My Genealogy Hound

JOAB MARTIN, in his lifetime a prominent citizen and well known coal and grain operator of Shippensburg, was a descendant of worthy Scotch-Irish ancestry.

Paul Martin, great-grandfather of Joab was one of eight brothers, who came to this country from the North of Ireland in the year 1725, and settled in Delaware county, Pa. In 1730 a part of the family of eight brothers moved into the Cumberland Valley. Four of the brothers were United Presbyterian ministers and about the year 1727 left Delaware county, Pa., and settled in North and South Carolina.

Paul Martin, father of Joab, was one of the first settlers of Shippensburg, Cumberland county, where he was born. In 1812 he was married to Mary Fry. To this union were born eleven children, six boys and five girls. Of these but two sons were married. Paul Martin was an extensive ironmaster, owning and operating the forge near Roxbury, Franklin county, Pa., and the furnace at the Big Pond, Cumberland county, Pa. He established and maintained a line of freighting teams from Pittsburg to Baltimore via Gettysburg, previous to the days of railroads. He won distinction as a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father, Col. Thomas Martin, and grandfather, Paul Martin, both served with much honor in the Revolutionary war.

Joab Martin was born in Shippensburg, Nov. 17, 1828. His educational opportunities compared favorably with those of the average boy of the time and locality. As he was energetic and cautious his business ventures met with abundant success. He was a man of integrity and unblemished character, cultured by extensive reading and reflection, and was endowed with all the graces of affection and charity. He was an extensive coal operator, and at his death, which occurred July 15, 1888, was succeeded in the management of his affairs by his very capable daughter, Miss Mary O’Brien Martin. Mr. Martin was a pronounced Republican in his political views, and in religious matters was a member of the Presbyterian Church, taking an active part in all its work.

On Nov. 22, 1863, Joab Martin was united in marriage with Lucinda Olivia Hostetter, who was born in Manheim, Lancaster county, Oct. 15, 1840, daughter of Abraham and Lydia (White) Hostetter. The former was a native of Switzerland, and the latter of Scotland. The Hostetters lived for many generations in Switzerland, and the Lancaster county branch is descended from the Swiss Hostetters. They were extensive land owners and builded and operated the first gristmill at Manheim, Lancaster county. Mrs. Martin was raised in the Lutheran Church, to which all her ancestors belonged. Since her marriage she has united with the Presbyterian Church, to which all their children belong. She is a cultured woman, having every advantage socially and educationally. Her education was finished at the Moravian Seminary, Linden Hall, Lititz, Pa. She was a devoted mother, companion and friend and to all her life will ever remain truly luminous with love and noble deeds. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin, as follows: Thomas Paul, a physician and surgeon, is located at Taos, N. M.; Mary O’Brien is at home; Rosanna Harriet is the wife of Bert G. Phillips, the noted Indian painter of New York; Nancy is at home; Margaret is the wife of William J. Yorke, a prominent attorney of Philadelphia, and now assistant city solicitor; Dorcas Lucinda is the wife of Arthur R. Iliff, of Germantown, who is engaged as buyer for the John Wanamaker store.

Miss Mary O’Brien Martin was born in the city of Shippensburg, and there attended the public schools and prepared for college. She then entered the Cumberland Valley State Normal School, where for several terms she continued her studies. She had always been of great assistance to her father in his business, and when he died she assumed the management of his affairs, conducting the same in a highly creditable and business-like manner. She is very practical in her work, and did she choose to enter the business world for herself would no doubt win a high place. In the spring of 1903 she retired from the management of the business, and now with her mother and sister occupies the old family home on Normal avenue. This home has been the scene of many pleasant events, for the Misses Martin are very popular among their friends at home and abroad. They have traveled extensively.