James Martin was born in Morgan County, Ohio, in 1835 and lived there the early
  part of his life. His ancestors came originally from Germany and were early settlers
  in Ohio.
     James learned the trade of shoemaker but left that occupation when the Civil War
  broke out; he was the first young man to enlist in his county. He served throughout
  the period of hostilities with an Ohio infantry regiment.
     In 1878 he brought his family to Kansas and homesteaded a quarter section in
  Ottawa County. After four years, they came to Barber County in 1884. Here he bought
  a pre-emption of 160 acres near Gerlane and lived there. He was steadily prosperous
  as a farmer until his death, in 1908, which resulted from injuries sustained when
  he was kicked by a horse.
     He was originally a Republican and became a Populist when that party was storming
  Kansas. He was honored with several township offices.
     James Martin married Charlotte Sillery, who was born in Morgan County, Ohio, in
  1836 and died at the old home at Gerlane in 1909.
     A brief record of the children is as follows: George, a farmer who died at Gerlane
  in 1908; Flora C., wife of C.B. Boyle; Will S.; Clarence; Harry; Jess; Walt; Melvin;
  and Carrie B., wife of Claude Arthur. All are now deceased.
                
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas,  pg. 317