Person Profile

Andreas Martin was a member of the persecuted religious sect
sometimes referred to as Swiss Brethren, later known in America as
Mennonites. Due to severe persecution in Switzerland, he moved with his
family to the Palatinate, which is now a part of Germany. Here Andreas
was imprisoned many years for his faith. He advised his wife and sons to
go to America and settle in Pennsylvania, and told them he would join
them there if he were ever released from prison.
Andreas was finally released from prison and came to the American
colonies October 7, 1749. He was cared for by his sons until his death in
1759. There is no further record of his wife. ("The John Jacob Martin
Family", 1978, Daniel R. Lehman)

2006 - found name to be Christian instead of Andreas (story above may not be accurate)

Online note found in 2006: Immigrated to Philadelphia, Sept. 21, 1732, aboard Plaisance, with Fravin Martin, 16, Fronik Martin (child), and Martin Marta (child); Lived at Weaverland with his son David until his death.

Christian Martin arrived in Philadelphia on the ship Plaisance, 12 September 1732 age 63 years. He is the patriarch of the Mennonite Martin families. He immigrated with his wife, Elspeth Martin, age 60, and two children. The ship also includes Fravin Martin, age 16, Fronik Martin, age less than 16, and Martin Marta, age less than 16.

Christian Martin was born 1669 in Bern, Switzerland. He died 12 July 1748 (aged 78–79) in Weaverland, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Christian Andrew was an Anabaptist minister, who in 1720 was imprisoned in Trachselwald Castle northeast of Bern because of his faith. (This castle, where many Anabaptists were imprisoned, can be toured.) When he went to prison, Christian urged Elsbeth and their children to leave Bern district for a safer place.

Christian and Elsbeth "Ells" arrived in Philadelphia on the Plaisance in September 1732.