The township lines were surveyed in 1826. The first land was purchased with settlers arriving in 1836, and the first road survey following the next year. Martin Township was organized in 1839 and named in honor of President Martin Van Buren. Previous to that time, it had been a part of Plainfield Township.

In 1843 Wayland Township was set off from Martin Township. The Martin post office was established during the administration of President Van Buren, and other early settlements were Monteith and Shelbyville. A small band of Pottawatomie and Ottawa Indians occupied an opening of approximately 30 acres in Martin Township in the 30’s, but after some persuasion moved to a location in Wayland Township.

The Village of Martin was incorporated in 1947.