Martin A Hoover was born near Apple Creek, Wayne Co, Ohio, Sept. 20th, 1834, where he lived until 1854, when, at the age of 20 years, he moved with his parents to Clinton Twp, Elkhart Co, Ind.

In 1860 he was married to Margaret Musser and settled in Clinton Twp. To this union were born ten children, three daughters and seven sons, of whom Catharine Witmer, of Mahoning Co, Ohio, William A Hoover, of Harrison Twp, and Enos Hoover, of Baugo Twp, Elkhart Co, Ind, are the only survivors.

In 1870 he removed from Clinton to Harrison Twp, where he resided to the time of his death.

His first wife Margaret Musser died in 1882, and in 1884 he married as his second wife Elizabeth Hartman, whose maiden name was Good. To this union were born three children, two sons and one daughter, all of whom are still living.

He united with the Mennonite church thirty-six years ago, and in 1875 he was chosen and ordained to the ministry. He was a faithful member of the church, and discharged the solemn duties of his office as a minister to the best of his ability until the Lord called him away from the trials and the toils of this earthly life to the realities of the life to come. He died Nov 26th, 1895, aged 61 years, 2 months and 6 days.

During his last illness he suffered very severely from a complication of diseases for a number of weeks, all of which he bore with patience and resignation to the will of the Lord, and looked forward to the hour of his departure, having a desire to depart and be with Christ which is far better. He was buried at the Yellow Creek M H on Nov 29th, where funeral services were conducted by C Bear, Michael Shirk and Martin Ramer, from the text, Rev 14: 13.

How blest the righteous when he died!
When sinks a weary soul to rest,
How mildly beam the closing eyes,
How gently heaves th' expiring breast.

Life's labor done, as sinks the clay,
Light from its load the spirit flies;
While heaven and earth combine to say,
How blest the righteous when he dies.

Herald of Truth
Vol XXXII, No 23
1 December 1895