Family background
James Martin was born on 16 March 1850 in Sydney, the son of Francis, a contractor, and his wife Hannah, née Allan. In 1872 at Darlinghurst he married Elizabeth Bates (d.1923) and had three sons and a daughter. He died on 30 April 1898, aged 49, at Grantham, Burwood, New South Wales, and is buried in the Presbyterian section of Rookwood Cemetery.
Occupation & interests
Martin was educated at William Street and Fort Street Public schools and at Sydney Grammar. He established James Martin & Co, machinery merchants and agricultural implement makers of Clarence and George Streets. He became the senior partner of the Company and his eldest son Leslie was also involved. By 1895, he was living at Grantham, Shaftesbury Road, Burwood.
Community activity
Martin was Vice President of the Royal Agricultural Society, Director of the Sydney Hospital, and Special Commissioner to the Chicago Exposition in 1892. He was President of the New South Wales Cyclists Union.
Parliamentary service
Martin was a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for South Sydney from 2 February 1889 to 5 June 1894 when the new Electoral Act came into force and he was re-elected for Sydney?Bligh from 17 July 1894 to 5 July 1895.
Local government service
James Martin was Alderman for Denison Ward, 1 December 1888 to 30 November 1891.
References
City of Sydney Archives: Aldermen’s Files; Photos: CRS 54/394; NSCA CRS 51/3467, Demolition Books, 1900-1949
Connolly, C N 1983, Biographical Register of the New South Wales Parliament 1856-1901, ANU
Daily Telegraph 7 May 1898
Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW: Letter to electors of South Sydney 1891 ML MSS 5736
Parliament of New South Wales, Former Members, Mr Martin James
Society of Australian Genealogists: Rookwood Index
Sydney Mail 7 May 1898