Born in England on 6th December 1840, youngest son of Richard and Mary Susana Martin. Migrated to South Australia for health reasons where he was later joined by his mother, brother Richard and nephew Robert, son of his brother William. Opened a hardware shop in 1866 which expanded to become the emporium John Martin's.

Married Margaret Tucker on 1st January 1881. Died 25th November 1889

Issue:-
Ada Ethel Mary (1/11/1881 - 27/10/1959)
John Claude (28/3/1883 - 1969)
Royden (20/9/1885 - 1968)
Leonard (17/11/1888 - 1956)
Dudley (17/11/1888 - 1963)