This picture of Dr. Martin Luther (1483-1546) was brought to America from Germany by Henry Firebaugh. He registered in Philadelphia upon his arrival in 1744. His son, Adam, fought in the Revolutionary War. Adam’s son, Philip, moved to Botetourt in 1818 and had two sons who served in the Civil War. This picture was kept in the family and donated to the Botetourt Museum of History and Culture by their descendants, Betty and Clara Firebaugh. Martin Luther is largely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the 16th century Protestant Reformation. He was a German priest, theologian, hymn writer, author, professor and Augustinian friar. His clash with the Catholic Church was supported in Germany and published widely by the newly invented Gutenberg moveable-type printing press.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
