... (III) Festus Hanks, son of James and Edith Davidson (Wilson) Martin, was born at Pennsboro, in the stone house, September 1, 1840. His education was received in the subscription schools, and he worked in his boyhood on the farm. In 1859 he was appointed assistant circuit clerk under T. W. Watson. He held this position until 1860, then returned to the farm. For about five years he was engaged in agriculture and the timber business ; then he went to Burning Springs, Wirt county, West Virginia, and was there engaged till 1869 in the oil business. Selling this interest and returning to Pennsboro, Mr. Martin took a contract in timber and staves, which continued to 1872. Going to Volcano, Wood county, he again engaged himself in oil. In 1878 he returned to Pennsboro, and from that year to 1880 he ran the grist mill. He is now a general wholesale dealer in hides and wool. Today he is one of the most prominent citizens of Pennsboro, and is the oldest living native of this place. In 1871 he was elected county superintendent of free schools, but his moving to Wood county a few months later caused his resignation of this position. He was appointed by Governor Jackson in 1882 to revalue the land of the first district of Ritchie county. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and a charter member of the Pennsboro lodge of this order. Mr Martin is a member of the Methodist Protestant church. He married, February, 1869, Harriet V., daughter of Jonathan Dye, who died in Fegruary, 1897. At the time of her marriage, she was a resident of Marietta, Ohio. Children: Campbell D. ; Festus Hall; Edith D., married Silas F. Smith ; Susan, married J.L. Silcott ; Charles, died in infancy ; Catharine.
