Morgan Martin--A disputed history
Martin Drive Neighborhood's Namesake
The Martin Drive Neighborhood in and of itself is really not historically significant. I became very troubled as I did some basic research about the neighborhood. But as I did this research for the Martin Drive website I realized that its name sake, Morgan Martin had a very civically active life and is shrouded in controversy. History changes somewhat due to the record keeping of the time. I am not pretending to be an historian or keeper of history for the neighborhood, but I did discover some additional facts that may make people take notice of the man, his name and hopefully the charming neighborhood that his namesake street passes through.
Although I am not contesting the claim of Solomon Juneau and other early founders,. it was the assertion of the Madison historian Miss Louise P. Kellogg of Wisconsin Historical Society that "Morgan L. Martin of Green Bay was the real founder of Milwaukee". This statement was documented in an article captured from the Historical Society. The reference unfortunately is not dated and it is not certain which publication it is from. See it here. According to the article, the research was requested by the Milwaukee law firm of Williams and Sterns, in connection with the removal of the Milwaukee court house from its present site when the article was written.
Miss Kellogg's assertions stem from some research and review of letters and other news information of the day. She noted that Morgan Martin noted the advantages of the Harbor of Milwaukee, and secured from Lewis Cass, secretary of war, an order for a survey of land in Milwaukee. Martin made overtures to Juneau to take the undivided settlement of which Juneau was only resident at the time. Profits were shared between the men and most transactions occurred as a verbal agreement.
In the proceedings from the Settlers Club published in the news, A letter from Morgan Martin outlined his recollection of Morgan L Martin on January 4,1879. He describes the early visit to what is now Milwaukee and sketched the river flow to the lake and the trading possibilities due to harbor. Morgan, although never a permanent resident of the region, did promote the region to governmental concerns. Morgan also states that Juneau was the first resident white man with a dwelling and trading post on site. Shortly after this visit, Martin felt need to procure title to lands. The laws of the time and speculation finds Juneau faced with a thousand dollar offer for his quarter section of land. Martin advised Juneau to retain ownership indicating that after survey the value would skyrocket. Martin, sensing Juneau's need for cash, offered him the same figure for 1/2 the claim. Juneau's was reported to say "My friend (Martin), you shall have it; when I want the money I will draw on you for it." This verbal arrangement was the basis of Martin and Juneau's relationship. Morgan encouraged Juneau again to retain interest in other half of his claim and was able to prove the value shortly thereafter, of which Juneau was truly grateful. He continues to discuss the build up of the County seat and discusses the rivalry with Kilbourn.
Martin Recants his respect and admiration for Juneau again in an article printed in the Republican and News on June 27, 1881. He discusses his transactions with Juneau, his friendship and concerns for his friends business savvy, in regard to land and fortune he nearly lost.
Other records show gifts Martin made to the now City of Milwaukee. In a Milwaukee Sentinel article July 21,1895 reference a gift of land for the original City Hall from Martin. Additionally land for recreation was donated at court house square. See Milwaukee Journal and Milwaukee Sentinel references. The First Court house on land owned by Juneau and Martin and built at the two founders expense was another documented act of civic public spirit.
Martin is again praised in an article from Milwaukee Journal dated August 6 1929. Martin was proclaimed in headline ..."to Foresee the Real City Which Was to Rise"... This article recants Martins influence on Milwaukee History.
It is apparent after review of these works and other references, that this Martin guy played a big part in the controversy and development of early Milwaukee. Whether founder of Milwaukee, as Kellogg claimed or co-founder as claim in some references or just a facilitator of Milwaukee development, this is sure; that this man, Morgan Martin was influential in the the development of what Milwaukee has become and for these reasons Martin Drive residents can be proud of the street named after this man.