Perth Amboy evening news., 1912-03-30

Jamesburg, March 30:-Hafe ana
hearty at eighty years James Martin,
J~amesburg's Grand Old Man." on
Thursday quietly celebrated his four
score birthday at his home, which
he has recently purchased, and to
prove that he Is far from being os-
TRACKED has Just completed painting
the house. unassisted.
"UncIe jim" cheerfully greeted
the NEWS correspondent last even
ing who had called to offer his con-
gratulations and the latter found
Mr.. Martin In a very reminiscent
mood, and during a very interesting
hour gave a brief story of his active
life.
That Mr.. Martin has a national
reputation was also disclosed when
he told of his experiences as an end
man for the Samuel SharpIey min
streIs, the leading fun makers OF
that early period. IN his company
was also the late "Tony" Pastor, OF
New York city, who later became
the leading funny man of, his day.
MFR. Martin also has a war record
that he proudly boasts of.
Born in Philadelphia, March 20,
1882, James resided In the city OF
B%rother1y Love until he finally re-
ceived his parents consent to en-
bark in the theatrical business and
Joined the then-famous Sam Sharp
ley Ministries as end man and doing
musical specia1ties with dance. A
tour through the west and the
Eastern States developed this new
star and after reaching his majority
he started a tour of the country with
a company of his own. For a num-
Der Of years Mr.. Martin made his
home at Burlington. firing of the
stage he moved to Englishtown IN
1858 and started a shoe store, In
tending to settle down to the simple
life, but the call to arms at the out
break of the civil war when $4,000
volunteers were needed, found Mr..
Martin a drummer boy in Company
K, Fifth New Jersey Volunteers.
He enlisted at Englishtown and
served under the late Captain Vim
cent Mount, of Freehold. Commence
ing In August, 1851, he put in three
years of hard service and had many
thrilling escapes from death, though
he never was wounded Or captured
by the enemy. While In the army
he took part in many bloody battles,
the most important being those of
Wflliamsbridge and went all through
the PenfnsuIar campaign under
George B. Mcclellan. He also was
in the battles of Chantilla, Freder-
ieksburg, Charlottesville and Gettys-
burg. The latter part of his enlist
ment was spent as a member of the
famous show band at the Hardwood
hospital, Washington, D.. G. He
again returned to EngIishtown and
then organized the famous orchestra
known as Martin & Copy and for
the late DR.. Alexander Doyle, of
ness. Mr.. Martin was before the
public as an orchestra leader for
sixty years and was known through
out New Jersey as the most skilled
cello player IN the state. This or
ehestra he maintained until about
four years ago, when he retired from
public life to enter the h~ouse-paint-
ing business which he has Just dis
continued.
His last venture in the show bust
ness was made about twelve years
ago, shortly before hfs removal to
JameSDufg.
Mr.. Martin was twice married, his
first wife being a Miss Sarah Neville.
OF Philadelphia, by whom he had
nine children and but three survive.
They are George Martin, of James
burg; Mrs. Samuel Danser, of Wind
sor, and Mrs. Samuel Marsh, of New
York city. His second wife was a
Miss Alice Hunt, of New Brunswick.
and one child, Mrs. Cora Jolly, and
his wife are still alive. Fifteen Hv-
ing grandchildren and seven great
grandchildren are also alive.
Uncle JIM is an expert angler,
has always used tobacco and from
his present physical condition gives
promise of living to enjoy many adj
ditional birthdays.