Jasper S. Martin is well known in financial circles of north-eastern Oklahoma as cashier of the Farmers State Bank of Vinita, with which he has been identified for the past nineteen years, and has promoted the success of the institution by systematic, progressive and conscientious work. He was born in St. Charles, Missouri, April 12, 1880, of the union of Rev. George M. and Hardenia (Tyler) Martin, also natives of that state, the former born in Saline County and the latter in St. Charles County. The father continued to engage in farming in Missouri until 1889, when he. came to Indian Territory, establishing his home near Vinita, where he devoted his attention to the raising of fine driving horses, being the owner of Rex Forrest; one of the most noted horses in the country. He was also a minister of the Baptist Church, taking up religious work when he was twenty-one years of age and continuing active along that line until his demise in February, 1918, at the age of seventy-eight. During his later years he lived retired in Vinita. The mother passed away on the farm near the town in 1905. The father was a Democrat in his political views and fraternally was identified with the Masonic order.
Mr. Martin passed the days of his boyhood on the home farm in Craig County, attending the public schools of Vinita and a business college at Sedalia, Missouri. When twenty-two years of age he entered financial circles, securing a humble position in the Farmers State Bank of Vinita and receiving for his services a wage of three dollars and a half per week. His ready adaptability and faithful performance of each task assigned him soon won the attention of his superior officers and he was promoted from one position to another of greater importance and responsibility. For the past fifteen years he has been cashier, a director and the principal stockholder of the bank, which now ranks with the leading institutions of this character in northeastern Oklahoma. He has devoted his life to the banking business and broad experience and careful training have given him a comprehensive understanding of the details of modern finance. The policy of the bank has been largely influenced by his business principles and his untiring labors, unquestioned integrity and keen insight into business affairs and situations have been effective forces in promoting the success of the institution. He has made extensive investments in Delaware and Craig County lands and, like his father, is a lover of fine horses, engaging for several years in raising thoroughbreds on his farm near Vinita, but has discontinued his activities along that line.
Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Nannie Hunt of Vinita, a daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Harlin) Hunt, the former a native of Illinois, while the latter was born in the Rose district of the Cherokee Nation, in Indian Territory. Both are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have become the parents of four children: Howard, Jasper Spencer, Jr., Thomas and Nancy Jean. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have many friends in Vinita and Mrs. Martin is popular in social circles of the city.
Mr. Martin is a member of the Hillcrest Country Club and the Vinita Gun Club and aided in organizing the latter organization. He is fond of fishing and hunting and has a kennel of fine stag and fox hounds. Energy, perseverance and thrift are recognized the world over as the foundation of material prosperity and these three qualities are possessed by Mr. Martin. He enjoys the esteem of many friends and fully deserves the honor that is accorded the fortunate individual who has fought and won in the great battle of life.
