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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 characte
r.