My Genealogy Hound

MARTIN KEMMERER, who for many years was connected with the agricultural interests of Lehigh County, but is now living a retired life in Allentown, was born in Salisbury Township, of the county which is still his home, December 28, 1818. His father, Martin Kemmerer, was a native of the same locality, and the grandfather, Henry Kemmerer, was also born in Pennsylvania. The family is of German descent, ancestors having emigrated from Wurtemberg to America during early Colonial days. Martin Kemmerer, Sr., made farming his life occupation. As a companion and helpmate on life’s journey he chose Deborah Waters, who was born in Upper Milford Township, then a part of Northampton County. Her father, Philip Waters, was also a native of the same county. To Mr. and Mrs. Kemmerer were born seven children, six sons and a daughter: Maria, wife of Adam Loudenochater; Philip, Henry, David and Solomon, all deceased; Martin, of this sketch; and Daniel, who has also passed away, The father of this family was called to the home beyond on the 17th of March. 1854, and his wife died in June, 1841.

Our subject is the only surviving member of the family. His early education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by study in a select school in Stewartville, N. J., after which he further pursued his studies in Fairfield, Ohio. On beginning business for himself, he turned his attention to farming, and secured land in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, where for twenty-four years he engaged in the raising of grain. His fields were always well tilled, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place was evidence to the passer-by of the careful supervision of the owner.

Mr. Kemmerer was married on the 14th of March, 1843, to Miss Sarah Bruner, a daughter of William Bruner, of Lehigh County. By their union were born five children: William, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Mary, wife of Jacob N. Backenstoe, of Lehigh County; Sarah N., wife of Philip Kemmerer, a resident of Illinois; Leah, wife of Dr. Thomas H. Leidy, of Boyertown; and Martin, who is deceased. The mother of this family was called to her final rest August 6, 1884, and on the 9th of December, 1886, Mr. Kemmerer was united in marriage with Agnes Seler, widow of Charles Seler, and a daughter of Ferdinand Doering. They have one child, Martin, Jr.

Having followed farming until 1867, our subject then removed to Allentown, where he is now living a retired life. For eighteen years he has been connected with the Second National Bank of this place. He is the owner of the old homestead in Salisbury Township, which has been in possession of the family for more than one hundred years. It comprises one hundred and thirty acres of rich land, upon which are a good house and barn and other necessary improvements. In politics he is a Republican, having supported that party for a number of years. He served for some time as a member of the Select Council, and while living upon the farm was for twenty years Justice of the Peace. That the duties of the office were promptly and faithfully performed is indicated by his long continued service. He holds membership with St. Michael’s Church, and has filled many of its offices. His public and private life are alike above reproach, and his honorable, upright career has gained for him the confidence and high regard of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.