Born in Saint-Jérôme, Canada East, the son of Joseph Martineau, a farmer, and Marie Anne David, he moved with his family to Montreal in 1852.

He received his education at the Christian Brothers' School.

In 1856, he was apprenticed to the trade of house painting, which he followed, together with that of contractor, until 1872.

In 1886, he was elected alderman to the Montreal City Council for St. Mary's Ward, and was re-elected by acclamation in 1889.

He was acting mayor, and member of the Finance, Water and City Hall committees.