He worked for the adoption of the Organic Act, and was part of the convention of July, 1899 that created Oklahoma Territory.

[1] at the same time US President Benjamin Harrison appointed George Washington Steele as Oklahoma Territory's first Governor.

Martin would serve as acting governor until President Harrison appointed Abraham Jefferson Seay on February 1, 1892.

Then Martin returned to his position as secretary, where he continued to serve until Grover Cleveland was elected president.

His chief accomplishment was retiring the city's debt and putting its financial house in order.