He was born May 2, 1835, in Stevensburg, New Jersey. In 1842, when he was seven years of age, his father, William Stiff, emigiated with his family to Michigan, and located at Pontiac. William Stiff had followed the business of a mill wright, and after coming to Michigan operated a grist mill at Clintonville, in Waterford township, until 1857. During that year Martin Stiff and his father came to Holly, where they have since resided. Martin Stiff purchased the "Holly mills," then owned by William F. Hadley, and then containing two run of stone. He has since added five additional run, and a seventy-five horse power steam engine, for use when the water is low. He employs ten regular hands, and does probably the largest business of the kind in the county. Besides manufacturing a daily average of one hundred and fifty barrels of flour, he has a large custom trade. Most of the flour manufactured is shipped to points east, while a considerable portion goes to Toledo.

Mr. Stiff has made a remarkable success in his line, and both himself and his manufactures are widely known. He is the oldest of a family of three children, two sons and one daughter. Was married in May, 1860, to Almira Bartow, also a native of New Jersey, but living at the time in Holly. Mr. and Mrs. Stiff are the parents of three children, one son and two daughters, all living. In politics Mr. Stiff is a strong Republican. He and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian church of Holly.