Simon Martz is believed to be the son of Jonathan and Catherine Martz born on December 9, 1805 in Augusta Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania near Sunbury. The multi-talented Simon was a distiller of spirits, as was his father, then he was "employed in navigation of canals, lakes, rivers" (1840), a restaurant or oyster saloon owner and baker, and a carpenter.  Despite all of his talents, however he died in poverty on August 27, 1888 at the age of 82 years, 8 months, and 18 days while living in the Sunbury poorhouse, and was apparently buried in the potter's field of the old Sunbury cemetery.

In about 1837 he married Mary Ann [Showers?] (ca.1815 - 1880) and together they had the following children:

Mercy Martz (ca. 1838 - after 1880), married Frederick Hammer
Harrison Martz (ca. 1839 - 1845)
Vandine Martz (1844 - 1917) 
Agnes (Gideanna) Martz (1848 - 1909), married William Zinn
Josiah Martz (ca 1853 - 1913)
Catharine Martz (ca. 1858 - after 1870)

 Simon Martz is born probably to Jonathan and Catherine Martz in Augusta Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania near Sunbury.
-Northumberland County Democrat, 8/31/1888
-Census, Sunbury, 1860, 1870, 1880
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Augusta Township, 1810
(Note: Simon's birth date is calculated from his death notice in the Northumberland County Democrat. See August 27, 1888, below.   Later census records give conflicting and erroneous estimates of his age.  The 1850 census gives Simon's age as 47 suggesting he was born in 1803, however the three subsequent census records suggest he was born in 1806 or 1807.  -rjm)

Jonathan Martz household:
1 male [Jonathan], 26 to 44 [born 1765 to 1784], stiller
1 female [Catherine], 26 to 44 [born 1765 to 1784]
1 male [Simon?], under 10 [born 1800 to 1810]
5 females [Barbara and 4 others] under 10 [born 1800 to 1810]
Jonathan Martz, distiller, has 2 1 cattle, and is taxed: personal $.06 $.03, occupation $.25
-Census, Augusta Township, Northumberland County, 1810
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Augusta Township, 1810

Mary Ann (Showers?), Simon's future wife, is born.
-Census, Sunbury, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880
-Census, Northumberland, 1820, 1830
(Note: Mary Ann's family name is problematic. Simon and Mary Ann were probably married in ca. 1837 in either Northumberland Boro (Point Township) where he had grown up or in Augusta Township where he had been most recently taxed when their first child, Mercy Martz, was born.  The only known source is the name written on the death certificate of their son, Vandine Martz (shown below). Since it is a single source, it  fails the Criterion of Independent Attestation. (Extant death certificates for Simon's other children, Agnes (Zinn) and Josiah Martz state that their mother's maiden name is "unknown.") The favored interpretation among researchers of this one source has been "Showers", although the initial "S" is not clear and doesn't match well the other occurrances of "S" written in the same hand on the certificate. Although the name "Showers" is found in other areas of Pennsylvania it is not found in the censuses of Augusta or Point townships, or in the boroughs of Sunbury or Northumberland where Simon had lived from 1810 thru 1840 nor is there any name resembling "Showers" in these places. Further evidence in support of the name "Showers", however, comes from a notice in the Sunbury Daily Item, from August 27, 1896: "Mr. and Mrs B.F. Showers, of Youngstown, are visiting Mr. Showers' neice [sic], Mrs. Agnes Zinn, of Penn street. This is Mr. Showers' first visit to Sunbury in thirty-six years."  Thus, although the name fails the Criterion of Contextual Credibility, Canal travel was becoming more and more frequent up and down the Susquehanna division of the Pennsylvania canal system. By 1840 Simon was employed in "navigation of canals" so it is certainly possible (but not evident) that he met Mary Ann in his (or her) travels. The informant named on Vandine's death certificate is "Mrs. Vandine Martz", who is his third wife Catharine (Bubb). Since she had no known "vested interest" in knowing Mary Ann's maiden name, however, the Criterion of Dissimilarity can't be applied here to support the name reported. What name do you see?  -rjm)

Jonathan Martz (Mertz) household:
1 male [Jonathan], 26 to 44 [born 1775 to 1794]
1 female, 26 to 44 [born 1775 to 1794]
1 male [Simon?], 10 to 15 [born 1804 to 1810]
2 females, 16 to 25 [born 1794 to 1804]
3 females, 10 to 15 [born 1804 to 1810]
1 female, under 10 [born 1810 to 1820]
-Census, Augusta Township, Northumberland County, 1820

Jonathan Martz household
1 male [Jonathan], 50 to 59 [born 1771 to 1780]
1 female [Catharine], 40 to 50 [born 1780 to 1790]
1 male, [Simon?] 15 to 20 [born 1810 to 1815]
3 females, 15 to 20 [born 1810 to 1815]
1 male, 10 to 15 [born 1815 to 1820]
1 male, 5 to 10 [born 1820 to 1825]
and
Jonathan Martz occupies 3 acres valued at $50, has 1 cow, and is taxed: real $.45, personal $.03, occupation $.06¼
-Census, Point Township, Northumberland County, 1830
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Point Township, 1830
(Note: Jonathan is the only Martz in Point Township. -rjm)

Jonathan Martz (Jonathen), lock tender, has 1 cow and is taxed: personal $.03, occupation $.12½
Simon Martz, single laborer, is taxed: occupation $.06¼
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Northumberland Boro, 1832
(Note: Simon's is the next entry below that of Jonathan Martz and this proximity provides the link between Simon and Jonathan; they are the only two Martz's in Northumberland Boro. It is the first known tax entry for Simon Martz, who is probably about 21 years old. This is a Triennial Assessment year, so it is possible that Simon was overlooked for taxation for a couple of years previous. -rjm)

Jonathan Martz (Jona. Martz) or John Porter occupies 1 lot valued at $200, has 2 cattle, and is taxed: real $.67, personal $.06, occupation $12½, real (state) $.20
Simon Martz, single, is taxed: occupation $.06¼ $.25
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Northumberland Boro., 1833
(Note: John Porter is probably the owner of the property and Jonathan is his tenant. Perhaps he is the junior partner of Clyde and Porter (See 1825). That's quite a tax hike for Simon. What's his new occupation? Jonathan and Simon are still the only Martz's in Northumberland. -rjm)

Jonathan Martz or Jno. Porter occupies 1 lot valued at $200, and is taxed: real $.67, occupation $12½, real (state) $.20
Simon Martz, single, is taxed: occupation $.25
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Northumberland Boro., 1834
(Note: Did Jonathan get rid of his cows? Jonathan and Simon are still the only Martz's in Northumberland. -rjm)

Simon Martz occupies 80 acres valued at $10, is taxed: real $1.20, occupation $.25, real (state) $.30
Simon Martz, single laborer, is residing in a house on Queen Street (1 lot valued at $200, John Porter, owner), adjacent to Burkenbine. Simon's taxes: real $.90, occupation $.25, real (state) $.20
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Point Township, 1835
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Northumberland Boro, 1835
(Note: On Cummings map of Northumberland for 1858, S. Burkenbine is located at the southwest corner of Fifth and Queen Streets. This entry is taken from the Triennial Assessment book, however Simon's corresponding entry in the annual tax collection book is crossed out. Jonathan is not listed in either one; where's Jonathan? -rjm)

Simon Martz is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Augusta Twp, 1837

Collected from Simon Martz, $.16 owed to the estate of Jesse Martz.
-Northumberland County Will Book, file 175
(Note: The actual date of collection is not given, however Letters of Administration for Jesse Martz's estate were filed August 23, 1837, implying Simon had incurred the debt prior to that date. Jesse Martz was a partner with his brothers John and David in a blacksmith shop on Market Street between Second and Third Streets. They are not known to be related to Simon. -rjm)

Simon Martz is taxed
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Augusta Twp, 1838

Mercy Martz is born, daughter of Simon Martz.
-Census, Sunbury, 1850, 1860
(Note: The 1870 and 1880 censuses imply she was born in 1840, although if she was born after August 13, then it would be in the previous year. -rjm)

Harrison Martz, son of Simon Martz, is born.
-Sunbury American, June 21, 1845
(Note: He is reported as being "about 6" in 1845 but is not included in the household in the 1840 census)

Simon Martz "not in township"
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Augusta Township, 1839

Simon Martz household
1 male, 20 to 29
1 female, 20 to 29
1 female, under 5
1 person employed in navigation of canals, lakes and rivers
Simon Martz occupies 1 lot, valued at $400, and is taxed: real $1.20, occupation $.12½, state $.40
Simon S. Martz occupies 1 lot in Sunbury, price $400, value of real $400. and is taxed real $1.20, occupation $.12½
-Census, Sunbury, Pennsylvania, 1840
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1840
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1840-1841
(Note: Simon is probably 10 years older than reported. See later censuses. -rjm)

Simon S. Martz, labourer, is a tenant in farmhouse and ¾ acre owned by McCarty & Davis adjoining Mrs. Margaret Markley's brick house, value of real estate $350, real + personal property $350; Taxes: occupation $.12½
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1841

Simon S. Martz occupies real estate valued at $350 (¾ acre, McCarty); Taxes: occupation $.12½, real .35
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1842

Simon S. Martz occupies a log house on ¾ acres, valued at $350 and owned by McC. & D., adjoining Margaret Markley; Taxes: occupation $.12½, county $.70, state $.70.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1843
(Note: There are two tax books for 1843. The above entry is probably the triennial assessment while the corresponding entry in the tax collection book is crossed out. It looks like he moved to George Harrison's property, see 1844. -rjm)

Simon Martz (Tenant of McCarty see George Harrison) occupies ½ acre valued at $125; Taxes: real $25, occupation $.12½.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1844
(Note: Moved since 1843? -rjm)

NOTICE - The partnership heretofore subsisting between the subscribers under the name of M'Carty & Davis, & which commenced on the first day of April, 1816 is this day dissolved by mutual consent. Thomas Davis who will continue the business at the old stand number 171 Market Street is fully authorized to receive all debts due to the firm.
Wm. M'Carty
Thomas Davis
Philadelphia, May 21, 1844 3tp
-Sunbury Gazette, 7/20/1844
(Note: This might be the reason Simon moved from the property owned by McCarty and Davis to that of George Harrison this year. -rjm)

Vandine Martz is born in Sunbury to Simon and Mary Ann Martz.
-Vandine Martz Bible
-Death Certificate, Vandine Martz
(Note: I conjecture that Vandine is named for the Vandine family in Chillisquaque Township, circa 1800 and that perhaps his grandmother, Catherine, is from this family. -rjm)

List of Letters Remaining in the Post Office at Sunbury, Pa. December 31, 1844: . . . M.- Simon Martz . . . R.B. Packer, P.M.
-Sunbury Gazette-American, 1/11/1845
(Note: Now that's intriquing! I haven't noticed Simon's name in this context ever before or since. My guess is that it has something to do with former landlords McCarty and Davis of Philadelphia. We don't know of any distant relatives. -rjm)

Simon Martz occupies ½ acre valued at $125, and is taxed: real $.25, occupation $.12½
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 184

Harrison Martz dies.
-Sunbury American, June 21, 1845

Simon Martz, tinker, occupies ½ acre valued at $125, owned by Cath. Alter est, and is taxed: real $.25, occupation $.12½
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1846

Simon Martz, tinner [tinker?], occupies ½ acre valued at $125, owned by Cath. Alter est, is taxed: real $.25, occupation $.12½.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1847

The Sunbury Brass Band comprises William Youngman, leader, clarionet; Daniel Shindel, cornet; Edward Masser, piccolo; Jacob Youngman, tenor slide trombone; Agram Fry, clarionet; Charles Weiser, tuba bass; Newton Shindel, French horn; Washington Weiser, snare drum; Charles Bogar, bass drum.  
-Caroline Youngman, "Sunbury, The Village Life", Proceedings of the Northumberland County Historical Society, v.II, p. 74ff, 1930
(Note: Couldn't overlook an early Sunbury horn player. -rjm)

Simon Martz occupies property owned by Cath. Alter est. and is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1848

Agnes (or Gideanna) Martz is born, daughter of Simon Martz.
-Census 1850, 1860, 1870
-Death Certificate, Agnes Zinn

Simon Martz, laborer, occupies property owned by H. Masser and is taxed $12.50.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1849
(Note: The above is from the tax collection book; the triennial assessment book has a note that Simon is replaced by Martin Bucher at C. Alter ex, and is now a tenant of H.B. Masser. -rjm)

Simon Martz, laborer, occupies property owned by John Smith, and is tax $.12½
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1850

-The Sunbury Gazette and Northumberland County Republican, May 4, 1850

Notice - The vendors and retailers of domestic and foreign merchandise of Northumberland County will take notice that they are assessed and rated by the appraiser of mercantile taxes for the year 1850 as follows ... Beer Houses and Oyster Cellars ... Sunbury ... Phillip Brymire, Class 8, License $5.00
-Sunbury American, 6/29/1850
(Note: No listing for Simon Martz -rjm)

Simon Martz household:
Simon Martz, 47, distiller
Mary Martz, 34
Mercy Martz, 12
Vandine Martz, 5 (FEMALE?!)
Gideanna Martz, 2
-Census, Sunbury, Pennsylvania, 1850

Jesse Bastian household:
Jesse Bastian, 49, shoemaker
Barbara Bastian, 48
George Bastian, 21
Ebenezer Bastian, 20, shoemaker
Davide Bastian, 12
Jeremiah Bastian, 5
Catherine Rigel
-Census, Sunbury (household 156), Pennsylvania, 1850
(Note: Barbara is believed to be Simon's sister. Where is Elizabeth Bastian, age 3?? -rjm)

Simon Martz, laborer, occupies property owned by Rachel McCarty is taxed $.12½
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1851

Simon Martz, Toy Shop, occupying Rachael McCarty's property, is taxed: occupation tax $.25.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1852
(Note: Simon is NOT listed in The Sunbury American (5/29/1852) as having been appraised for mercantile tax. It seems the failed to assess him of the fee, but wiil catch up with him two years from now (see below)-rjm)

-Sunbury American,  May 6, 1854

Simon Martz, Toy Shop, occupies Rachael McCarty's property and is taxed: occupation tax $.25.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1853


-Sunbury American, Feb 25, 1854

Simon Martz Cake Shop, Rach. McCarty's property, occupation tax $.25., Baker, owner of 1 lot valued at $800, is taxed: county real $1.60, occupation $.25, state $2.40
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1854
(Note: See 4/1/1854. -rjm)

Simon Martz borrows $200 (amicable scire facias) from Jacob Grilich
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket, January Term 1854
(See 11/17/1858)

Simon Martz buys lot #33 from J.W. Friling for $1200, on the south side of Market Street, Sunbury, Pennsylvania. This lot is 60' by 230', between Benjamin Hendricks (lot #32 on the west) and Thomas Robins (lot 34 on the east), with an alley at the back.
-Northumberland County Deed Book KK, page 389
(Note: Weaver's Hotel (later the City Hotel and now the Edison Hotel) is 2 doors to the west at the corner of Fourth and Market streets. This is prime commercial property near the center of town. -rjm)

Notice the vendors and retailers of domestic and foreign merchandise within the county of Northumberland will take notice that they are assessed and rate by the appraisor of mercantile taxes for the year 1854 as follows:
Sunbury class. license
Philip Brymire, liquor 8 $8.50
Simon Martz, liq., 8 8.50

Simon Martz, baker, is taxed: Property value $700, tax $.25
-Northumberland County Tax Book, 1855, Sunbury

-Sunbury American, Jun 9, 1855

Simon Martz, baker, is taxed. Property value $700.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, 1857, Sunbury

The paving of Market Street is progressing. Henry Donnel, Esq., Mr. Edward Gass, Mr. Sebastian Haupt, and Henry Haupt have laid down excellent stone pavements. Mr. George Gass and Mr. Simon Martz have also completed theirs. Our neighbors on the opposite side are also making preparations.
-Sunbury American, 9/19/1857

Simon Martz, baker, owns 1 lot valued at $800 (revised to $700), 1 cow $15, and is taxed: real/personal $1.05, occupation $.25, state $1.75.
-Northumberland County Tax Book(s), 1858, Sunbury

New Millinery Goods - The Subscriber respectfully informs the citizens of Sunbury and vicinity that she has removed her store to the house of Solomon B. Boyer opposite Weaver's Hotel where she has opened a new supply of millinery and fancy dry goods the latest and most fashionable style which she will sell at reasonable price. Sarah Martz - Sunbury, 4/24/1858 - 4t
-Sunbury American, 5/18/1858
(Note: This shop is opposite Simon Martz's house; Sarah is no known relative, but Simon apparently did have a lot of sisters.  She is about 23 years old. -rjm)

Died, in Sunbury on last Monday afternoon, Mrs. Barbara Bastian, wife of Jesse Bastian, aged about 56 years.
-Sunbury Gazette, 10/11/1858
(Note: She's a daughter of Jonathan Martz and (probably) a sister of Simon Martz. -rjm)

The comet every clear evening is attracting the gaze of the curious and may be seen very early in the morning, and for an hour or so after sunset. Astronomers pretend to calculate its distance form the sun and earth, and the exact length of its tail. The exactness of these calculations is doubtful.

 

-Sunbury Gazette, 9/25/1858
(Note: The Sunbury Gazette office is situated "nearly opposite Weaver's hotel" which is nearly next door to Simon's house. -rjm)

Judgement of debt (Amicable Scire facias) of $200 is entered against Solomon Martz say Simon Martz in favor of Benjamin Hendricks (for Jacob Grilich). Judgement was entered as No. 119, in January term 1854.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket, January Term 1859, No. 13, p.6.

Simon Martz, Restaurant, occupies property valued at $800, and is taxed.

Simon Martz, Testessent [? Restaurant?], owns and occupies 1 lot valued at $600, has 1 cow (above the age of 4 years) valued at $15, is taxed $75.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1859
(Note: Recorded in same tax book, but crossed out, is an entry listing occupation as Oyster Saloon. -rjm)

-Sunbury American, Apr 2, 1859

Frederick Hammer, occupies residence owned by J.B. Masser and is taxed.
Simon Martz, Restaurant, occupies 1 lot valued at $800, has 1 cow $15, and is taxed: real/personal $1.63, occupation $.50, state $2.04.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1860

Philip Brymire household (dwelling 236):
Philip Brymire, 57, restaurant keeper, real estate $1500, personal estate $400, born in Germany
Mary [Brymire], 46, born in Pa.
Elizabeth Bastian, 13
(Note: It is conjectured that Mary is a sister of Simon and daughter of Jonathan Martz. Elizabeth Bastian is probably a daughter of Jesse and Barbara Bastian, conjectured to be a sister of Mary Brymire and Simon Martz. Barbara died two years ago (see 9/6/1858) and poor Elizabeth's dad, Jesse Bastian, will be killed momentarily in a freak railroad accident (see 10/10/1860). Simon will loan Philip Brymire $100. (See 8/25/1865.)  -rjm )

Simon Martz household (dwelling 348):
Simon Martz, 53, laborer, real estate $2000, personal estate $200
Mary A., 44, 
Vandine, 15, attended school
Agnes, 11, attended school
Josiah, 7
Catharine, 1
All born in Pa.

Fredric Hammer household (dwelling 373):
Fredric Hammer, 26, carpenter, personal estate $50
Mercy A., 22
Mary A., 3/12
All born in Pa.

Peter Lazarus household (dwelling 374):
Peter Lazarus, 61, clerk, personal estate $300
Elizabeth, 28
Mary, 26
Josephine, 24
Mary Landau, 16, domestic
All born in Pa.
-Census, Sunbury, 1860
(Note: It looks like Vandine's future wife, Mary Ellen Landau, is living near (probably next door) to his sister, Mercy A. Hammer. -rjm)

Simon Martz buys 2 acres from H.J. Wolverton and wife for $100. The property is lots 33 and 34 on the north side of the Center Turnpike and eastern side of the Philadelphia and Sunbury Railroad, now the Shamokin Valley Pottsville Railroad, bounded by Thomas Robins (north side) and Henry Weiss, (east side).
-Northumberland County Deed Book RR, page 2.
(Note: Yesterday was Vandine's 16th birthday, and this property will eventually be his home.)

Terrible Accident in Sunbury.- On Wednesday evening last, Jesse Bastian, an old resident of Sunbury, aged about 60 years, was killed on the Northern Central Railroad, in a shocking manner. At the time the accident happened he was engaged in carrying a sack of oysters from an oyster car which was standing on the turnout near the Lutheran church. In order to reach his wheel-barrow which was standing on the opposite side of the road, he was forced to cross the main track, and while crossing, an engine which was backing down at the time, struck him, knocking him down, it is supposed, with his head and arm over on rail, and one of his legs over the other. His head was cut completely off, and his arm and leg shockingly lacerated.
-Sunbury Gazette, 10/13/1860
(Note: He was the son-in-law of Jonathan Martz and (probably) Simon's brother-in-law. -rjm)

Frederick Hammer, laborer, is a tenant of J.B. Masser (although there is a notation that he has left), and is taxed $.13.
Simon Martz, Restaurant, owns 1 lot valued at $800, and 1 cow $15, county taxes: real/personal $2.04, occupation $.25

Nuisances.- The greatest nuisances from which our citizens are now suffering are fire crackers and "infant drummers". The boys not only make the streets in the evening unpleasant with their exploding crackers but really dangerous to ladies passing. The young scamps have adopted the practice of throwing under the dresses of ladies prominading on the pavements apparantly as much delighted with bombarding the crinolin as Beauregard was with throwing shells into Sumter. There is a borough law in regard to this nuisance and it should be enforced. Let us have one Fourth of July without this annoyance. The "infant drummers" of whom we have several specimens in town if not as dangerous as the fire-crackers are even more annoying as there is no cessation to their hostilities. Every evening their rub-a-dub commences in Market Street at sundown a premature tatoo and is kept up until ten o'clock at night to the great horror of people with weak nerves residing in the neighborhood.
-Sunbury Gazette, 6/29/1861
(Note: I'm sure Simon's two scamps are above this sort of thing. -rjm)
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1861

Simon Martz pays $7.60 in interest on $200 debt to David Hauck, admins. and judgement in favor of Henry Haupt is transferred.
(See 11/7/1858)

Simon Martz, laborer (erased), is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1862

Simon Martz, Restaurant, owns and occupies 1 lot valued at $600, 2 cattle above the age of 4 years valued at $24, and is taxed: real and personal $1.25, occupation $.25, state $1.87
-Northumberland County Tax Book, 1863, Sunbury

Simon Martz, c. baker, owns and occupies 1 lot valued at $600, has 2 cattle valued at $24, and a new tobacco house valued at $50, and is taxed: real and personal $1.26, occupation $25, state $1.87 + .15 for tobacco house.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1864

Simon Martz owns 2 acres valued at $100, and is taxed: real/personal $.20, state $.30
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Upper Augusta Township, 1864
(Note: This is the property purchased 9/17/1860. -rjm)

Simon Martz Et Am. Sci. fa. on debt of $200
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket, January Term 1859, No. 13, p.6.
(Note: See 11/17/1858. -rjm)

Simon Martz, laborer, is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1865

Simon Martz owns 2 acres valued at $150, and is taxed: real/personal $1.50
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Upper Augusta Township, 1865
(Note: Simon is classified as a laborer for the next 3 years. The property in Upper Augusta has increased in value, maybe we've built a house for Vandine. -rjm)

Rebecca Henry is born, presumably to Josiah and Sarah Henry.
-Shipman Funeral Home records
(Note: Rebecca is listed in the 1870 and 1880 censuses with Simon Martz. If she is the daughter of Josiah Henry, then she is the only girl, which might be part of the reason she was given to Simon. She is believed to be the same person as Rebecca Zinn, later living with Simon's daughter Agnes Zinn and who married Julius R. Mantz. -rjm)

Simon Martz makes two loans of $100 each to Josiah Henry, Sarah Henry and Philip Brymire.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket, August Term 1865, Nos. 163, 164, p. 238
(Note: Philip Brymire was a liquor dealer at the same time as Simon in 1854 and perhaps his partner? A Josiah (Isaiah) Henry served as a private in Company K., 51st Pennsylvania Infantry, during the recent southern unpleasantness. The relationship between Simon and the Henry family has not been established. Here he is loaning them money. Later a son will be named Martz Henry, which suggests perhaps a familial relationship. Rebecca Henry, who was born earlier this year will be listed as "in the family" and as a "granddaughter" in Simon's house in the 1870 and 1880 censuses. Rebecca H. is also included as a "daughter" in the household of Simon's daughter,  Agnes Zinn, in 1880. Sarah Henry's maiden name is given as Otto on the death certificate of her son, Martz Henry (1921).  It's a puzzlement. -rjm)

William Zinn buys lot 14 of Fryling's Addition on the east side of Broadway or Water Street from J. Fryling and wife. The property is 34' 3" by 230' bounded by lot #13 (north) and lot #15 (south). William Zinn is from Gilmore County, Virginia.
-Northumberland County Deed Book XX, page 294
(Note: Broadway became Front Street and runs along the river. -rjm)

Simon Martz, laborer, is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1866

Simon Martz owns 2 acres valued at $150, and is taxed: real/personal tax $.90
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Upper Augusta Township, 1866

Loan of $100 from Simon Martz to Josiah Henry, Sarah Henry and Philip Brymire is satisfied.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket, August Term 1865, Nos. 163, 164, p. 238
(Note: See 8/25/1865 for original loans and tomorrow for the second payment. -rjm)

Loan of $100 from Simon Martz to Josiah Henry, Sarah Henry and Philip Brymire is satisfied.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket, August Term 1865, Nos. 163, 164, p. 238
(Note: See 8/25/1865 for original loan and yesterday for first payment. -rjm)

Simon Martz, laborer, is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1867

Simon Martz owns 2 acres valued at $150 add $40, and is taxed: real/personal tax $.90 add $.24
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Upper Augusta Township, 1867
(Note: Finished or built another house maybe? -rjm)

Vandine Martz, laborer, is taxed: occupation tax $.25
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Upper Augusta Township, 1867
(Note: Vandine is a tenant but no property owner is listed. It is assumed to be father Simon. -rjm)

Shad.- We rejoice in being able to announce that the people in Sunbury have had occular demonstration of the success of Col. Worrall's fish-way in the Columbia Dam. On last Tuesday, a wagon load of shad - real Susquehanna shad - caught a short distance below town, were offered for sale in our streets and of course were readily purchased at good prices. They were caught a Buyers Island by that veteran fisherman, Wm. Gougler. One hundred and eleven were taken by him on Monday and about 400 on Tuesday. Another party of fishermen tried their luck a short distance below the dam, and were successful but not to the same extent.
-Sunbury Gazette, 6/15/1867
(Note: There has been some controversy over the effect of various dams in the Susquehanna on the fish population. Simon will try making his living as a fisherman, in the next couple of years. -rjm)

Simon Martz, gent., is owner of property, and is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, 1868

Simon Martz owns 2 acres valued at $200, and his tenant is Vandine Martz. Simon is taxed: real/personal $1.60
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Upper Augusta Township, 1868

Vandine Martz, laborer, is tenant of S. Martz, and is taxed: occupation tax $.25
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Upper Augusta Township, 1868

Simon Martz, fisherman, owns and occupies (with Wm. Zinn) 1 lot valued at $650, has 1 cow valued at $15, and is taxed: real and personal $5.32, occupation $25, state $.04
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, East Ward, 1869

William Zinn buys lot no.2 in Rockafeller's addition on Race Street, Sunbury, from George Harrison for $575.
-Northumberland County Deed Book 141, page 269
(Note: See 3/24/1871. -rjm)

William Zinn sells lot no. 14 in Fryling's addition on Broadway (or Front Street), Sunbury to J.W. Bucher for $400. The property is 34' 3" on Broadway by 230' deep.
-Northumberland County Deed Book 56, page 16
(Note: The Zinn's are moving up. See 9/25/1865. -rjm)

Simon Martz, laborer, owns ½ lot valued at $350 (½ sold to Lyon), 1 cow $15, has a value/income $365, and is taxed: real/personal tax $2.92, occupation tax $.25
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury East Ward, 1870

Symon [sic] Martz
To sand, 5 loads sand at 60 cents per load. 3.00
-Receipt Notebook of Mr. John Leeser, Sunbury
(Note: This notebook runs from 1864 through 1870 and appears to contain records of receipts from sales and services performed for various individuals by Mr. Leeser. This entry is the only one that mentions Simon and appears to be a sale to him of 5 loads of sand. -rjm)

Josiah Henry loans Mary Brymire $800 plus $125 attorney fee.

October 17, 1870
Satisfied.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket No. 221, March Term 1870, p. 201

Josiah Henry household:
Josiah Henry, 37, shoemaker, personal $200
Sarah O., 33, keeping house
Alfred, 11, at home, attended school
Martz, 9, at home, attended school
Jno. Wesley, 7, "
William, 3, "
Joseph, 1, "
-Census, Sunbury, West Ward, dwelling 66
(Note: I conjecture that Rebecca Henry, 5, who is living with Simon Martz, is a member of this family. See 8/25/1865 and 7/6/1870)

William Zinn household:
William Zinn, 32, laborer, real estate $1200, personal $200, born in Virginia, cannot read nor write
Agnes, 20, keeping house
Mary A., 3, at home
Susana, 10/12, infant, born in August
-Census, 1870, Sunbury, West Ward, dwelling 249
(Note: Agnes is Simon Martz' daughter. -rjm)

Simon Martz household:
Simon Martz, 64, laborer
Mary Ann, 54, keeping house, cannot read nor write
Josiah, 17, laboring, cannot read nor write
Catharine, 12, at home
Rebecca Henry, 5, in the family.
-Census, Sunbury, East Ward, 1870, dwelling #20
(Note: Rebecca Henry is believed to be the daughter of Josiah Henry. It is further conjectured that she is the same person as Rebecca Mantz, (3/3/1865 - 6/7/1943), who married Julius R. Mantz, (7/9/1865 - 3/2/1916), son of Solomon Mantz and Harriet Ray. Julius and Rebecca Mantz moved to Elmira, New York, where they died. They are buried in Pomfret Manor Cemetery, Sunbury, Pennsylvania. A Rebecca H. (born 1865) is also listed in the household of Simon's daughter, Agnes Zinn, in 1880 and later called Becky Zinn in newspaper items. Agnes Zinn sold property to Rebecca Mantz in 1907)
-Shipman Funeral Home Records, Northumberland County Historical Society
-Death Certificate (New York State), Julius R. Mantz

Simon Martz sells the eastern ½ of lot #33 on Market Street to William C. Lyon for $1200. Property is 30' by 230' and is bordered on the east by Mr. Shannon. Reference deed book KK, pp. 389-391, 4/1/1852, John R. Fryling and wife, Philip Clark and wife to Simon Martz.
-Northumberland County Deed Book 59, page 88

Frederick Hammer household (dwelling 22):
Federick Hammer, 37, R.R. laborer, born Delaware, mother and father of foreign birth, cannot read nor write
Margaret [sic], 30, keeping house, cannot write
Mary A., 11
William F., 9
Joseph H., 7

Vandine Martz household (dwelling 29):
Vandine Martz, 27 [sic], R.R. Laborer, real estate $1600, personal $100
Mary E., 26, keeping house
William, 5
Catherine, 4
John, 1
-Census, 1870, Upper Augusta Township
(Note: "Margaret" Hammer is undoubtedly still Simon's daughter, Mercy. (cf. 1860 and 1880 censuses. Vandine is actually 25 at this date. Notice the proximity of the two households. I don't know exactly where the Hammers are living, but there may be more than one house on Vandine's property. -rjm)

Simon Martz sells ground in Upper Augusta Township (approximately 2 acres) to Sam N. Gayman for $1000, to open an alley between Eckman and Bloom through branch railroad. Mary Ann Martz signs with an X.
-Northumberland County Deed Book 59, page 383
(Note: This is probably part of Vandine's property, maybe nearly all of it. -rjm)

Simon Martz borrows $52 from William M. Rockefeller, payable April 1, 1871.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket, November Term 1875, No. 315, p.160.

Simon Martz, laborer, owns and occupies property valued at $615
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, East Ward, 1871

Simon Martz, laborer, owns and occupies property valued at $615, and is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, East Ward, 1872

Simon Martz pays $3.64 to William M. Rockefeller, interest due on $52 loan.
(See 11/28/1870)

On Thursday afternoon last, a son of Mr. Fred. Hammer, aged about 7 years, was run over, about a mile north of this place, by a passenger train on the Danville, Hazelton, and Wilkes Barre Railroad. The boy was lying on the track asleep, when the train ran over him killing him instantly.
-Sunbury American, 7/20/1872

Killed on the Railroad. - On thursday afternoon of last week a son of Frederick Hammer, aged about ten years, was killed on the D.H. & W.R.R. about two miles above Sunbury. The parents of the unfortunate boy live along the line of the railroad in that neighborhood. It seems that the boy had been sent by his mother to a neighbor living some distance down the road, for milk, and he had not been gone a quarter of an hour before he was run over and killed by the passenger train coming south. As the engine approached, those on it observed him lying in the centre of the track, and before the train could be stopped the cow-catcher caught him, threw him on the rail and mangled him terribly. The head was almost cut from the body. It is supposed that the boy, walking on the track, must have been overcome by the heat or overtaken by a fit.
-Sunbury Gazette, 7/26/1872
(Note: Simon's daughter, Mercy was this kid's mother. -rjm)

The eel catchers are now busy capturing large numbers of the "old chaps" in the river at this place. They are readily sold at 16 cents per pound.
-Sunbury American, 9/28/1872

SALMON - Mr. James Reiland brought some splendid Susquehanna salmon to market last Saturday, some of them weighing 10 pounds. Mr. Reiland informed us that he recently had caught a black bass which he returned to the water. The few that had been put into the river a few years ago have already begun to show the success of the experiment in the introducing of this excellent fish into the Susquehanna.
-Sunbury American, 11/30/1872
(Note: Simon Martz was a fisherman in 1869. Shad, salmon and trout fishing are also referenced from time to time. -rjm)

New Bowling Saloon - The fine hall of Ira T. Clement adjoining the billiard saloon of Jno. P. Pursel has is being fitted up handsomely for a bowling saloon by Mr. Pursel. The alleys are being constructed of by first-class workmen. A door has also been put in the parition for an entrance from the billiard saloon. These two rooms will be handsomely furnished and those who delight in the exercise of the cue and in knocking the pins will find it a first-class resort.
-Sunbury American, 12/21/1872
(Note: Recall that in 1833 Jonathan Pursel married Susan Martz, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Martz, and possibly a cousin of Simon. See 9/10/1833. -rjm)

Simon Martz, laborer, owns and occupies property valued at $600.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, East Ward, 1873
(Note: Decrease in property value by $15? Got rid of a cow, maybe. -rjm)

-Harrisburg Telegraph, Dec 22, 1873

About five o'clock P.M., the cry of fire was raised and soon all good firemen were hurriedly rushing to their respective housed. Mr. Chas. Maihl first arrived at our house, while he was opening up, Tillerman Tweed arrived and at once took charge of the tiller. Mr. James T. Paul possessed himself of the Auxiliary Horn. Director Gibson took the Chief's horn. The truck without further delay was conveyed (as fast as six inches of mud would allow) to the scene of action - the stable of Dr. John G. Markle, 5th between Market and Chestnut Sts. The Tiller was broken just as we reached the fire by some unknown person springing on it from the sidewalk. Before the arrival of Sunbury Company, the No. 3 ladder was raised against the house of Mr. Brosius and a line of buckets formed. The barn being enveloped in flames, when the truck arrived there was very little to be done; but an unfortunate altercation took place between some of our boys and the Foreman of Sunbury Company, such scenes should be avoided ad they reflect uncredit upon either party.
The fire under control, the lamps were lighted and the truck was pulled home - each member secretly or openly uttering maledictions on the liquid condition of the streets. As the truck was backed around to run it into the house, one of the boys exclaimed, Listen!! - Fire! Fire!! fell upon the attentive ears, a glance up Fourth Street was met by a burst of flames from near the City Hotel. With difficulty the truck was turned, then mud was forgotten - all pulled with a will and soon we were anchored opposite the City Hotel stable. Every ladder was manned and soon in use. The utmost endeavors of a majority of the members of the Good Intent on the spot were used to prevent the spread of the flames. The stables of the City Hotel, Messrs. Campbell and Heim were entirely destroyed; the stable of Simon Martz and Mr. Jos. Eisley's dwelling were partially consumed and partially torn down to prevent further conflagration.
About eight P.M., the steamer burst her flue and quit from that time until ten o'clock, we were unaided even by the neighbors. For the bravery of many members of the company I am heartily thankful. I am very sorry, however, to report the numbers of the Good Intent were in various states of intoxication. Many left without permission, so that out of thirty-five present when the second fire broke out, only nineteen answered at Roll-call - at times during the fire not more than a dozen were on the ground.
Discipline was at a discount an in many instances members were ordered to surrender their implements to outsiders. Through hard persistent labor and personal bravery much was accomplished. At ten P.M. all danger being over, the company returned to their house and upon a call of the roll the following answered: Directors Israel, Gibson, Bright and Slaymaker, Fisher, Clement, Renn, Shrank, Brown, Wilvert, Wharton, Hendricks, Awl, Eyster, Landau, Mantz, Tweed, Jones, Hill, Sensenbach, Maihl and Young. Dismissed.
Chas. M. Clement, Recorder
January 13, 1874. Read at stated meeting and approved by the company.
R.A. Fisher, Sect'y
-Minute Book of the Good Intent Fire Company, Saturday, Dec. 20, 1873
(Note: Well, at least their intentions were good. -rjm)

Simon Martz, laborer, owns property occupied by self and Zinn, and is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, East Ward, 1874

Simon Martz borrows $100 from William M. Rockefeller, payable one year after date with interest.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket 316, November Term 1875, p. 161

Mr. Samuel Gayman, having finished his fish pond adjoining his residence in Purdytown, placed his black bass in it on Monday. Mr. Gayman's experiment is an interesting one and we hope he may succeed.
-Sunbury Gazette, 4/17/1874
(Note: This is probably the property that Simon sold him, which used to be Vandine's back yard. See 9/12/1870. -rjm)

Simon Martz pays $10.00 on account to William M. Rockefeller, toward $52 loan.
(See 11/28/1870)

Simon Martz pays $10.00 on account to William M. Rockefeller, toward $52 loan.
(See 11/28/1870)

Frederick Hammer is living at residence of Goodhast, and is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, West Ward, 1875

Simon Martz, laborer, owns property occupied by himself and Zinn, and is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, East Ward, 1875

April 9, 1875 (Friday)

The borough poor house on Water Street is now in operation. The cooking apparatus and utensils have been moved from the soup house to the new quarters of which Mrs. Harriet Logan has been appointed landlady. It is suggested to have a cow or two connected with the establishment to supply the necessary milk and to raise on the premises a portion of the pork required by the inmates. By proper management our taxes for the support of the poor can be considerably reduced.
-Sunbury Gazette, 4/9/1875 and 4/16/1875
(Note: Simon has begun to accumulate more debt than he can repay, and as a result will become "a borough charge' and an inmate of the poorhouse in less than ten years from now. -rjm  )

In consequence of a misunderstanding resulting in a fight between Mrs. Josiah Henry and Hannah Troutman of this place the latter was bound over on complaint of the former to appear at the next term of court.

The "Daily" presents the female war in the upper end of town in the following phase: Mrs. Henry Casette, nee Hannah Troutman, represents herself as having been assaulted by Mrs. Josiah Henry and 'Squire Brice served Mrs. H. the same as 'Squire Pursel served Mrs. Casette, the other day by binding her over to appear at court. Mrs. Henry's two boys were arrested about the same time for throwing dirt etc. against the house of Wm. Blair and were also bound over to appear at court.
-Sunbury Gazette, 4/9/1875 and 4/16/1875
(Note: Just a couple of mamma's boys. -rjm

-The Sunbury Gazette and_Northumberland County Republican, Sep 10, 1875

Simon Martz, laborer, owns ½ lot valued at $1000, for a total value/income of $1000, and is taxed: real/personal tax $10, occupation tax $.25
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury East Ward, 1876

A boy named Charley Brown had a narrow escape from death on Monday evening in this place. He was on a train coming south and just above the Central Hotel he jumped off and, as he did so, was struck by an engine going up, and received severe cuts about the hip and ankle. He was taken to Doc. Haupt's Drug Store, where his wounds were dressed.
-Sunbury Gazette, 3/17/1876
(Note: You're a good man (but still a blockhead), Charley Brown. -Lucille Van Pelt)

Sarah Henry (1836-1877), wife of Josiah Henry, dies.
Mrs. Sarah Henry, Josiah Henry estate is taxed.
-Sunbury "Old" Cemetery Inscriptions, Theron Dodge, James Miller, May 1938
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, West Ward, 1878

Simon Martz, laborer, owns and occupies property valued at $800, and is taxed
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, East Ward, 1877
(Note: Why is there a $200 decrease in property value? -rjm)

Council Proceedings, December 4, 1877 - Meeting called to order, quorum present, minutes of the last meeting read and approved. . . . The following orders were granted . . . Simon Martz $1.00 . . . S.E. Slaymaker, Town Clerk
-Sunbury American, 11/30/1877
(Note: There seems to be a minor discrepency between the date of the meeting and the date of the newspaper here, but that's the way I transcribed it to tape. -rjm)

Simon Martz borrows $200 from Henry Haupt (guardian) payable 21 months after date with interest.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket, June Term 1878, no. 354, p.358

Frederick Hammer, laborer, is taxed $.25, residence (Mrs. Masser)
-Tax Book, Sunbury West Ward, 1879

Simon Martz, laborer, owns property occupied by himself and Zinn, and is taxed.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, East Ward, 1871

Sunbury, March 5, 1879, the following is a statement of the Overseers of the Poor in the Borough of Sunbury, showing the expenses for the month ending February 28, 1879:
. . . order granted to C.M. Martin for attending Mary Hammer in confinement, 10.00;
-Sunbury Gazette, 3/7/1879
(Note: Possibly Simon's granddaughter, Mary A.E. Hammer, or even daughter Mercy. -rjm)

Judgement of $72.60 and costs against Frederick Hammer (see 12/16/1874) is satisfied in full.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket No. 847, January Term 1875, p.391

The remainder of debts of Simon Martz due William M. Rockefeller are assigned to William C. Lyon.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket No. 315 and 316, November Term 1875
(Note: $142 by my calculation. See 11/28/1870 and 3/30/1874. -rjm)

-The Sunbury Gazette, Apr 11, 1879

Simon Martz borrows $80 from William C. Lyon payable 1 day after date with interest.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket August Term 1879 no.254 p. 187

Simon Martz sells brick house and western part of lot #33 on south side of Market Street to William C. Lyon for $1800. The property is bounded by Daniel Heim (west) and Amelia Gross (east). Reference deed book KK, pp. 389-390, 4/1/1852.
-Northumberland County Deed Book 78, page 592

Simon Martz satisfies in full debt of $80 to William C. Lyon.

Simon Martz satisfies in full debts assigned to William C. Lyon by William Rockafeller.
(Note: See 6/26/1879 and 4/2/1879. -rjm)

Simon Martz, laborer, tenant of Wm. C. Lyon, income $20, tax $.25 is a tenant of Mrs. Mary Clements, has a yearly income of $25., and is taxed: county tax $.18, jail tax $.12
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury East Ward, 1880
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury West Ward, 1880
(Note: The East Ward entry is crossed out apparently since he has moved to the West Ward. -rjm)

Simon Martz satisfies in full debt of $200 to Henry Haupt.
(Note: See 4/18/1878. -rjm)

-The Sunbury Gazette and Northumberland County Republican, Feb 27, 1880

 

-Sunbury American, 6/11/1880
(Note: Based on previous census records she was probably closer to 64. -rjm)

Frederick Hammer household, Susquehanna Avenue (dwelling 369):
Fredk. Hammer, 51
Mercy A. Hammer, 40
Mary A. E. Hammer, 21
William Hammer, 7
Fredk. Mc Collum [Hammer], 1
Mary A. Martz, 60
Elizabeth Peacoff [Hammer}, 70, mother (dead)
-Census, Sunbury, West Ward, 1880
-Census, Sunbury, West Ward, 1880, Mortality Schedule 5.
(Note: Both Elizabeth and Mary Ann died in the last couple of months. Based on previous census records Mary Ann was probably closer to 64. She is also listed the next day age 64 at the residence of her daughter, Agnes Zinn, see below. -rjm)

Simon Martz household, Railroad Avenue (dwelling 333):
Simon Martz, 73, border, single, laborer, unemployed 16 (?) months
Rebecca Henry, 15, granddaughter, house work
Both born in Pennsylvania, including parents.
-Census, Sunbury, West Ward, 1880

William Zinn household, Railroad Avenue (dwelling 390),:
William Zinn, 41, married, laborer unemployed 7 months, (he and parents born in West Virginia)
Agnes, 30, wife, keeping house
Rebecca H., 15, daughter, at home (Rebecca Henry?)
Mary A., 12, daughter, at school
Susannah, 10, daughter, at school
Simon, 6, son
Frederick L., 3, son
Bertha, 1, daughter
Mary A. Martz, 64, mother in law, married, keeping house, cannot write, DEAD
All but William and his parents born in Pennsylvania
-Census, Sunbury West Ward, 1880
(Note: Mary Ann Martz died 5/27/1880. See also 6/17/1880 Frederick Hammer. -rjm)

Simon Martz, laborer, is a tenant on Saw Mill Property, has a value/income $25 carpenter $50, and is taxed: county $.18, jail $.10
-Northumberland County Tax Book (Sunbury West Ward), 1882

Simon Martz, laborer, is a tenant of saw mill property, has an income of $25, and is taxed $.23
William Zinn, laborer, is a tenant of saw mill property, has an income of $25, and is taxed $.23
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, West Ward, 1883

Simon Martz sells to Vandine Martz a two-story frame building, out building, and lot (36 perches and 65 feet), in Upper Augusta Township for "$10 and further consideration of love and affection". The property is on the north side of Market Street (51 feet), bordered on the west by the "horn" railroad (208 feet) and the east by properties of Marks Kauffman and J. Lenker.
-Northumberland County Deed Book 87, p. 416

-The Sunbury Weekly News, Oct 5, 1883

Simon Martz, laborer, is a tenant on Saw Mill Property, has a value/income of $25; and is taxed: county tax $.18
William Zinn, laborer, is a tenant of saw mill property, has an income of $25, and is taxed $.18
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury, West Ward, 1884
(Note: It looks like the tax rolls have not been updated to show Simon is now in the Poor House (sigh) -rjm)

Doings in Court - . . . The boy murder case was then called in which young Joseph Arnold was charged with killing Grant McCannis, a young tramp. . . Christian Meisenhelter, one of the overseers of the poor of Sunbury, testified that McCannis was brought to the poor house suffering from a wound back of the head; that he lived about thirty-six hours and died there;. . . Mrs. Agnes Zinn was next called to prove the dying declaration of Grant, but as it was not shown that she knew at the time that he would probably die, the evidence was not admitted.
-Sunbury Weekly News, 2/22/1884
(Note: And what was Agnes Zinn doing at the Poor House? Probably visiting her father, Simon Martz. See 5/26/1884 and 1885. -rjm)

Simon Martz, who has been a borough charge for quite some time, left on Monday for Buffalo where he has a daughter living. He intends to make that his home if he can find employment. He used to be pretty well fixed in this world's goods until several years ago when he lost everything.
-Sunbury Weekly News, 5/30/1884
(Note: I guess he wasn't ready to give in to the poor house. The daughter might be Agnes Zinn See 1885. -rjm)

Simon Martz, laborer, is a tenant of Poor House, value/income $25
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury West Ward, 1885

William Zinn Taxed: tenant of Ann Moore, laborer, value/income $25
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury East Ward, 1885
(Note: Simon has shuffled off to Buffalo and possiblythe Zinns have although a year from now Willim Zinn will die in Harrisburg. See 3/23/1886. -rjm)

Simon Martz, single man and laborer, is a tenant of Poor House, has a value/income of $25., an aggregate value of $25, and is taxed $.18
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury 3rd Ward, 1886
(Note: He's back!! I guess it didn't work out in Buffalo. But why are we assessing taxes on the poor?? -rjm)

Death of an Old Sunburian - William Zinn, formerly of this place, died in Harrisburg on Tuesday at 12 o'clock. He was aged about 47 years. The remains will be brought to Sunbury on News Express Thursday morning and will be taken to the Methodist Church, where the funeral services will be held, and thence to the grave yard. Mr. Zinn was well know in Sunbury. He was a son-in-law of Simon Martz, of this place. -Daily

William Zinn, a son-in-law of Simon Martz, died in Harrisburg last week. He was brought to Sunbury for burial. He was 47 years old. His wife and several children remain.
-The Sunbury American, 3/26/1886
-The Sunbury Weekly News, 4/2/1886

Joseph Hammer, a son of the late Frederick Hammer, has become dissatisfied with his wife whom he lately married for reasons known to himself and others, has refused longer to live with her and gives notice accordingly.
-Sunbury Weekly News, 4/16/1886
May 6, 1890
In the Courts - Tuesday. Subpoenas in divorce were awarded in the case of Mary J. Hammer against Jos. H. Hammer.
-Sunbury Weekly News, 5/9/1890
December 16, 1890
A Card from Joe Hammer - Joseph Hammer was granted a divorce by the court from Mary J. Hammer on the 16th of December. He says it is a burden off his shoulders and hopes she will not try to poison the next man she marries for the small sum of $2000 insurance money. Joseph Hammer
-Northumberland County Democrat, 1/1/1891
January 29, 1891
Wedding Bells - Joseph Hammer and Carrie Bartholomew United in Bonds of Holy Matrimony - The home of Mr. F. Houghton, of lower Front Street, witnessed the joyous scene on Thursday evening January 29, the occasion being the marriage of Mr. Joseph H. Hammer and Miss Carrie Bartholomew at the appointed hour with Mr. Jas. Miller as groomsman and Miss Emma Spath as bridesmaid. The happy couple presented themselves before the officiating clergyman and Rev. Weber spoke the words that made them one...
-Northumberland County Democrat, 2/5/1891
(Note: Joseph Hammer is believed to be the son of Frederick Hammer and Mercy A. Martz, and grandson of Simon Martz.)

Simon Martz, single man and laborer, is a tenant of the Poor House, has a value/income $25.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Sunbury 3rd Ward, 1887

An old wooden building on Front between Walnut and Spruce was rented as a poor house for some years. The present poor house was purchased in 1886; it is a two-story brick building located in Limestone valley one mile south of the borough limits on the line of the Northern Central railway, with an acre and a half of ground adjoining. One acre was originally bought, to which a half-acre was added in 1890.
-History of Northumberland County, Herbert C. Bell, Chicago, 1891
(Note: Simon's tax book entry is crossed out with note pointing to Upper Augusta) Township where the new Poor House is located. It is still (1993) standing on Route 147, just south of Sunbury, and is privately owned. It was apparently administered by the borough until 1/12/1938 when the Northumberland County Institution District was organized to take administrative responsibility for all of the poor houses in the county. County records exist from 1938 to 1962, unfortunately none of the earlier borough records have been found. -rjm)

Simon Martz, single man and laborer, is a tenant of Poor House, has a value/income of $20., and is taxed $.12
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Upper Augusta Township, 1888
(Note: After this year the Sunbury Poor House will continue to be listed as tax-exempt property (1 acre, value $350) in the Upper Augusta Township tax books, however the tenants are no longer listed. Strike a blow for tax reform; at least we're no longer taxing the destitute.  -rjm)

-Northumberland County Democrat, 8/31/1888
 

-The Sunbury American, 8/31/1888
(Note: Simon was probably buried in the Sunbury "old" cemetery at Spruce and Fourth streets. Municipal records for this cemetery are incomplete and it is stated that there are graves upon graves. Since it is in the low part of town not far from the river, it has been ravaged by flooding, particularly in 1936. It is also situated next to the Northern Central Railway line along Third street, and was once buried under railroad cinders. Many of the stones have been damaged and are unreadable. The Hammers and William Zinn are known to be buried there and it is possible that Simon was laid to rest in one of those plots. May you rest in peace, wherever you are, Simon. -rjm)

-The Sunbury Weekly News,  Jan 31,  1890

Married - Miss Becky Zinn and J.R. Mantz of Sunbury were married at the Ridge Avenue M.E. Parsonage one day last week by the Rev. M.L. Ganoe. The newly-married pair received a complimentary serenade by the Commonwealth band at the home of Mrs. C. Minnehan and left later for Atlantic City. - Harrisburg Sunday Telegram
-Northumberland County Democrat, 8/31/1893
(Note: I think this is Rebecca Henry, who lived with Simon Martz before being adopted by the Zinns. -rjm)

Agnes Zinn dies of chronic (?) Bright's disease. Housewife living at 145 Awl Street, Sunbury.
January 16, 1909 (Saturday)
Agnes Zinn is buried at Pomfret Manor Cemetery.
-Death Certificate
-Shipman Funeral Home Records, Sunbury, Pa.
(Note: The informant for the death certificate is Mrs. Julius Mantz, who is Rebecca (Henry?) Zinn. She knows that Simon Martz was Agnes' father but doesn't know her mother's maiden name. -rjm)