John Martin: Expert Observer

In this volume, which Martin began writing in 1867 and concluded in the early 1870s, he continues the political discussions that comprise much of his Scrap & Sketch Book, written from 1864-1866.

An ardent Republican, Martin was a supporter of Ulysses S. Grant's campaign for the presidency in 1872. He offers his own views of Horace Greeley, Grant's opponent, and other Democratic candidates for state and local offices. With illustrations and commentary, he profiles -- and strongly criticizes -- a number of Bangor area politicians.

Martin is especially critical of Irish immigrants and Catholics, convinced that they were being led by "rum sellers" and others to vote against their own best interests.

Martin wrote, "I have devoted a large portion of this book to politicks because our food and raiment depends on the issue of the day as much as the question does whether we shall be governed by foreign ideas and Policies or whether we are and will be capable of governing ourselves."

The volume, however, also showcases his interests in architecture and design with a section on gate designs for various uses, his ideal farm and barn structures, and a detailed illustration of a house he admired.

He also sketched and described several apple trees and apples and other trees of which he was proud.

This scrapbook is broken into seven sections to facilitate access. Click on links below or, for more details about the content of each section, use navigation at left.