Biography - Martin Hamm
MARTIN HAMM. It is not to be wondered at that so many Ohio men have come
to Illinois and have here engaged in business, for the conditions of life in
the two States are somewhat similar, with the advantages in point of
business opportunities in favor of the Prairie state. Our subject is a
native of Ohio, having been born near Good Hope September 11, 1859. As his
name would indicate, he belongs to that race of people of whom we have a
great many worthy representatives in this country. He is of German parentage
and ancestry, his father, Jacob Hamm, having been a native of Germany, as
was also his mother, Agnes (Miller) Hamm. They emigrated to this country in
1848.
When about eight years of age our subject removed to Shelby County, this
State with his parents, who settled in Richland Township, where they died.
There he of whom we write grew to manhood, being reared on a farm. He
received a common-school education that fitted him for the practical
business of life, but remained on the farm till 1873, when he became a clerk
for Wilson Brothers, in their business house at Strasburg. There he remained
for about four years and then launched into business for himself, becoming
proprietor of a mercantile house. He carried a good stock of merchandise and
prospered in his new venture and at the end of eighteen months he took a
partner, the other member of the firm being J. N. Storm. They continued
together for a period of about four years, when they dissolved partnership,
and Mr. Hamm built the store which he at present occupies. He carries an
extensive and well-selected stock of clothing, hats, caps, boots and shoes,
with gentlemen's furnishing goods.
In 1890, in company with Henry Stewardson, the original of our sketch built
the hardware store in Strasburg and in connection with it they keep a good
line of farm implements, furniture, stoves and tinware. They here carry on
an extensive business. In 1886 Mr. Hamm built a very large hay barn, which
he operated for three years. This he finally traded for a farm, of which he
owns one hundred and thirty-four acres. Mr. Hamm's married life began in
Shelby County, Ill., where he was married to Miss Mattie Shelton, a daughter
of Joel Shelton, of Strasburgh. She was born in Shelby County, this state,
and is a woman of marked personal charms and the center of the best social
life in the community. Our subject and his wife are the parents of two
children, whose names are Wordy K. and Agnes. Our subject has served in
various public offices, having been Treasurer of the Village Board for
several years. He is now the Treasurer of the Loan Association. As do all
loyal American citizens, he of whom we write takes an active interest in
political affairs and is a member of the Democratic party, throwing his
influence in favor of that party at every opportunity.
Extracted 13 Jan 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 425-426.
