b. 22/09/1835 New York. d. 03/04/1914 Alto Pass, Illinois.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 27/12/1862 Haines Bluff, Mississippi.
Born in 1835 in New York, Martin joined the U.S. Navy. He served during the Civil War as a Boatswain’s Mate and Master’s Mate on the ironclad USS Benton. He served on the Benton throughout its service in the Western Theater during the war. On 27 December 1862, in an attack on Haines Bluff, Yazoo River, Mississippi, Martin was noticed for his bravery throughout the 90-minute fight. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor a year later, on April 3, 1863.
He served through to the end of the war and was discharged in 1865. On January 13, 1887, at 51 years, he married a 49-year-old widowed mother of four, Mary A. Spann Standard in Alto Pass. They remained married until his death, twenty-seven years later in 1914.
MOH CITATION:
Served as boatswain’s mate on board U.S.S. Benton during the attack on Haines Bluff, Yazoo River, 27 December 1862. Taking part in the hour-and-a-half engagement with the enemy, who had the dead-range of the vessel and was punishing her with heavy fire, Martin served courageously throughout the battle until the Benton was ordered to withdraw.
BURIAL LOCATION: ALTO PASS CEMETERY, ALTO PASS, ILLINOIS.
BLOCK 14, LOT 3.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER, WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON DC.
