The Martin Family Legacy

The Martin Family Legacy begins with our first Patriach: Lourenza Dow Martin. Lourenza was born into slavery in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky in 1833.

After the Civil War many freed Black Americans were struggling to find a new way of life. However in 1866 Lourenza entered a contract to purchase a 125 acre property. This was an extraordinary accomplishment.

Lourenza had 14 children between 1855 and 1878, 5 boys and 9 girls, all were raised in the way of a Martin.

His 5 sons became skilled Tradesmen, Land Owners, and Farmers.

Finis Martin, Lourenza’s second eldest son was born in 1859 just a few years before the start of the United States Civil War. Finis Martin became a Farmer, an Educator, and a Businessman.

At a young age, he started acquiring property which became known as the Finis Martin Estate. He excelled in farming and amassed a large estate. Finis was a wise man with skills in reading and writing. In 1932 he bequeathed a portion of the property to his son Herbert Leslie Martin. This is the plot where the Martin Family home stands today.

In 1896, Finis’ third son Herbert Leslie Martin was born and raised in the one room house that sat upon the Finis Martin property.

“As a boy, he attended the Rhodes Chapel school going as far as the eighth grade. As a young man, Herbert learned everything he could from his father and from his favorite hobby, Reading.” - The Martin Family Legacy Written by Barry Duvall

Throughout the early 1900s, Herbert would go on to expand the impact of Martin Acres in the Rhoades Chapel community. He would have 15 children and the family would make a name within the Muhlenberg county community. Just like his Father and Grandfather, Herbert pursued farming with a Passion. He would go on to raise a variety of Crops and Livestock.

By the mid 1900s the Martin Family had grown very large and widespread. In 1956 Herbert Leslie Martin oversaw the first Martin Family Reunion, an event to promote fellowship, unity, and Legacy. This landmark occasion would become an annual tradition that has been successful for 60 years and counting. Herbert Leslie Martin understood and embodied the Martin Family Legacy.

Halloween night of 1968 was a fateful night for the Martin Family, Herbert Leslie Martin passed away wrapped in the arms of his son Howitt Cecil Martin. His final words to his son and dying wish was to “Keep the Land”.

With grief in his heart, Howitt embraced the responsibility of leading the Martin Family.

Howitt kept his promise and took great care to continue the ways of a Martin. Howitt continued the farming practices that made Martin’s successful for generations. With great foresight and wisdom, Howitt incorporated Martin Acres in 1984. This innovative action created a legal foundation for the Martin Family and it’s assets. Howitt Martin was the patriarch of the family and President of Martin Acres, Inc. until his passing in 2022.

The Martin Family Legacy is a rich tradition of Family, Entrepreneurship, and Farming that continues today.

Martin Acres Board of Directors 2024

contact@martinacresinc.com