MARTIN, Wm. Cook (1833-1909)

MARTIN

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 3/5/2026 at 14:21:01

William Cook Martin
(June 21, 1833 - November 22, 1909)

Rev. W. C. Martin
Advocate Tribune, Indianola, Iowa, Nov 25, 1909, p.3
After an illness of several months duration, Rev. W. C. Martin passed away Monday afternoon at 4:45 at his home in this city. Rev. Martin began as a preacher in the Methodist church in 1853, we think at Boone, and came to Indianola first in 1879. After a pastorate here he was transferred to again return in the 90’s. In his home, the church, or on the street, Rev. Martin was always the same, and it was these manly traits of character that endeared him to his many friends. He was a student and had traveled abroad, always alert to see and hear all that was wholesome and good, his life was spent in doing good to others. As a man he was void of all outward show and ostentation, and as a preacher his work was accomplished in a modest, unassuming, yet forceful and effective manner – his sermons were always pure and helpful. During the protracted illness of Rev. Martin he maintained the same genial disposition and ever greeted his friends who called with a smile and cordial handshake that was full of meaning. He was plain of speech, yet kindly of heart, with always a word of good cheer for those whose burden seemed at time heavy, and in his gentle manner sympathized with those in bereavement or trouble. While all of this can be truthfully said of Rev. Martin and can also be said that he was inclined to look on the bright side of life and rejoiced with friends when it was proper to do so. He was a true Christian in the fullest meaning of the word; a real man whose acquaintance was valuable, and whose friendship was as lasting as the hills. Such men as Rev. Martin have made the world better. Short funeral services were held at the home yesterday afternoon conducted by Rev. E. M. Holmes. The pall bearers were selected from the Odd Fellows lodge of which he had long been a beloved member and to whom in years gone by Rev. Martin in his daily life exemplified the true meaning of friendship, love and truth.