Married her first cousin. Supposedly, Martha was much smarterthan her husband, although he was quite intelligent.

Event Memos from GEDCOM Import...

Text of Johnnie's book
Martha, d/o Reuben and Lydia (Townsend) John (12), was b. 15 Oct., 1769. She m. 8 May 1788 to Abia John, her first cousin. Her family called her "Patti". It has been stated that Martha was much smarter than her husband, although he was quite intelligent. They had 13 issue. The family is covered under Abia's name (22). The following is copied from the Diary of Aunt Eliza about her mother's last illness: "Eleventh month 10th day my dear Mother died. She was taking a first day night with a pain in her hip and side which turned to the Cholick. We tried everything we could think of but of no avail. She grew worse. We sent for the Doctor. He staid near two hours. We sent for him in the evening again. He staid the greatest part of the night. The widow staid here also. Mother seemed better toward morning and was verry sleepy. The Doctor came in the morning again and staid till 12. She seemed to lay easy and sleep most of the time. About three she became restless and we observed she altered fast. She would answer when spoken too sensible. I blowed the horn for some body to come in. Her hands were cold from morning. We laped them in warm flannel. Every little while she raised up in her setting and wished to lean on Sarah. We put a chair behind her but to our great sorrow her spirit took the everlasting flight before any person came. Sarah and myself were the only witnesses of the mournful event which happened about half past four on the third day. On first day she took sick, she had a desire of going to the opening of a friends meeting near Asa T. Johns. But as the day being verry rainy she declined going. Perry and myself went. She read nearly all day till bed time, but before she retired just mentioned not feeling well through the day, also signified she expected to have a poorly spell. After going to bed she felt pain and requested me to get some Batemans drops and I believe rested till the latter part of the night, then awoke in violent pain which still increased, attended with a sick stomach. Next morning we thought her better because she could sleep. When the Doctor came he charged us not to let her sleep because she would sweat and that was weakening her. We made chicken broth and gave her some every twenty minutes, but with all we could not save her from passing the dark valley of the shadow of Death. And we hope she is landed where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest--- we cannot see her hear. Her place is vacant. "
S&R: Manila Folder found in Cheater H. S., Chester, Pa; D.D. John's records; The Diary of Eliza John.