington County in 1882. Was six years director of the Barre 
National Bank; two years president of the Washington County Agricultural 
Society. Universalist. Has always taken a lively interest in educational 
matters; for a long time has been a trustee of Goddard Seminary of Barre. On 
21 February 1860 Mr. [Willard S.] MARTIN was married to Fannie, daughter of 
Orlando and Cecelia (NASH) LEWIS, of East Montpelier [Washington County, 
Vermont], who died 08 May 1889. Five children are the issue of their 
marriage: K. Alice, Willard S. Jr., Orlando L., Arthur R. (deceased), and 
Edgar L.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly