Unknown Martin Luther (1483–1546) His youth The best-known Reformer whom God used to usher in the Reformation is Martin Luther. He was born in a small town called Eisleben on November 10, 1483. He was named Martin for the simple reason that the day on which he was born was called St. Martin’s Day in the Roman Catholic Church. It is said that his father prayed aloud at the bedside of his newborn son, asking God to grant him grace that he might become known for learning and piety. Shortly after Martin was born, his family moved to Mansfeld, where his father, Hans, owned a small business mining copper-bearing shale. This eased some of the harsh poverty the family had endured. Hans Luther determined to give his son a good education. Martin’s teachers certainly taught him his subjects, but educators in those days were very harsh. They believed that beating boys was the best way to make them learn. Poor Martin once received fifteen whippings in a single day at school!