MARTIN L. CROMER. Probably there is no better known citizen in Anderson than Martin L. Cromer, who for more than twelve years has served in the capacity of assistant postmaster here, and whose efficient, courteous and obliging services have not only been of great value to his adopted city, but have served to gain hint widespread popularity. Mr. Cromer entered upon his career as a member of the legal profession, but since his appointment to his official position he has given the greater part of his attention to the disarge of its duties. He is a native of the Hoosier state, having been born at Newcastle in Henry County, March 9, 1854, a son of Josiah and Mary A. (Schultz) Cromer, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of Henry County, Indiana. Josiah Cromer was born July 11, 1825, and was one of twin sons. His father was George Cromer, who was born on the 3d of June, 1788, and the maternal grandfather was born June 3, 1810, in Pennsylvania.
Martin L. Cromer received his early educational training in the public schools of Middletown, Indiana, and from there enrolled as a student at the State University at Bloomington, where he continued to assiduously pursue his studies for several years. Following this he spent two years at Butler University, Irvington, Indiana, and then going to Springfield, Ohio, spent two years in Wittenberg College and graduated therefrom in 1879. For one year after leaving college Mr. Cromer was engaged in teaching school, and in 1880 he came to Anderson as an educator, but not long afterward went to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where he passed twelve months. Returning to Indiana, he located on a farm in Delaware County, where he remained until 1888, and then gave his attention to farming in Madison County, in which he met with a satisfying degree of success, but in 1896 again came to Anderson and began to read law in the office of the well known legal firm of Wood & Ellis, being admitted to the bar in 1898. In 1901 he began his active practice alone, and in the same year. received the appointment to the office of deputy postmaster under Robert Grimes, a position he has continued to hold under succeeding postmasters to the present time. Mr. Cromer manifests a commendable interest in all the live topics of the day and withholds his support from no measure which his judgment tells him will be of benefit to his city or its people. His many admirable qualities have gained him a wide circle of friends, and Anderson numbers him among its dependable citizens. In political matters he has always supported Republican candidates and principles. His fraternal connection is with the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias.
In 1880 Mr. Cromer was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Bronnenberg, of Anderson, Indiana, a daughter of the late Carrol Bronnenberg. Three children have been born to this union, namely Mrs. Ethel E. Forse, whose husband, Harry Forse, Jr., is secretary of the Union Traction Company of Indiana: Maud D. became the wife of Dr. J. D. Miller, a physician at Indianapolis, Indiana; and Grace, who married Dr. 0. B. Norman, who is engaged in the practice of medicine at Bedford, Indiana.