Samuel
Martin 1828-1916
Prominent
among the families dating back to the pioneer settlements of this
section of the State, and members of which have in every generation
have been agriculturists, is that from which Samuel Martin traces
his ancestry. This branch of the Martin family is "Scotch-Irish,"
- that is, they were of Scotch lineage, born on Irish soil, -
and it was necessary that a people of one nationality and born
on alien soil should have a distinctive name, hence the appellation
of "Scotch-Irish."
The line of descent to Samuel is Nathaniel (1), William (2), Samuel
(3), James (4), Samuel (5). William (2), born in 1712, the great-grandfather
of Samuel, accompanied his parents to America when very young,
and his childhood was passed amid the privations incident to the
pioneer life of the new country., and in the labor of converting
the wilderness and rough, stony soil into fruitful fields. His
father, Nathaniel Martin (1), was a robust, persevering and adventurous
man, of sterling worth, and much esteemed. His mother, Margaret
(Mitchell) Martin, was a true-hearted woman, who did not hesitate
to follow her husband into a new and almost uninhabited region,
and to brave the hardships appertaining, if there they could only
find that which their firmly-fixed faith so strongly desired':
"Freedom to worship God." William (2) attained manhood,
inherited the qualities of his parents, became "a tiller
of the soil," and, in due time, married Sally, eldest daughter
of Major James Cochrane of Pembroke. He followed the occupation
of his father, that of farming, and also learned the shoemaker's
trade. He made his home in Pembroke, and was an industrious and
honored citizen. He died July 6, 1828. His children were Polly,
Thomas, James (4), Noah (see biography of Dr. Martin) and Nancy.
James (4) was born in Pembroke, N. H., July 1, 1799. He was a
resident of Epsom, where he had a large farm, which he cultivated.
Intelligent and thoughtful, he kept himself cognizant of matters
pertaining to public affairs, held numerous town offices and also
served as representative for the town of Epsom. He married Elsie
Bailey. Their children were Sally (born December 25, 1822, now
Mrs. Sleeper; has four children), Samuel, James (born January
5, 1830; now residing in St. Louis; has three children), and Thomas
(born July 1, 1832; has three children, and is living in Wisconsin.)
Samuel Martin, eldest son of James and Elsie (Bailey) Martin,
was born In Epsom January 28, 1828. From a mere lad until he was
fourteen years of age Samuel worked at farming, assisting his
father in his labors. He then went to Dover, N. H., and made his
home for three years with his uncle, Dr. Noah Martin, afterwards
Governor, who kindly gave him the opportunity of availing himself
of the valuable instruction of the eminent John R. Varney, whose
enthusiasm in this calling was such as to inspire his pupils to
laudable endeavor and friendly rivalry, and of whom the historian
writes: "He left a record of a life of true manliness, consistency
and purity." Improving these favorable circumstances, the
young man acquired quite a proficiency in the studies pursued.
Returning to Epsom, he remained a year, and would try his fortune
in another field of labor, and went to Boston, where he entered
the employ of S.T. Parker, dealer in West India goods. He continued
with this firm about two years; then made a change of employers
and business, engaging with Cutler & Co., furniture dealers,
to whom he gave faithful service for several more years, until,
in 1851, he returned to his native place, preferring its pure
air, pleasant surroundings and quiet, rural occupations, and commenced
farming and lumbering in company with his father. Since his death
Mr. Martin has added one hundred and sixteen acres to his farm,
while he has a large holding of real estate (two hundred acres)
in Allenstown.
Mr. Martin is a consistent and unswerving Democrat, and as such
represented his town in the Legislature of 1868-69. He is an honorable
and estimable citizen, and has been elected to many offices of
trust; has served as selectman for twelve years and town treasurer
nine years, faithfully performing the duties entrusted to him.
Inheriting a strong physique from his sturdy Scotch ancestry,
together with many excellent characteristics of heart and mind,
Mr. Martin is a representative farmer and worthy descendant of
those men of activity, earnest labor and endurance who were important
factors in the formation of the American character.
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