The Martin Brothers’ Childhood Home:
The Martin Farm at Goodville
Above: 1855 Map of the Three Earls, Lancaster County, PA
Above: 1864 East Earl Map: Bridge’s Atlas of Lancaster Co. Penna.
The 1855 and 1864 Earl Township Maps
In these 1855 and 1864 maps this Martin farm was owned by Barton Martin’s father: John [Jn] Wenger Martin who lived here with wife Elizabeth Ann Martin. The farm was previously owned by David’s father (Barton’s grandfather) Abraham Groff Martin. Barton was born here in 1821, so he would have been in his 30s and 40s when these two maps were first published. Barton’s brother Jonas was born here in 1830.
The Martin Farm Today. It’s the Zeiset Farm.
Home of Old Order Mennonites, the Zeiset Family
1637 Main Street East Earl, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County
The Martin Farm today
There are two stone farmhouses on the farm. The house on the right was built ca. 1820 for the marriage of Barton’s parents, John and Elizabeth Martin. Barton Martin and his siblings were raised in this farmhouse. The house on the left presumably was built by Barton’s grandfather, Abraham Groff Martin, who previously owned this farm.
Farm fields on the Martin Farm. Looking south toward the farm buildings.
The farm today. Map: Lancaster Property Assessment
The farm on Google Maps
Barton Martin’s Father: “Pike John” Martin
Above: Description of Barton Martin’s Father, and this farm. Source: Find a Grave.
Barton Martin’s father, John Wenger Martin, was known as “Pike John” Martin because his farm was located here on the New Holland Turnpike (“the Pike”). Today that road is Route 23. The farm is between Blue Ball and Churchtown. He was also known as “Gentleman John”, presumable because of his financial prosperity.
Barton’s Sister, Susan (Martin) Winters, Inherited the Farm:
The farm became known as the Winters Farm.
1875 East Earl Map: Atlas Map of Lancaster County
Barton Martin’s sister, Susan Martin, married Dr. Isaac D. Winters in 1854. Susan inherited this farm and later lived here as a widow. Susan named her oldest son Barton, after her brother. He became a doctor here in Goodville: Dr. Barton N. Winters.
Obituary: Lancaster New Era Nov. 19, 1925
Barton Martin and his Brothers:
Described in the 1920 Publication, “Fords and Bridges, Across the Conestoga”
Mennonite historian Martin G. Weaver (1852 - 1935) grew up in East Earl Township, as did the Martin brothers. Martin Weaver mentioned the Martin brothers in his 1920 publication, “Fords and Bridges, across the Conestoga, from Morgantown to Hinkletown.” Martin G. Weaver also published histories of Weaverland and of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference. Source: Fords and Bridges…, Martin G. Weaver, 1920.
Map: Caernarvon Township: Atlas of Lancaster Co, Penna., 1864.
Most of the Martin Farm is in East Earl Townships, although a meadow in the north end of the property is in Caernarvon Township, near a bridge along the Conestoga Creek. This bridge and meadow are described by Historian Martin G. Weaver in his 1920 publication.
Bridge #2 over the Conestoga Creek, as shown in the map. This creekside meadow is where the Martin brothers played when they were growing up on the farm, as described by Martin G. Weaver.