Title	Mr.
Last Name	Martin
First Name	John
Middle Name
Maiden Name
Nick Name
Place of Birth	New Hampshire
Date of Birth	1825-08-02
Place of Death	Oakland, ME
Date of Death	1914-02-21
Publication	The Eastern Gazette 3-12-1914, p.8
Obituary	John Martin Again the town of Dexter has been called upon to part with one of its oldest residents in the passing away of John Martin in Oakland, on Feb. 21. As two numbers of the Gazette came out since the event and nothing appeared in reference to it I felt moved to say a few words in regard to his life; as he was a lifelong friend of mine and a near neighbor for many years and a man I held in great respect. I cannot give correct dates as I have no record to go by but can get them pretty near. He was born in New Hampshire on Aug. 2, 1825, and came to Dexter with his parents when a small boy and went to a farm in the south part of the town on the Newport road, where he passed a greater part of his life. In his early manhood he learned and worked at the shoemakers' trade, also drove stage to different parts of the country, much of it being done in the night, and I have heard him say that he liked to have the ligthning flash so he could see his horses and harness and reins, that they were all right. About the year 1835 he built a house on the home farm. He was twice married, his first wife being a Lane, who passed away in a few years, also their little boy. His second wife was Melissa Libby, daughter of the late Samuel Libby, who came from Exeter and owned what is known as Libby's Mills. His second wife passed on about ten years ago. After that he lived on the home place with Mrs. Ada Bragg. Later she left and a nephew, Ed. Martin, came and lived with him, till last fall, when they broke up and he went to Oakland to live with Mr. Bragg and wife again, where he passed away. Brother John, as he was to me fraternally was the oldest living member of Penobscot lodge, F. and A. M., having become a member in 1852, also a charter member of Dexter grange, and its first master, in which orders he was an active member until old age came on. In his younger days he handled young horses, fitting them for the harness. His life was marked with a fact that he never kept house only under one roof; something that is not common. He is the last of his family, there being three brothers, and a sister, Alfred, Issac, Fred and Vesta. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Ada Martin Bragg, a grandson, John A. Bragg, also by nephews and nieces and their families. It was with a feeling of sadness that I heard of his passing out for he was one that I had mingled with a great deal in life and had many pleasant times with as he was of a pleasant and entertaining nature and I think had many friends who will miss him. The remains were brought to Dexter Feb. 23, and the services were held in the Universalist church, Rev. S. G. Spear officiating. The Masonic services were rendered. Many flowers showed that he was held in high respect. Well, we are passing away one by one and soon my place will be vacant, for I am the last of my parents' family, so I begin to think of these things. But we have one thing to console us and to hope for, which is the reunion on the other plane, where I look for better conditions to prevail. FRANK C. GEE