Thanks to Becky Teubner Dubuque Iowa Biographies Project M. H. MARTIN is a member of the firm of Martin & Strelau, of Dubuque, general freight and transfer agents and wholesale and retail dealers in wood and coal. They are now doing a good business and the members of the firm are numbered among the wide-awake and substantial business men of this community. Mr. Martin was born in New York City in 1854, and is of Irish descent. His parents, George and Mary (Murdock) Martin, were both natives of the Emerald Isle, The father was born in County Down, Ireland, and in 1853 crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in New York, The following year he came to Dubuque, where his death occurred July 16, 1894, at the age of seventy-seven. His wife is still living. Midst play and work the childhood days of our subject were passed. During his infancy he was brought by his parents to Dubuque, where he was reared to manhood. He acquired his education in the public schools and his first independent effort in life was as a mail carrier, a position which he filled for some time in this city. He then purchased his father's freight and transfer line which he has since successfully conducted, his business steadily increasing and yielding to him a comfortable competence. In 1889 he admitted to partnership Paul E. Strelau, under the firm name of Martin & Strelau, which connection has since continued. In the freight and transfer business they employ some twenty-five men. They also deal in wood and coal, handling anthracite and bituminous coal, and oak, maple and pine woods. In this branch of their business they also enjoy a good trade, the enterprise proving a profitable one. December 25, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Martin and Miss Gussie E. Strelau, daughter of John and Emily (Tanken) Strelau, who were early settlers of Dubuque, Four children grace this union, two sons and two daughters, Florence A., Frederick D., Mabel Harriet and Harrold P. The parents are both faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and with their family reside at No, 208 West Fourteenth Street, In his political views Mr. Martin is a Republican, and though he warmly advocates the principles of the party, he has had neither time nor inclination for public office. Socially, he is connected with Apollo Lodge, K. of P.; and Julien Lodge, I. O. O. F. His residence in this city covers a period of forty years, and he has therefore witnessed the greater part of its growth and development, and has seen the progress and advancement which has been achieved through the progressive and practical efforts of such citizens as himself. Mr. Martin started out to make his own way in the world at the early age of thirteen, and has since been entirely dependent upon his own resources. Steadily he has worked his way upward, overcoming the difficulties and obstacles in his path by industry and perseverance. He may truly be called a self-made man, and as such we present him to our readers.