William Landers Martin was born at Franklinville, Frederick County, Maryland on January 24, 1845, the son of Jacob and Matilda Yonson Martin. On January 10, 1878, he married Emma Alice Sigmund, in Thurmont, Frederick County, Maryland, daughter of Johann Gottlieb and Mary Elizabeth Firor Sigmund. They were the parents of 5 children: Matilda Elizabeth, Victor Sigmund, Scott Weaver, Mary Linnie and Olive Ruth Martin. William was my great-grandfather.


Death notice of William Landers Martin from the Frederick Daily News of Monday, January 29, 1917:

"ON VISIT TO DAUGHTER, REV. W. L. MARTIN DIES. RETIRED U. B. MINISTER, OF THURMONT, SUCCOMBS AT RICHMOND.
Rev. William Landers Martin, prominent retired United Brethren minister of Thurmont, this county, died Saturday night at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Maynard Freeze in Richmond, Va., where he had gone for a visit during the holidays. Mrs. Martin was with him at the time of his death. Rev. Mr. Martin had been in feeble health for about a year, suffering with Bright's disease. He was born at Franklin Mills, near Thurmont. He was the son of Jacob Martin, being one of 11 children. Licensed to preach in the Virginia Quarterly Conference April 15, 1871, Rev. Martin was ordained by Bishop Dickson, at Lacey Spring, Va., in March, 1884. Among the charges were the following: Clark Mission, Va., Mechanicstown (Thurmont), Walkersville, Myersville, Williamsport, Boonsboro, Wolfsville, South Bendersville, Sabillasville. He was pastor of the Thurmont charge three times. For many years he was secretary of the Pennsylvania Conference of the U. B. Church. He was much beloved by those who knew him. He was of a very genial disposition. Rev. Mr. Martin was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in the Union Army, and belonged to the local Grand Army post. Besides his widow and daughter, at whose home he died, he leaves the following children: Victor Martin, California; Scott Martin, Chicago, Miss Olive, at home. One brother, Joseph C. Martin, of Thurmont, also survives, being the last of the family. Mr. Martin is mayor of Thurmont. The body will be brought to Thurmont for burial. Wilhide & Creeger have charge of the arrangements."


Funeral notice for William Landers Martin from the Catoctin Clarion of Tuesday, January 30, 1917:

"The funeral of Rev. William Landers Martin, 72 years old, a retired United Brethren preacher of Thurmont, who died on Saturday night from Bright's disease at the home of a daughter in Richmond, Va., where he was visiting, will take place Thursday morning. The body will be brought to Thurmont on the 6:30 p.m. train today from Baltimore. It will be taken to his home in that place where the preliminary funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock Thursday morning. Services will also be held in the United Brethren Church. Burial will be made in the adjoining cemetery. Wilhide & Creeger have charge of the arrangements."


Obituary for William Landers Martin, from Catoctin Clarion of Thursday, February 1, 1917:

"Rev. W. L. Martin Dead. Well Known In United Brethren Church Conference. Rev. William Landers Martin, a native of Thurmont, and a greater portion of his life a resident of this place, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Maynard Freeze, 211 Addison Street, Richmond, Va., Saturday night, January 27, 1917. Rev. and Mrs. Martin left Thurmont just prior to the holiday season to be with their daughters Mary and Olive in Richmond, and while there Mr. Martin was taken seriously ill with Bright's disease, the same causing his death. Rev. Martin became an ordained minister in the United Brethren church in the year 1884, and was a member of the Pennsylvania Conference of that church. He filled appointments at Boonsboro, Myersville, Wolfsville, Sabillasville and Thurmont, he being appointed pastor of the Thurmont circuit three different times. For a number of years and while not engaged in the active ministry, he was elected Secretary of the Pennsylvania Conference. As a resident minister and citizen, Rev. Martin was well-liked and his services were sought by many in times of trouble. He will be missed greatly. Rev. Martin was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in Co. D 11th Maryland Infantry Volunteers, on June 1, 1864 as a private. He received an honorable discharge with the rank of Corporal, September 29, 1864, at the expiration of his term of service. On July 25, 1908, he was mustered into the G. A. R. as a charter member of Jason Damuth Post No. 80, Department of Maryland, and held the office of Adjutant of the Post from the date of organization until his death. To mourn their loss, Rev. Martin leaves a widow, Mrs. Emma Sigmund Martin, and the following children, viz: Victor Martin, now in California, Scott Martin residing in Chicago, Mrs. Maynard Freeze, and Miss Olive Martin, of Richmond, Va. One brother, Mayor Joseph C. Martin, of Thurmont, also surviving, he being the last of a family of 11 children. The body of the deceased was brought to Thurmont Tuesday and taken to the residence on W. Main Street. Our last message from the deceased was 'A Bright New Year to you. The fireside in all its genial glow makes kin the world with friend and foe.' Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) 10:30 o'clock at the United Brethren Church. M. L. Creager & Son funeral directors."