 From 1883 to 1909 he served as editor of the "Electrical World", after 1909 was executive secretary of the National Electric Light Association, and in 1900–1911 was a special agent of the United States Census Office.Martin lectured at the Royal Institution of Engineers, London, the Paris Société Internationale des Electriciens, the University of Nebraska, and Columbia University.He was a founding member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, and served as president in 1887-1888.