JOHN IAMES MARTIN, one of the most progressive citizens of West Bethlehem township, was born February 28, 1828, on the farm of his father, in that township. He is a grandson of James Martin, a native of New Jersey, who emigrated to Washington county in the latter part of the last century, settling upon the tract in West Bethlehem township, part of which his grandson still owns. Here he toiled until death called him, at an advanced age. He was a blacksmith, and made many of the hinges, nails, etc., used on his buildings. His education was received at the subscription schools. Joseph Martin, father of John Iames Martin, was born on the old homestead in 1784, and passed his boyhood in attending the common schools, and working on the farm. By taking advantage of every opportunity, he succeeded in obtaining an education superior to that of many of his associates. In 1822 he married Nancy Iames, daughter of John Iames, who for many years conducted a milling business in Amwell township, this county. To this union were born the following children: Morgan, a prominent farmer of Amwell township; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; John Iames, subject of this sketch; Ann, the wife of Andrew Van Dyke, of Amwell township; Sarah, wife of Neal Zollars, of East Bethlehem township, and Joseph, who departed this life in 1852, aged twenty-two year. John Iames Martin passed his young days upon the farm, and received a fair education in the schools of the period. In 1852 he married Elizabeth Barr, daughter of Samuel Barr, of West Bethlehem township, and to them were born the following children: Joseph, Sarah, Jackson, Martha, Samuel and Clarion, all of whom are living except Joseph, who died in 1872 at the age of twenty-one years. Mr. Martin was a Democrat, and one of the counselors of his party, although by no means a politician in the general sense of the term. He and his family are members of the Winnett Chapel Methodist Church, Mrs. Martin being one of the most active and valued members. The farm of Mr. Martin consists of about 155 acres of land, all in a high state of cultivation.

Text taken from page 673 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed May 1997 by Patti Godesky of Pittsburgh, PA as part of the Beers Project. Published May 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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