COLONEL JOSEPH MARTIN.
Son of English parents, who emigrated from Bristol, England, and settled
in Albemarle county, Virginia. Colonel Martin was born in Albemarle
county in the year 1740. Married Susanna Childs. Settled in Pittsylvania
county, Virginia. In 1765 attempted the establishment of Martin's Station,
in Powell's Valley, but was driven off by the Indians. Afterwards appointed
entry-taker by Colonel Richard Henderson for that portion of the
Henderson purchase situated in Powell's Valley. Commanded a company of
men upon Christian's expedition against the Cherokees in 1776. Appointed
Indian agent and stationed at Long Island of Holston river, which position
he occupied until the year 1789. Was a member of the Convention of North
Carolina called for the adoption or rejection of the Federal Constitution,
and several times a member of the General Assembly of North Carolina.
About the year 1790 he returned to his old home in Henry county, Virginia.
Was soon thereafter elected to the General Assembly of Virginia
from Henry county, and continued to serve in that capacity until he himself
thought he was by age unfit for further usefulness. Died in 1808, in
the sixty-eighth year of his age.
