Peter A. Martens, one of the younger representatives of the commercial life of Manning, was born in the town where he now resides on the 13th of April, 1885. He is a son of Detloff and Lena (Ehlers) Martens, for many years identified with the farming population of this county, but now living retired in Manning. Mr. Martens is a native of Germany from which country he emigrated to Clinton county, Iowa, whence he came to Carroll county. Later he acquired a farm in Washington township in the cultivation of which he engaged until his retirement. Both Mr. and Mrs. Martens affiliate with the Lutheran church and in politics he is a democrat. Their family numbers seven, in the following order of birth: Margaret, the wife of William Witt, of Washington township; John, also a resident of Washington township; William J., who is living in Manning; Defloff, of Washington township; Henry, of Manning; Annina, who is at home; and Peter A., our subject.

Reared at home Peter A. Martens obtained his education in the public schools of Manning, after the completion of which he entered the employment of the Manning Mercantile Company, having decided to adopt a commercial career. He clerked for this firm for four years, at the expiration of which time he accepted a position in the store of his brother with whom he remained a similar period. From there he went into the county clerk's office in the capacity of deputy, remaining for a year and a half. In September, 1910 he became associated with Jacob Ohde in the grain, stock and coal business, in which he continues to be engaged. During the brief period of their organization they have made very good progress and have every reason to feel assured of ultimately establishing a lucrative business.

Mr. Martens is unmarried and continues to make his home with his parents. He votes the democratic ticket, but thus far has not prominently participated in local politics, his entire attention at the present being concentrated upon his business.