He was also called the father of the University of Arizona College of Pharmacology, having led the drive to establish the school.

In addition, he saw combat as an artillery soldier during World War I. Martin was born on September 13, 1886, at his parents' house on Camp Street (now Broadway) in Tucson, Arizona, one of eight children.

He served in a field artillery unit and saw action in France and Germany, rising to the rank of sergeant.

[2] He participated in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse–Argonne offensive, and after peace was declared he was part of the U.S. occupation force in Germany.

[2] He was a member of the Civilian Defense Board, and was instrumental in getting Arizona to exclude part of the oath which stated to "forgive and pardon" those who had advocated the overthrow of the U. S. Government prior to 1941.

He said that the phrase had been included by "some parlor pink" in Washington D.C.[5] A Roman Catholic, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

[7] He had organized the Arizona State Pharmaceutical Association, and was the prime motivator for the creation of a pharmacy school.

[2] In the fall 1911, Martin was one of three Democrats nominated to run for the three seats from Pima County for the 1st Arizona State Legislature, along with S. W. Purcell and J. W.