He was born in 1833/34, in Madeira, Ireland. [sources: date: 2 (30 in 1864). place: 2]
When he enlisted, he was a longshoreman. [source: 2]
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and had dark eyes, dark hair, and a dark complexion. [source: 2]
On 5 February 1864, he enlisted and was mustered in as a private in company E of the 91st. He was enlisted by Howard W Shipley. William G Keir certified that he was able to perform a soldier's duty. [sources: 1, 2]
He was reported deserted on 26 February 1864. [source: 3]
He is listed on a Descriptive list of deserters, dated 31 March 1864, Warrenton Junction, Virginia. According to this roll, he enlisted and was mustered in on 15 January 1864, and deserted on 22 January 1864--but that is inconsistent with the Volunteer enlistment and Declaration of recruit (images 2-3 above). [source: 2]
1 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (John Martin)
2 compiled service record, E 91 PA (John Martin)
3 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 26 Feb 03 (Martin)
I, John Martin born in Madeira Ireland aged Thirty years, and by occupation a Longshoreman DO HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE to have volunteered this Fifth day of February 1864, to serve as a Soldier in the Army of the United States of America, for the period of THREE YEARS, unless sooner discharged by proper authority: Do also agree to accept such bounty, pay, rations, and clothing, as are, or may be, established by law for volunteers. And I, John Martin do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whomsoever; and that I will observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the Rules and Articles of War.
I CERTIFY, ON HONOR, That I have carefully examined the above-named Volunteer, agreeably to the General Regulations of the Army, and that, in my opinion, he is free from all bodily defects and mental infirmity, which would in any way disqualify him from performing the duties of a soldier.
W G KeirI CERTIFY, ON HONOR, That I have minutely inspected the Volunteer, John Martin previously to his enlistment, and that he was entirely sober when enlisted; that, to the best of my judgment and belief, he is of lawful age; and that, in accepting him as duly qualified to perform the duties of an able-bodied soldier, I have strictly observed the Regulations which govern the recruiting service. This soldier has Dark eyes, Dark hair, Dark complexion, is 5 feet 6 inches high.
Lt Howard W ShipleyI, John Martin desiring to VOLUNTEER as a Soldier in the Army of the United States, for the term of THREE YEARS, Do Declare, That I am 30 years and - months of age; that I have never been discharged from the United States service on account of disability or by sentence of a court martial, or by order before the expiration of a term of enlistment; and I know of no impediment to my serving honestly and faithfully as a soldier for three years.