[1] He was trained as a saddler and worked in Saratoga Springs, New York and Fayette County, Ohio in the 1830s and 1840s, also teaching school and studying law.
After attaining admission to the bar, Martin joined the Whigs and served as Fayette County State's Attorney from 1841 to 1843.
He settled in Chelsea, where he practiced law and farmed, also serving in local offices for most of his life, including Chelsea Justice of the Peace, Orange County State's Attorney from 1849 to 1850 and 1853, and County Clerk from 1857 to 1858.
Martin was a member of the Bennington Battle Monument Commission and was active in the Orange County Agricultural Society, serving as its Secretary.
This event is recorded on a historical marker on the edge of the fairgrounds in Tunbridge.