Martin Thomas

"MARTIN THOMAS, farmer, P.O. Table Rock, was born on the farm where he now lives January 2, 1815, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Bear) Thomas, the former of whom was born and reared in Cumberland County, Penn. Jacob Thomas came, about 1809, with his wife and one child, and settled where Martin now resides, purchasing at the time 151 acres of land. Here he lived until his death, which occurred in 1822. He and his wife were members of the Reformed Church. He was the possessor of a good intellect, and kept himself well posted on the affairs of the day. Five children were born to him: George B., Martin, Polly (deceased wife of Joseph Hartzell, deceased), Catherine, Margaret (wife of John Latchaw). Mrs. Thomas died in 1871. The subject of this sketch was “put out” at the age of seven years, from which time he made his own way in the world. At the age of seventeen he began learning the shoe-maker’s trade, which he only followed for a short time. Until his marriage he labored for about seven dollars per month. In 1837 he married Susan, daughter of Jacob Eaholtz, and afterward settled on the home farm, which he rented seven years, after which he purchased it, and has since resided on it. Although starting in life a poor boy, Mr. Thomas has acquired a good home, and is living the declining years of his life amid peace and surrounded with plenty. Three children were born to him: George W., married to Anna M. Bushey (they had two children: Lettie A. and Kempher); Martin H., deceased, formerly a hardware merchant in Abbottstown (married Elsie Deatrick, both of whom died several years after their marriage, leaving one child, now an orphan, named Elsie); the youngest child died in infancy. Mrs. Thomas died January 22, 1879, aged seventy-two years and eight months. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Thomas belongs to the Reformed Church, of which he is a liberal supporter. "