The Colemans of Martic Forge

This lecture by Cornwall Iron Furnace Associates president, Jim Polczynski, gave the history of the origins of iron making and the iron works in Martic Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Polczynski spoke about the ownership of Martic Forge by three generations of the Coleman family. Adding to his vast industrial holdings, Robert Coleman (also the owner of Cornwall Iron Furnace) gradually acquired complete control of Martic Forge, which he eventually sold to his nephew, Edward Brien. Following Brien's premature death, Robert Coleman reacquired the properties. After Coleman's death in 1825, his sons, and later his grandsons, continued to operate the ironworks until the mid-19th century.
This talk, "The Colemans and Martic Forge"was hosted by the Cornwall Iron Furnace Associates and took place on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023.
Jim Polczynski has worked as a consulting Knowledge Engineer for various steel companies, including Bethlehem Steel, Lukens Steel, Dofasco Steel and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel. He developed an interest in the iron and steel industry in Lebanon and Cornwall while renovating and restoring the Cornwall Company Store, now known as the Cornwall Inn. He is the author of “Souls of Iron” which tells the remarkable story of the Coleman iron dynasty. The book is available online and at the Cornwall Iron Furnace Museum store. Jim also is currently President of the Friends of the Cornwall Iron Furnace.

[@robwar2288]

I grew up in Conestoga! I had no idea the Coleman’s were behind that one also!

[@klolAF]

As old as this is mars was created

[@klolAF]

Comparing furnaces between America and old Palestine 1933 to compare to Daniel in Holy Bible , you know someone cast people in a furnace , huh , some son of a bitch was rich and mean