Martin Luther, M.D., Physician, was born March 16th, 1826, at New Holland, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Dr. John Luther, now deceased, who was a prominent physician of that locality; was also very active in political life, and an influential and leading member of the Masonic body. His grandfather was also a physician, and his three sons were all educated in the same profession. It is a somewhat singular coincidence that his father should also have three sons who were all devoted to the same pursuit. He was educated at the leading academies of West Chester and of Berks county, subsequently studying under a private tutor. He commenced the study of medicine in the office of his brother, Dr. John W. Luther, of New Holland, and subsequently attended the lectures delivered in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. After complying with the regulations of that institution, he graduated therefrom in the spring of 1848 with the degree of M.I. For the two years succeeding this event he practised his profession in company with his brother-preceptor. In 1850, he went to Reading, and established himself in practice alone, and has succeeded in securing an extensive patronage. He was appointed Physician to the Berks County Alms-house in 1853, and served in that capacity until 1855. He then was named Physician to the County Prison, and was attached to the same for two years, ending in 1857. In 1862, he was placed in charge of the United States Army Hospital at Reading, and held that position until it was no longer required. In the same year he was appointed surgeon to the State in making the necessary examinations of those who had been drafted into the military service; in 1864, he served as surgeon to the Board of Enrollment of the Eighth Congressional District, and remained in that position until the close of the war. He took a prominent and leading part in properly establishing the Reading Dispensary, in 1868. This institution has been of much benefit in affording relief to the sick and needy who have availed themselves of its charities. He has been, and still is, a member of the Berks County Medical Society, and has filled the office of President of the same. While holding this position, he was a delegate to the State and National Medical Congress. He is also a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia. At present he stands at the head of his profession in Reading, and is a surgeon of the greatest ability. He is highly respected as a citizen; is a most genial companion, a warm-hearted, sympathizing and benevolent man. Traditionally, he is a descendant of the brother of Martin Luther, the great Protestant Reformer, and is said to resemble him very strongly in appearance.
Source: The Biographical Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the Nineteenth Century. Philadelphia: Galaxy Publishing Co., 1874, pp. 208.
Contributed by: Nancy.