Biographies

ISAAC MCCOY MARTIN, M. D., who is now engaged in the practice of medicine in La Harpe, and is also editing the La Harpe Quill, was born in Macomb, Ill., on the 9th of September, 1853, and is a son of Joseph M. and Henrietta G. Westfall Martin, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

He acquired a good literary education in the public schools of his native city, and at the age of sixteen was graduated from the High School, on the 20th of June, 1870.

He early began work, for when only ten years old he sawed wood for a neigh- boring widow, receiving his pay from the county. From that time he usually earned his spending money, and at the age of twenty years he began supporting himself entirely. He secured a position as teacher of the Oakwood School, McDonough County, commonly known as Rabbit Town. and followed teaching until 1875 through the winter season, while in the summer months he worked at the carpenter's trade. With the desire of entering the medical profession, Dr. Martin began study in 187 1. under Dr. B. R. Westfall, of Macomb, and continued his reading during leisure hours until 1875, when he entered Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago. At the close of that term he went to Eyota, Minn. where he engaged in practice until 1877. He then returned to Illinois, where it was his intention to practice, but he was prevented from carrying out this resolution by the Medical Practice Act, when he resumed teaching.

During the winter of 1880-81 he again attended Hahnemann Medical College, and after his graduation located in Macomb, in March of the latter year. There he at once opened an office and soon secured a fair share of public patronage.

In 1887 he came to La Harpe, where he has since made his home, and from the beginning he has enjoyed a most liberal patronage.

On the 5th of September, 1883. in Macomb. Dr. Martin was united in marriage with Miss Elsie, a daughter of Col. Samuel E. Taylor, commander of the One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry during the late war. Mrs. Martin was born in Mt. Sterling. Ill., and died July 30, 1888, leaving two sons: Morris Carl, born July 27, 1884: and Edgar Scott, born June 4, 1S86.

The Doctor was again married, December 5, 1889, his second union being with Miss Clara A. Locke, of La Harpe, who was born in Blandinsville, May 8, i860, and is a daughter of George and Mary (Webster) Locke, who are still living in this place. By the second union has been born a daughter, Mary Etta, born August 17, 1891.

In politics, Dr. Martin has always been a sup- porter of the Republican party, and while living in Macomb served as City Clerk from 1881 until 1887, being three times re-elected. He proved a popular and competent officer.

In religious belief, he is a Universalist, and socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows' society, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Wood- men of America.

He is now meeting with good success in his business, having a constantly in- creasing practice, and the publication of his paper has also proved a profitable investment. The Doctor has many friends throughout McDonough County, where he has spent the greater part of his life, and in Hancock County he is also widely and favorably known.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.