Martin, born in Treuenbrietzen in Brandenburg to Paul and Euphemia Chemnitz, was the last of three children. His older siblings names were: Matthew and Ursula. His father was a successful merchant, who died when Martin was eleven: from then on the family suffered from financial difficulties. When he was old enough, Martin matriculated at the University of Magdeburg. Upon completion of the course work, he then served as a weaver's apprentice. He helped his family with its clothing business for the next few years. When he was twenty he again began his education at the University of Frankfurt on the Oder. He remained in school until his finances were exhaused; he then took a teaching job in the town of Wrietzen, supplementing his income by collecting the local sales tax on fish. His time at F