MARTIN, JUDGE CHARLES AESOP, was born in Richmond Precinct, Cass County, Ill., November 4, 1857. His father, John Martin, was born in the state of Pennsylvania in 1829, of Scotch-Irish parentage. His mother's maiden name was Rose Ann Turner, a daughter of James U. Turner and Julia (Romig) Turner. James Turner's ancestry was English and Julia Romig's parents were Germans. Charles Martin was born on a farm which was owned by his father and comprised eighty acres in section 8, township 18, north range 8 west, in Cass County, just above Middle Creek, the western part of the farm running almost to the creek and overlooking a beautiful picturesque landscape. In 1858 John Martin sold his farm and moved to Edgar County, this state, and located on a farm which he purchased about eight miles south of Paris, the county seat of Edgar County. There Charles went to school with three older brothers, walking about a mile to the school on Big Creek, now known as the Wall school.
In 1861, at the first call for soldiers by Lincoln to suppress the rebellion, his father enlisted to enter the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, but the regiment being filled, he, with a number of others, was transferred to the First Missouri Cavalry. After the battle Pea Ridge, where he sustained a wound and also incurred sickness, he was taken to the hospital at Rolla, Mo., and there died in April, 1862. The mother, with her family of small children, remained in Edgar County until the fall of 1862, then moved back to Cass County, this state, where her parents resided.
Charles Martin went to the country schools in Cass County and also worked on a farm when he was large enough. He afterward attended school in Bloomington and Normal in this state. In 1877 he began the study of law, and also taught school for a number of terms. After coming to Cass County he reviewed his law studies with Hon. William H. Thacker, frequently mentioned in the historical part of this work, and they together took the examination before the Supreme court of Illinois and were admitted to the bar in the same class, in 1881. Mr. Martin taught school a few terms after being admitted to the bar and then opened an office in Virginia, Cass County, and entered upon the practice of his profession. He acquired a good practice and became a successful lawyer.
On September 8, 1881, Mr. Martin was married to Miss Sallie Ruth Beadles, a daughter of James M. Beadles, deceased. Mr. Beadles was one of the early pioneers of Cass County. He came here with his father, John Beadles, in 1834, from the state of Virginia, and settled on land near the present site of Virginia. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin, a boy and a girl. They both died in childhood, the boy at the age of six years and the girl at the age of four.
In 1892 Mr. Martin was a delegate to the National Republican convention, which met at Minneapolis, and in 1900 was elected a delegate to the National Republican convention which met at Philadelphia. The same year he was appointed by Governor John R. Tanner, one of the state commissioners to the World's Exposition, held that year in the city of Paris, France. After spending the requisite time at the exposition he traveled over a large portion of Europe, and made a special point of visiting all the noted art galleries and museums, as well as the cathedrals and churches, and the tombs of great historical characters.
Judge Martin has always been a Republican in politics, firmly believing the theories and doctrines of the Republican party, and that their practical application to the affairs of the government have been for the best interests of this nation, but he has never been obnoxious in expressing his views, and has always been kindly considerate and tolerant of the political views of others. Cass County has been for forty years Democratic in its party politics, the majorities running from 500 to 1,000 only occasionally a Republican being elected to some minor office. In 1910 Mr. Martin was nominated at the primary election on the Republican ticket for the position of county judge, and at the election in November of that year was elected to the office by a handsome majority over his democratic opponent. That Mr. Martin made a popular judge and served the people to their satisfaction is attested by the fact that in 1914 he was re-nominated and reelected by a majority greater than that of any candidate on the Democratic ticket.
Judge Martin has an extended reputation as a speaker and orator and is called upon quite frequently to address the public where people are gathered for celebrations on holidays and other occasions, and has been called regularly by the managers of his political party to assist in the speaking campaigns. He is an Odd Fellow, a member of the Modern Woodmen, and several other fraternal societies. He is also a member of the Church of Christ, and is a devoted advocate of and laborer in the Sunday school. Judge and Mrs. Martin own a beautiful suburban home where they have resided for over thirty years at the eastern border of the city of Virginia, and which has been the scene of many social affairs when these hospitable people have entertained their hosts of friends.
Judge Martin is the author of the historical part of this volume, which speaks for itself as to his literary abilities and careful, studious habits of thought and research.