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