History of Bucks County, Pa Volume 3 by William H. Davis
Names and Page # Index

ADAM MARTIN, who is engaged in farming near Chalfont, was born in New Britain township, March 20, 1853, and is of German parentage. He is a son of George and Harriet (Bailmyer) Martin, both of whom were natives of Wittenberg, Germany, where they were reared and married. Following the birth of two of their children they came to America, crossing the Atlantic about 1850. George Martin established his home in Bucks county, where he worked as a day laborer for some time. Subsequently he purchased a small tract of land at New Galenda, built a house and after a few years sold that property and bought again at Eden, where he also erected a dwelling. After residing there for many years he retired from business life and now makes his home in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was employed by the Reading Railroad Company for many years in different capacities, and now with a comfortable competence saved from his earnings is enjoying a well merited rest. He proved his loyalty to his adopted country when in 1863 he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Fourteenth Pennsylvania Regiment of Infantry. The command was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and he served until the close of the war, enduring deprivations and exposures such as are meted out to the soldier. He did his full duty as a defender of the stars and stripes, and after the close of the war he returned home and resumed work with the Reading Railroad Company. In politics he has always been a Republican, and he is a member of the Reformed church. His life has been an honorable and upright one, and at the age of eighty-two years he enjoys the respect and confidence of all. His wife also is eighty-two years of age, and they reside with a daughter in Allentown. She is likewise a member of the Reformed church. George and Harriet Martin became the parents of seven children: Carrie, wife of M. McIntire; Michael, a farmer of Chalfont; Lizzie, who married A. Rhodes; Adam; Amanda, deceased; Mrs. Emma Hofelter (?), who cares for her father and mother in Allentown; and Anna.

Adam Martin was reared in Bucks county and when only seven years of age began working on farms. He spent the winter months at home, attending the public schools, but from the early age of seven years he has been dependent upon his own resources for a living and is entirely a self-made man. As the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well, and his life record is an illustration of what can be accomplished through determination and earnest purpose. He did work as a farm hand until about eighteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter’s trade with David High. When his term of service was ended he worked as a journeyman at different places in Philadelphia, being thus employed for more than eleven years. Soon after his marriage, however, in 1876, he purchased a farm through the assistance of a friend and for eight years remained upon his first place, after which he sold it to Charles Holdeman, and bought the farm upon which he now lives. He at first had fifty-five acres, but to this has added, and now has a good tract of land of seventy-five acres. He has remodeled and added to the buildings which are now in a good state of repair, and his fields are highly cultivated. At times misfortune has overtaken him, for periods of prosperity and adversity come to all, but he has manifested a most determined and persevering spirit and is now one of the substantial farmers of his community, practical and progressive in his work. He attends the Philadelphia market, thus placing his products on sale.

Mr. Martin gives his influence and support to the Republican party, warmly espousing its principles and he has filled the positions of constable of New Britain township, of court constable under G. Ely, sheriff, and for thirteen consecutive years in Warrington township has been supervisor. He was afterward school director, but later resigned and became a candidate for the office of county commissioner, to which he was elected. At this writing in 1904 he is township auditor, and his election is an evidence of the office seeking the man. His capability has been recognized by his fellow townsmen, who have selected him for local positions of honor and trust, and in office he has been most loyal, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity.

Mr. Martin was married to Miss Abigail R. Sherm, who was born in this county, September 1, 1853, a lady of intelligence and culture, who has been a faithful helpmate to him. She is a daughter of John and Barbara (Rickard) Sherm, the latter a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Her father was born in Alsace, Germany, and with his mother and stepfather, Jacob Steifer, he came to America in 1826. After his arrival here he was employed in a mill, entering the services of Henry Fritz, with whom he remained until his marriage He then bought a lot and built a house and continued in the milling business for five years. Later he rented a farm for a year and on the expiration of that period bought a tract of land near Chalfont, there carrying on agricultural pursuits for a number of years. At length he retired from business cares and bought a small lot, on which was a dwelling in which he made his home. Eventually he returned to the home farm, however, where he died in 1880. His wife passed away in 1860. Both were members of the Lutheran church. In their family were eleven children: Elizabeth, who died in childhood; Catherine, who became the wife of Charles King; Mary A., the wife of E. Wice; William H., a school teacher and later a farmer; Sarah, the wife of E. Detweiler; Barbara, who became the wife of Eli O. Crouthamel; John B., a farmer; Magdalene, wife of Monroe Trumbauer; Fannie, wife of A. Liniger; Noah, who died in childhood; and Mrs. Abigail Martin. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Martin are eight in number: Reuben A., who is married and follows farming; Flora, wife of F. L. Brinker; Alice S., Bertha M. and Walter A., at home; Edward H., who died in infancy; and Jennie T., at home. The parents are consistent and active workers in St. Patrick’s Lutheran church at Hilltown, Mr. Martin serving as one of its deacons. His life has been characterized by untiring activity in business, and his strong purpose and indefatigable energy have brought to him a creditable measure of success.

Davis, William W. H., A. M. History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania [New York-Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1905] Volume III

Transcribed June 2002 as part of the Bucks Co., Pa., Early Family Project, www.rootsweb.com/~pabucks/bucksindex.html