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Note: Martin was born in York, Racine County, Wisconsin, according to his confirmation record in the Madison Congregation, Winneshiek County, Iowa. He is in Madison, Iowa, at the time of the 1870 census. The family can then be found in Hayward, Freeborn County, Minnesota, at the time of the 1880 census. Martin is living there with his brother Mads and his wife Ingeborg, along with his mother, father, and grandmother.
In 1884, Martin married Berthe Anderson in Oldham, Kingsbury County, South Dakota. It is interesting to note that general settlement started in this area in 1878. Berthe had resided with her family and step-sister in the Blooming Prairie area, Freeborn County, Minnesota. It is not known whether Berthe and Martin knew each other before moving to Oldham, but they lived in nearby townships in Freeborn County. Martin joined the Oldham Lutheran Church November 16, 1885.
Early church records show that Martin was active in the Lutheran Church. He had a business there as well and the 1900 census shows he owned his home free of mortgage. He was a harnessmaker. He sold this business to John Leonard, then moved to Wisconsin. Berthe was also active in the Ladies' Aid. The Ramona Centennial History (1886-1986) (Leader Printing Co., 1986), lists Martin and Iver Madson as property owners in Wayne Township, Lake County, along with an M. E. Madson.
In 1901(?), the minister of the church in Oldham, Pastor Minne, persuaded some of the people to move with him to Catawba, Wisconsin. The Martin Madson family moved with him, except for Edward. Edward moved back and forth between Oldham and Catawba until his marriage to Clara. Ed and Clara then settled in Oldham briefly until moving to Catawba. In 1910, Martin was injured in a farming accident and died several months later. Bertha was left with several small children. She remained on the farm and lived there with her two youngest sons until her death in 1943.
Martin wrote to Kolben Larson in Pleasant Spring, Dane County, Wisconsin, in March 1900, inquiring about his maternal aunt (letter in possession of Ken Pierrard). He was told that she was living in the County Welfare House. I searched, but could find no record of her.
From Oldham Register:
January 14, 1910: " Word has been received that M. I. Madson, formerly of this place, is in serious condition at his home in Wisconsin. He was lifting some heavy article and is thought a blood vessel in his head ruptured."
June 17, 1910: "Edwin Madson received word announcing that his father was critically ill at his home in Wisconsin, and later word brought the sad news of his death. Edwin started for Wisconsin Thursday. M. I. Madson was among the pioneers here and for several years conducted a harness shop at this place. A few years ago he located on a farm in Wisconsin. He received injuries in the winter while lifting some heavy object from which he never recovered. His wife and children have the sympathy of Oldham friends."
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Martin purchased land in Lake County Dakota Territory.
Land Office; Mitchell D.T.
No. 12137, June 2, 1881
Approved Jan. 27, 1886
March 19, 1884: Section 13 in Twp. 118, Range 54 W. of 5th Principal meridian, 160 acres at $1.25 per
acre
March 19, 1884: Southwest quarter of Section 13, 108N of Range No. 54N 5 PM, 160 acres
Affidavit of publication in Madison Sentinel for 6 weeks from Jan. 11 to Feb. 22, 1884
Pre-Emption Entry March 19, 1884. Pre-Emption Claim of Martin Madson No. 14484 for Southwest of Sec. 13, wp. 108, Range 54 alleging he settled the land on the 2nd of June 1881.
Pre-emption proof said he first settled on the claim June 7, 1881 by breaking the land and adding a house and well. The improvements cost $200. He commenced residency in September 1882. He was to farm the land and he culitivated 18 acres of it.
Pre-emption Proof-Testimony of Claimant: He first settled there June 7, 1881 by breaking 18 acres of the land and building a house...$150.00. He first established residence there Sept. 1882, he croped the land, broke 18 acres for wheat..26 bu. to the acre. He signed the document
Added 9'/08
Martin's cash entry land documents, No. 12137
Section 13, Tp. 108, R. 54 Approved January 27, 1886
Cash entry document June 1881
Receipt for $200
18 acres cultivated in wheat
Madison Sentinel newspaper notices regarding claim.
Non mineral affidavit
Recept for $2.00 register fees.
Preemption Proof-Testimony of Witness: Martin was single; a native; first settled there June 7, 1881; built a house and broke ground, dug a well.
Preemption Proof document for Section 13, township 108, range 54m Mitchell Dakota Territory.
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