Martin family.

Joshua Lanier Martin, the twelfth Governor of Ala., was born on 1799 Dec. 5 in Blount Co., Tenn. to Warner and Martha Martin. He moved to Ala. in 1819 where he completed his law studies, was admitted to the bar and began his law practice in Athens, Limestone Co. Between the years 1822-1828, with the exception of one year, Martin served as a State Legislator. Between the years of 1829 and 1845 he served in a variety of political positions. In 1845 Martin was elected Governor of Ala. During his term the state capitol was moved from Tuscaloosa to Montgomery. After his term was over Governor Martin continued to practise law until his death on 1856 Nov. 2.

Governor Martin married twice, first to Mary Gillam Mason and then to her sister Sarah Ann Mason. Sarah Ann and Joshua Martin had seven children, five sons and two daughters.