The progenitor of the Briar Creek, Columbia County Martz family was William born 1767. The geographic proximity of Abraham Martz and his birth in 1800 strongly suggest he was William’s son. Moreover, when Abraham baptized daughter Maria in 1827, the sponsors were Wilhelm & Elizabetha.

Finally there is the letter cited elsewhere (see William) written by D W Martz, Abraham’s son, in which he said Abraham was the son William.

Abraham is designated H1a2.

In 1830, Abraham and William Mortis were listed next to each other in Briar Creek. Everything is right that it was William Martz and his son Abraham — except Abraham who was 30 was reported as 40-49 and his wife 30-39. His age was better reported in 1840 and 1850.

Abraham is on find-a-grave. I maintain his memorial.

From the 1850 Census, we know Elizabeth 15 and Lydia 7. On find-a-grave, three daughters are linked to Abraham and Desiah: Mary Remley born 1827, Eliza Kelchner born 1834 and Lydia Martz born 1842, died young and unmarried apparently. I assume whoever linked Mary Remley knew the facts, I don’t.

From the 1850 Census, we know Nathan 21, John 18, Daniel 17, Samuel 14, Henry 12, George 10 and Z Taylor 3. On find-a-grave, those seven sons are linked to Abraham and Lydia.

George W died young, he was never listed on his own in Census and I don’t believe he ever married. So too Zachary Taylor, though in his case, he is unaccounted for in 1870. Neither is designated, leaving five sones I have tracked further.

H1a2a Nathan born 1828
H1a2b John Henry born 1830
H1a2c Daniel W born 1832
H1a2d Samuel W born 1834
H1a2e Henry Harrison born 1838

There are several death certificates for children of Abraham’s. His wife is variously named Desiah Hitter, Dessia Hettler and Desiah Hetler. She was Desiree in the 1850 Census. Her name is given as Desiah Hetler on find-a-grave though it is acknowledged there that her tombstone clearly says Disiah.

I have done no independent research on this and so Desiah Hetler is good enough for me.