Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens
Lawrence County Pennsylvania 1897
[p. 332] resides in Plain Grove township, Lawrence Co., Pa., on a farm which he purchased many years ago. He has his life through followed the vocation of cultivating the soil, and has attained by means of thrifty ways and correct manners of life a prominence and standing which places him easily in the front rank of Lawrence County's prosperous and solid men. Mr. Martin was born in Washington township, this county, Feb. 19, 1832. He attended school and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty. Upon his marriage at the age of twenty-three Mr. Martin received from his father a 100-acre plot of land in Washington township, which he held for several years, ultimately selling it and buying a farm of 190 acres in extent in Plain Grove township. This is the property on which he now resides. It is located in an especially desirable position, and has been developed to the highest point attainable by modern methods. A large and very well-ventilated barn belongs to the estate, and a comfortable and commodious farm-house serves as our subject's residence. The orchards, grain fields, and meadow land will compare very favorably with the best in Lawrence County, a section of the State which is noted for its fine farms.
Mr. Martin is a son of William Martin, who was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1796. He had learned the carpenter's trade while still a lad, but when he came to this side of the stormy Atlantic when yet a young man he began farming. He worked for three years in Chester Co., Pa., and then in 1817 returned to Ireland, was married, and returned to the States with his wife. The lady, whom he married, was Agnes Martin, born Martin, in County Armagh, May 4, 1793. The young couple settled to encounter the stern duties of life in Washington County; they lived three years in Washington borough, and then moved into Lawrence County, locating in Washington township. They both reached a good old age, Mr. Martin departing this life Dec. 12, 1870, at the age of seventy-four, and his wife March 5, 1874, aged eighty-one years. During life they were very active members of the Seceder denomination, and were otherwise well known in the social and religious life of the township. As a citizen, Mr. Martin was no less energetic than as a farmer. He was a strong Democrat, wielding much influence in local circles, and served his fellow-citizens in several public capacities, among them being that of constable. He was an upright man, a good farmer, and a worthy citizen. Through hard labor, directed by a good head, he prospered exceedingly and died esteemed by all who knew him.
Thomas Martin, the subject of this history, on June 10, 1853, wedded his first wife, Maria Jordan, whose parents were Michael and Rebecca (Ramsey) Jordan, members of a very prominent and representative Washington township family. To this union three children were born, two of whom survive. They are Agnes Rebecca and Margaret Elvira. Elizabeth Ann was the name of the daughter that died. Agnes Rebecca became the wife of Renwick Nelson, who is the proprietor of a large furniture store in Mercer, Pa. Nine children came to them, of whom the following seven are now alive: Maria M.; Martha; James; Bessie J.; Thomas M.; Grace A.; and Elsie. Margaret Elvira is the wife of Dr. Alexander B. Hamilton of Laramie City, Wyoming. Some time after the decease of his first wife, on Sept. 23, 1879, in Plain Grove township, Mr. Martin contracted a matrimonial alliance with Mrs. Martha McCune, the widow of James D. McCune. She was born in Plain Grove township and was a daughter of John and Margaret (Patterson) Offutt. Of this marriage one son was born, James David McCune.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin were formerly members of the Presbyterian Church, and are very well known in all circles of social and religious life in the township. Mr. Martin's politics are of the Democratic school. In that party his advice and counsel have much weight and influence. Besides his farming interests, he is a member of the firm of Offutt, White & Co., leading undertakers of New Castle, and has a number of other business affairs that take up fully his extra time.
Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens Lawrence County Pennsylvania
Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo, N.Y., 1897
Previous Biography | Table of Contents | Next Biography
Explanation/Caution | Lawrence Co. Maps | Lawrence Co. Histories
Updated: 26 May 2001