JAMES MARTIN

    James Martin, a farmer and an old and respected pioneer of Union County, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 18056.  His parents, Jonathan and Keziah (Irwin) Martin, were natives of Lancaster County, and of Irish ancestry.  Mr. Martin passed his youth and early manhood on his father's farm, and has always followed that avocation.  In 1833, he came on horseback to Union County, occupying eleven days in the trip.  He purchased the homestead, and returned to Pennsylvania, and the following year moved with his family to this county, making the journey in a wagon in seventeen days.  Mr. Martin bought 150 acres of woodland, for which he paid $10 an acre, the highest rate at which land was selling.  Mr. Martin cleared and well improved his farm, and has been engaged in the pursuits of agriculture and stock-raising.  In 1832, he was married to Miss Edith Penrose, by whom he has had six children of these four are living, viz., Joseph; Belle, wife of Joseph Woods; Maria, wife of James Anderson; and Mr. Martin has always resided on the homestead farm, which he has increased to 230 acres.  He is connected with the Presbyterian Church of Milford Center, and is a highly esteemed citizen.