James Martin was a man who seemed to have the happy knack of being able to make a mountain out of a molehill. He helped transform Gawler into the town we see today through hard work and sheer perseverance. He came to Australia from England in search of prosperity and a new life. He was a man who knew his job well and he intended to use his skills and knowledge to create a business of his own, James Martin and Co. His business started off small but as his inventions, plans and ideas were gradually realised, he began to prosper and his business became the largest engineering company in the area. He had competition in Gawler with the likes of the May Brothers who wanted to beat Mr. Martin at his own game. But James Martin and Co. still prospered above all the rest to become the most powerful company in Gawler.
             James Martin was born in the year 1821. His mother was a widow. He had seven siblings and he was born into a difficult life. His father was in business as a founder, but when he died, there was no one else to carry on the firm. Martin lived in a village named Foundry (named after the foundry kept by his grandfather) situated in the Parish of Stithians, Cornwall. He received little schooling and at an early age he had to try and earn his own livelihood.
             After gaining some experience in his home town he then moved to Truro to work for a millwright and then moved on to the Treseaven Mine where he caught a glimpse of the first ever train like adaptation. Martin was asked to create a new model that would help save the miners the exertion of climbing up hundreds of feet on ladders to reach the surface. He made a model, which can now be seen at the Polytechnic Hall at Fallmouth.
             Martin had a great desire to sort out problems, the harder the better. This determination to overcome obstacles was the secret of much of his success in future life. However Martin's continuous work in draughty and damp mills did not help his health a...