Background
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, to John Ansel who was an immigrant from Württemberg in Germany and Fredrika Bowers, also a German immigrant, Martin grew up in the German "colony" of Walhalla, South Carolina.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, to John Ansel who was an immigrant from Württemberg in Germany and Fredrika Bowers, also a German immigrant, Martin grew up in the German "colony" of Walhalla, South Carolina.
Common school education, Walhalla, South Carolina. Studied law under Major James H. Whitner, and admitted to bar, 1870.
He was admitted to the bar in 1870, first practicing law in Franklin, North Carolina, for four years, then in Greenville, South Carolina, where he became involved in politics. He served in the state legislature between 1882 and 1888, then was elected solicitor in the eighth Judicial Circuit, where he stayed until 1901. He explored a run for governor in 1902, but did not actually run until 1906.
He was re-elected in 1908.
He was interred in Springwood Cemetery in Greenville.
Member South Carolina. House of Representatives, 1882-1888.
Married Ophelia A. Speight, February 21, 1878 (died December 25, 1895).