Matthew (Mathijs)
Born: March 5, 1830
Died: January 1, 1919 Buried Calvery Cemetery Lot 155 Creston, Iowa
Marriage: Johanna Elisa van Beak(B: 11/2/1842 -D: 3/7/1917) Born in Holland - Married November 11, 1862
Paul - November 30, 1963 - Bef. 1870 Census
Theodore - January 18, 1870 - August 22, 1899
Biographical Sketches: M. Martens, dealer in groceries, queensware, flour, food, cigars and tobacco, 216 Union Street, Creston, opened there in 1876, where he carries about $1500 worth of stock, and sells annually about $15,000 worth, employing one clerk and two boys. He was born in Holland, in 1830, the son of Martin and Gertie Martens, natives also of that country. He immigrated to America in 1849, first settling in WI, where he remained eight years. He has generally followed house-painting, employing clerks to run his grocery previous to entering it himself. He owns the business block and four houses and lots. He was married in Green Bay, WI in 1862, to Johanna Van Beak, who also was born in Holland, and they have five children living - Theodore, Frank, Kittie, Henry and John. Mr. Martens is a member of the Catholic church.
Milbank SD June 1906 (Picture that appeared in the Remarkable Family - Martens article in the De Pere Paper on January 5, 1916).
This picture was taken in the summer of 1906 June at Green Bay, WI. The oldest of the family, Math Martens is aged 76 when this picture was taken and the youngest is age 63. All but the oldest came to Green Bay 1850. The oldest brother having come the year before 1849. Math Martens at present lives in Creston, IA. John Martens lives in Milbank SD, Arnold Martens lives in Chili, WI, and the balance of the family reside in Green Bay and De Pere WI where they landed 56 years ago. John Martens is in the middle of top row.
This copy received from WI Historical Society confirms the statement written on the back of the above photo. He applied for intention to become a citizen on November 5, 1850.: The oldest brother having come the year before 1849. Math Martens at present lives in Creston, IA.
OBIT "The Creston Advertiser Gazette", Thursday, March 8, 1917
MRS. M. MARTENS PASSES AWAY
Old Resident of Creston Summoned by Death Wednesday Night.
Mrs. Matthew Martens, one of Creston's aged residents, died Wednesday evening at the family residence, 301 South Elm Street, after a long illness from dropsy. She had been ill for the past few years but it was only until the last three weeks that she was compelled to take to her bed.
Decedant was born in Holland November 2, 1842 coming to this country when a child. The family first lived at Green Bay, WI, later removing to Atchison, KA, from which city they removed to Creston forty-two years ago (1875), Mrs. Martens having resided here ever since.
Her marriage to Matthew Martens occurred at Green Bay about 55 years ago. To this union was born twelve children, five of whom, with the aged husband, survive her. The children surviving are Frank P. Catherine, Henry and Celia, residing at home and J. H. Martens.
Funeral services will be held Saturday forenoon at nine o'clock at St. Malachy's church. Interment at Calvary cemetery.
!850 Cenus image from Green Bay WI which lists only Mathias (Mathew) Martens as a boarder, occupation: Painter, Where Born: Holland. Have not located any of the other family members in 1850 census.
Home is still standing but uncertain of it's present Day condition. 5/9/05
