My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM J. MARTIN. When the country now known as the State of Pennsylvania became a haven of refuge for the persecuted and oppressed, she so endeared herself to these home-seeking emigrants that their children and their children’s children have been content to find their homes within her borders. Wendell Martin was born in Germany in 1749, came to America, and died in 1825, leaving a son John, whose third son was Philip.

Philip Martin was born in Franklin county, four miles southwest of Shippensburg, Sept. 13, 1812. His active years were devoted to farming, and he became a large land holder. He did not, however, confine his interests to agriculture, but was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Shippensburg, and was one of its directors at the time of his death, which occurred March 31, 1885. He was a faithful member of the Church of God. His political views coincided with the principles advocated by the Republican party. He married Elizabeth Crall, who was born in Franklin county in 1813, and died Feb. 5, 1842. After her death Mr. Martin was twice married. Of his children four died in infancy. Among the others were: Mrs. Charles Clippinger; William J.; John W., deceased; George Crall, deceased; Henry, deceased; and Mrs. Annie Bown.

William J. Martin received a good practical education, attending school until he was eighteen. From his early boyhood he had assisted his father on the farm, and he continued at home until August, 1862, when he enlisted in the Union army. He became a member of Company D, 130th P. V. I., Col. Zinn commanding the regiment, and Capt. Kelso the Company. They were ordered to the front, and after a short service Mr. Martin returned home, and resumed his farming. Soon after the organization of the Rummel, Himes Co., for the manufacture of pants, working coats, overalls and shirts, he became one of the stockholders, and during the years of his active connection with the firm acted in the position of shipping clerk.

In 1869 Mr. Martin was united in marriage with Ann B. Garver, of Cumberland county, a daughter of Jacob D. and Sarah (Mentzer) Garver, formerly of Washington county, Md., and five children have blessed this union: Ida M., wife of Samuel Shover, of Shippensburg; Elva M., who married F. G. Etter; H. Elmer, of Shippensburg; William O., at home; Mertie A., wife of Edward Stevick, of Shippensburg. Both Mr. and Mrs. Martin are active workers in the Reformed Church, in which for a number of years he has held the office of deacon. Mr. Martin is a man of unquestioned integrity, and is an earnest supporter of all measures that have for their object the uplifting of humanity. He is an advocate of a clean government, and of men of honesty and morality for the office-holders.