The Family of Hugh Martin Jr
1830 – 1880
Hugh Martin Jr and Sally Goodell Martin lived in Ausable NY from about 1830 through 1849. While there, they had 10 of their 11 children.
The 1840 census places Hugh(2) and family still in Jay (Ausable).
The family includes:
1 Male 0-4 Henry Martin Sr840)
1 Male 20-39 Hugh Jr Martin Sr809)
1 Female 0to 4 Elizabeth Martin Sr838)
2nd Female 0 to 4 Sarah P Martin Sr837)
1 Female 5 to 9 Lydia H Martin Sr835)
2nd Female 5 to 9 Lucy M Martin Sr832)
1 Female 15 to 19 (unknown 1821 – 1825)
1 Female 20 to 29 Sarah (Sally) Martin Sr811)
Proximity of towns and roads along the 1840 Essex/Clinton/Franklin county borders.
The distance from Ausable to Franklin is less than 20 miles.
The 1850 Federal census places the family in Franklin.
It is evident that as late as 1849 Hugh Jr and family were still in Ausable. This can be proven by the obituary of Charles E. Martin, the last child listed in the 1850 census.
“Chateaugay Record” 1902, April-June
A second Newspaper Obituary states the same date and place:
“…Deceased was born at Ausable Forks in 1849 and after receiving a business education he entered the employ of his brother-in-law, Paul Smith, who married Lydia Martin at Franklin Falls, May 5, 1859...”
Hugh Martin - Businessman
The 1850 Federal census lists Hugh Jr's occupation at 41 years old as ”Merchant.”
The occupation of Hugh Jr during the years he spent at Ausable is speculative. Evidence from one source indicates that as late as 1860 Hugh continued his involvement in the iron mining business with Vanderwarker and Burt (and perhaps others). This recounting of the history of St. Armand is found in the March 1938 – May 1939 Issue of the “Essex County Republican”.
“At the middle of the 19th Century there were in the township of St Armand, forty families, thirty one Farms, thirty-seven dwellings, 780 acres of Improved land, twenty-eight oxen, twenty horses, one hundred sheep and fifty milk cows. The first cabinet maker in the town was E. K. Burdick who came from Vermont In 1850. During this decade, J. B. Killer engaged in the lumber business. James H. Pitrot came to Bloomingdale In 1832 and engaged in the lumber business and also started a general stone. As town was sparsely settled, Pierce brought in a score of men and employed them in his lumber enterprise. Wm Wickes was the only blacksmith and James A. Titus was the practicing physician.
The first post office in the town was at Bloomingdale and started late in 1852 with Byron Leavitt as the postmaster. The first church to be built to the town was in 1852 by the Baptist Church Society. Church previous to this was held in the homes of the members.
The 60's saw many new enterprises. Charles F. Towne was a blacksmith; James A. Titus had a general store; Hugh Martin was the general agent for various Iron companies; Sidney Carr had a general store: Thomas O'Neill was a lumber dealer; Jason Carr was a blacksmith. Charles R. Arnold was a goldsmith, Joshua Flanders was a blacksmith; Samuel Smith was the Baptist clergyman; John Flanders was a blacksmith; Sewell F. Banker had a hardware and sporting goods store; Rufus Walton was building contractor; E. K. Burdick was a cabinet maker; George W. Chubb was a justice of the peace; Samuel S. Wallihan was a practicing physician; Smith and Prime were the druggists of the community and James A. Titus was the postmaster of Bloomingdale. In 1865 Rober Hickok completed thirty years of teaching school at Bloomingdale. The first school was built in 1840.
Other families living In the town at this time were, N. S. Hayes, Levi Noble, Calvin Howe, Asher Williams, Isaac Leavitt, Philo Strong, Charles Ormsby, O. S. Scofield, Monroe Hall, Andrew Duval Ephriam French, Willam Galusha. S E. Goodspeed, Vamum and Hiram Hewitt. James Arnold, Klrby and James Reed, J. C. Knapp, Abijah Wilson, Elias Goodspeed, Milton and Nathan Goodspeed, William R George, A. W.Covill, John Stowell, Amoa Densmore Marshall Lincoln, Porter Colb, Edward Stokes, Ensign Miller, James and Theodore Clark, Peter Carr and Levi Hayes.”
“History of the Towns of Essex County”
As Compiled By
GEORGE H. SMITH
Late 1700's to Mid 1800's - Rich iron deposits were discovered in the Champlain Valley, setting off a round of land clearing, settlement and mining that continued for the next century. Rivers, flowing out from the center of the region provided the transportation for millions of pine, spruce, and hemlock logs to mills around the rim of the mountains. Logging continued slowly but relentlessly into the interior of the mountains during the late 1800's. The discovery of iron ore fueled efforts to develop iron mines, furnaces and forges in many places in the region. A burgeoning demand for timber pushed loggers deeper into the wilderness. Farming communities developed in many of the river valleys. Serious exploration of many areas did not occur until after 1870.
Working with the lumber/mine business under Vanderwarker and Burt for those 20 years from 1830 through 1850 was advantageous for Hugh Jr, and he apparently was successful in this endeavor despite the eventual 1848 collapse. He raised a family and was prosperous enough to provide them with more than just minimal provisions. Lynn Weber dedicates a chapter in her book “Breaking Trail, Remarkable Women of the Adirondacks” to Hugh Jr's) second daughter Lydia Helen Martin who married Paul Smith. Weber makes this observation about the success of the young Martin Family:
“Breaking Trail, Remarkable Women of the Adirondacks”
Chapter 4, “Lydia Martin Smith, Hotelier”
An
article in an 1953 issue of the “Adirondack Record” (July-September
Archive) describes the fate of the “Vanderwarker and Burt” enterprises located
in and around Ausable. The statement “by 1848 George M. Burt along with
everyone else failed…” may be a clue as to why Hugh relocated to Franklin just before the census of 1850.
But there is much more evidence as to the interests and abilities of Hugh that would lend toward his success over the years. Besides the iron business, he also had endeavors in the lumber business, the hotel business, farming,, public service, mail delivery, road maintenance, political office, and as a mountain guide. Exactly when Hugh Jr moved into these areas for profit is difficult to determine with the given data. It has been established that his work as an “agent for several iron companies” could reach back as far as 1830 before his marriage to Sally Goodale. Also established is the Burt and Vanderwarker interest in the lumber business, road construction and repair, and political office. There is no doubt his business relations with these men encouraged and developed them in Hugh Jr also.
Hugh Jr and the Lumber Business
Again from the “Memoriam” after Hugh’s death there is the line:
“… he removed to Franklin Falls and became interested in the lumber business…”
“Franklin Gazette” 1881 October - December
The huge virgin forests of the Adirondack Mountains provided an endless source of hard wood and softwood for lumber. The lucrative lumber business is described in the 1853 book “A history of St. Laurance and Franklin Counties, New York : from the earliest period to the present time.”(being 1853).
This expansion of industry
from Ausable to Franklin Falls in 1846 with an eye toward lumber mirror the
interests of Hugh Jr and the movements of his
family. The collapse of the Ausable falls mining business in the late 1840s may
have precipitated this move, or at least contributed to it.
Forest Fire
Shortly after the move to Franklin Falls, the worst forest fire to ever sweep through the area totally destroyed the town of Franklin Falls.
The bio of Hugh Jr continues from the “Memoriam”:
“Franklin Gazette” 1881 October - December
Several descriptions of this fire exist:
“Besides the mill McLenathan Falls (Franklin Falls) had a rather pretentious hotel and a large store. These and every other structure except one small shanty were wiped out by a forest fire in May, 1852, which a high wind swept down upon the place from the hills. So rapidly and fiercely did the flames spread that fowls, dogs and cattle perished in the streets, and the inhabitants themselves barely escaped with their lives. Household goods, merchandise in the store, large quantities of lumber, and even the unsubmerged parts of wagons that had been hauled into the river were all destroyed. Twenty-three dwellings were burned, and the first estimate of loss was one hundred thousand dollars, which, however, revised figures somewhat reduced.”
History of Franklin, New York FROM:
HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY AND ITS SEVERAL TOWNS
BY: FREDERICK J. SEAVER
PUBLISHED BY J. B. LYON COMPANY, ALBANY, NY 1918
While this destruction was almost complete, rebuilding took place very quickly and one of the first structures to be rebuilt was the Franklin Falls Hotel. Records show that Hugh Jr was the proprietor of this Hotel for several years during the 1850s, at least until his daughter Lydia married Paul Smith at that location.
One of the first evidences we see of Hugh Jr in Franklin is in the book “A history of St. Laurance and Franklin Counties, New York : from the earliest period to the present time.” This from 1850:
It was not uncommon in the mid 1800s for roads to be covered with wooden planks.
Typical plank roads as was popular in the period around 1850.
Mail Carrier
Being “an agent for several iron companies” very likely kept Hugh on the roads continually; which made the plank inspector job convenient money. Being mobile also enabled Hugh to be one of the first mail carriers in the area.
Adirondack Enterprise” April 1961Archive
“This and That” Column”
Hotel Keeper
One of the Franklin Falls assets that burned to the ground during the great fire of 1852 was the Hotel, described here:
“Besides the mill McLenathan Falls (Franklin Falls) had a rather pretentious hotel and a large store.”
Records state that after the fire, the Hotel was quickly rebuilt and it grander than the first. Hugh Jr was found to be the proprietor of the Hotel for almost 10 years.
The Franklin Falls Hotel in the early 1860s. Note the stagecoach.
Depending on how early this photo was taken, there could be Martins in the shot. Photography was in full swing by 1860, and Hugh was still running the Franklin Falls Hotel in 1859 when Lydia, his second daughter, was married there.
“Breaking Trail, Remarkable Women of the Adirondacks”
Chapter 4, “Lydia Martin Smith, Hotelier”
“Breaking Trail, Remarkable Women of the Adirondacks”
Chapter 4, “Lydia Martin Smith, Hotelier”
In this except from the book “Born Smart: The Story of Paul Smith” it can be seen that the Martins both lived in and managed the Franklin Falls Hotel into the 1860s. The excerpt recounts the aforementioned fire and the accelerated rebuilding effort that followed.
Public Service
Last but not least, Hugh Jr, as a life long Democrat, was an elected official at town and county levels. The 1860 Federal census lists Hugh’s occupation at 51 years as “Official.”
This from the “Essex Republican” in 1850.
Hugh is “appointed to fill vacancies which have occurred” in Franklin.
Hugh was elected in 1851 to the Franklin County Board of Supervisors.
Franklin Gazette” 1842-1852 Archive
Alas Hugh is defeated by the Whig candidate in 1852. His good democratic supporters attribute the loss to a poor voter turnout. In these days newspapers were shamelessly biased and political in nature, even using words like “Democrat” and “Republican” in their names.
“Franklin Gazette” 1842-1852 Archive
Returning again to the “Memoriam”:
“Franklin Gazette” 1881 October - December
Farming
The 1870 Federal census lists the occupation of Hugh Jr's as ‘Farmer.”
A humorous story in the “Essex County Republican” (1873 January-1875-December Archive) shows the interest Hugh Jr had in farming.
“BLOOMINGDALE,
Aug 6th, 1874.—Terrible rain Storm and freshet last week. Bright skies and good hay weather thus far this week.
—A sample of Timothy was shown us yesterday, from the farm of Mr. Hugh Martin while green on newly seeded land, and measured five feet and four and one-half Inches. This sample induced us to look for other fields, and we have been traveling in tall grass all day, but failed to find any quite equal to the above. We thought we had Mr. Martin beaten, for being in a splendid field of about eight acres and just on the point of measuring we were told In quite plain and forcible language to "Get out of that tall grass." The owner, a crabbed old curmudgeon, "didn't want his tall grass pulled up by the roots and stuck in the newspaper at all, at all." We were persuaded to leave, but in our hurry to get over the fence we lost our new jack knife, precious to us, because a present. We have hired ''Curly," a smart and slashing butcher boy of the village, to go back and find It, and are confident he will bring it or a scalp…”
More evidence of Hugh Jr's agrarian endeavors can be see in his position as a Vice President of the Essex County Agricultural Society.
“ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ESSEX COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, WESTPORT, Feb 1st, 1875.
The annual meeting of the Essex County Agricultural Society was held pursuant to notice, at the Lake House, Westport.
P. D. Merriam elected chairman.
Treasurer reported balance on hand last year --- $662.00
Receipts of fair ------------------------------ $1052.25
Receipts of State ------------------------------ $173.06
$1889.31
Amount paid for premiums -------- $ 347.02
Amount paid for purses ---------- $ 280.00
Amount paid for expenses--------- $ 451.53
Balance on hand -----------------$ 1886.31
On ballot, Albert A. Durand, Elizabethtown, was elected President.
1st Vice-President - L. B. Newell, Westport.
Vice-Presidents – D. V. Clapp, Chesterfield; A.S. Holt, Wlllisboro; Jas. Ross, Essex; J. G. Woodruff, Lewis; Chas. E Noble, Elizabethtown; P. Norton, Keene; J. V. Nash, North Elba; Ralza Laurance, Wilmington; Hugh Martin, St Armand; Freeman Tyrell, Schroon; A. C. Walker, North Hudson; H. Bradley Minerva; Washington, Chase Newcomb; Orlando Rowell, Ticonderoga; John G. Viale, Crown Point; L. H. Howe, Moriah; Robert Goff, Westport; Ashley Prime, Jay.
Treasurer -- R. J. Ingalls. Westport.
Secretary -- C. E. Stevens, Westport.
Executive Committee- T. Patterson, P. Merilain, A. P. Holt, A. J. Daniels, Peter Ferris, WestPoint. Marshall Geo Patterson, Westport.
Moved and voted the constitution be so amended as to read, "The annual meeting shall be held on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January." Moved and voted, that the Executive Committee, if satisfactory lease for the ground now occupied can be obtained for the next 7 years, be requested to put the buildings and track in good condition for holding their annual fair, as in their judgment they may think best. Moved and voted that if the committee cannot procure the grounds for one or more years, they be authorized to procure grounds elsewhere. Voted to adjourn.
C. E Stevens, Secretary.”
“Essex County Republican” (January 1873–December 1875 Archive)
Perhaps a Mountain Guide?
Again from the book “Breaking Trail” about Lydia Martin Smith:
“Breaking Trail, Remarkable Women of the Adirondacks”
Chapter 4, “Lydia Martin Smith, Hotelier”
Outside of this quote, there is no evidence that Hugh was a professional Guide.
Hugh Martin in the Census from 1850 through 1880.
1850 Federal Census of Franklin, Franklin County, NY
This 1850 federal census gives the best overall picture of the Hugh Jr Martin family. All but one of the children is listed. They were all born in Ausable between 1830 and 1850. The last child (Fredrick) will be born in 1851 in Franklin, shortly before the fire that devastated the hamlet. It is clear from the scribing that New Jersey is listed as Hugh Jr's birth state. Other censuses will list NY as his birth state. Sarah (Sally) is shown being born in Vermont, and all the children in NY. Elijah here is named after Sally Goodell’s father Elijah Jr and Grandfather Elijah(1). Sarah at 13 years old was named after her mother (Sally Goodale) and grandmother (Sally Davis Goodell).
George M is seven years old here, and is the child who will carry on the line of our ancestry. George M is the father of Harry Polhemus Martin and Great Grandfather of Laurance H. Martin.
The 1860 census reveals more.
1860 Federal Census of Franklin, Franklin County, NY.
Hugh has been elected to several party, town, and county offices and is listed as an “Official.” Newspaper accounts list him as an “iron agent.” Hugh Jr is listed as having been born in NY in this census as opposed to NJ in the 1850 listing.
The older daughters Lucy, Lydia, and Elizabeth have married and are out of the house. The oldest son Henry does not have a listed occupation, but George at the age of 17, is listed as being a “farmer.”
At this time the family is living in the Franklin Falls Hotel that they have been managing for a number of years. Lydia after being away to the “Willard School” in Troy NY for a number of years has returned and her marriage to Apollos Austin Smith (Paul Smith) has taken place within the year. Lucy has been married to Edwin Jones for several years and has two children. Sarah has married Albion Vickery 10 years her senior, and Elizabeth has married William C Duane. The son listed as “Elijah D” in 1850 is now listed by his middle name “Douglas.”
Fredrick now appears at 9 years old.
The 1870 census shows Hugh to be in St. Armand and introduces a mystery. Why is Hugh Jr residing in the household of one “Sewell Bunker,” and where is Sally?
Looking at the names of the children may lend a clue. “Lydia,” “Fredrick,” and “Charles” are all names of Hugh’s own children. This would lend one to believe that “Jane” (the wife of Sewell), was one of Hugh’s daughters and she named her children after her brothers and sister. “Jane” is 36 and therefore born about 1834. The 1900 census lists Jane as being born in New York, but her parents were born in Vermont. This excludes many people from our search for the parents of Jane. The Martins were born in NY and NJ. The Goodells (parents of Sally), Elijah and Sally Davis were born in New Hampshire. There seems to be no family relationship between Hugh and the people he is staying with on census day 1870. Records for St. Armand indicate the Sewell Bunker will become the town supervisor. Sally cannot be found in any of the children’s homes either.
“History
of Essex County : with illustrations and biographical
sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers”
Many things happen to the Martins in the 1860s. After marrying Paul Smith in 1859, Lydia and Paul have started their world famous resort at Brighton NY. By the 1870 census of Brighton, all the Martin boys except George are employed at the Paul and Lydia Smith “sporting house” enterprise.
· Charles Edwin Martin (now 21) has been to the Ogdensburg School of Business and is now the “clerk” (manager) of the Paul Smith Hotel.
· Douglas Elijah Martin (now 24) lives at Paul Smith’s and is listed as a “stage driver.”
· Fredrick Martin (now 19) lives at Paul Smith’s and is listed as a “guide.”
· Lucy (Martin) Jones and Edwin Jones have added 4 more children.
· Sarah (Martin) Vickery and Albion Vickery now have 3 children.
· Elizabeth (Martin) Duane and William Duane have 3 children.
· Kate (Martin) Jones and Henry Jones have married.
· Henry H. Martin (30 years old) now lives in Franklin, is married to Sarah Evelyn Melvin. They have two children. His occupation is listed as “farmer.”
· Mary A Martin has married John H. Titus and they have two children.
· George M Martin, who continues the line to L.H. Martin, is now 27, has been in the civil war returned. He has married Annett Flanders and they now have one son. His occupation is listed as “farmer.”
