Charles Irving Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Irving Martin
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Martin as a brigadier general, circa 1920
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| Born | January 25, 1871 Ogle County, Illinois |
| Died | May 8, 1953 (aged 82) Cheyenne, Wyoming |
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
 United States Army |
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| Years of service | 1890–1935 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Service number | 0-101583 |
| Commands held | 1st Brigade Kansas National Guard, 35th Infantry Division, 70th Infantry Brigade, |
| Wars | Spanish–American War Philippine–American War First World War |
| Spouse(s) | Lou Ida Ward |
| Children | Lillia Mae Markley |
| Other work | Attorney |
Charles Irving Martin (born January 25, 1871 – died May 8, 1953) was an American military leader and a lawyer. He served in the United States Army for many years, including during the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, and World War I.
Early Life
Charles Martin was born in Ogle County, Illinois, in 1871. His parents were William and Mary Martin.
Military Career
Charles Martin began his military journey on August 26, 1890. He joined the First Kansas Infantry regiment as a private, which is the lowest rank. While serving, he also studied and graduated from the Normal School at Fort Scott in 1892.
In 1893, Martin became a second lieutenant in the same regiment. The next year, he was promoted to captain. In 1898, he moved to the 20th U.S. Volunteers. With this group, he fought in the Spanish–American War in the Philippines.
The next year, 1899, Martin was promoted to major. He then joined the 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry. He continued to serve in the Philippines during the Philippine–American War.
He returned to the United States in 1901. He was still part of the 20th Kansas. At the same time, he worked as a clerk for the district court in Bourbon County, Kansas. He held this job until 1905. During this time, Martin also became a lawyer in Kansas. He practiced law in Fort Scott, Topeka, and Wichita. From 1905 to 1909, Martin served as the Inspector General of the Kansas National Guard. This was a high-ranking position, and he held the rank of Brigadier General.
World War I
From 1909 to 1917, Martin was the Adjutant General of Kansas. This meant he was the chief military officer for the state. He also led the 1st Infantry Brigade of the Kansas National Guard as a Brigadier General.
On August 5, 1917, after the United States joined World War I, Martin was given command of the 70th Infantry Brigade. This brigade was part of the 35th Infantry Division. He traveled to France with his division in May 1918. They arrived in Liverpool on May 8, 1918.
In May 1918, Martin spent time with the British army as an observer. He watched and learned from their strategies. His 35th Division was kept in reserve during the German Spring Offensive of 1918. From July to September 1918, Martin and the 70th Brigade worked in a calm part of the trenches. They did not directly fight in the Saint-Mihiel offensive. The 35th Division did not see direct combat until September 26, 1918.
However, Martin was replaced as commander before the 70th Infantry Brigade's first battle. Colonel Kirby Walker took over his command on September 21, 1918. Martin was honorably discharged from service on December 1, 1918.
Between the Wars
Martin returned to military service in 1921. He became the Commanding Officer of the 69th Infantry Brigade, Kansas National Guard. During this time, Martin continued his law practice. In 1923, he was allowed to argue cases in the highest court, the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1932, he became a Major General. He was given command of the 35th National Guard Division. He led this division until he retired in 1935.
Personal Life and Death
Charles Irving Martin married Lou Ida Ward on November 28, 1894. They had one child, a daughter named Lillia Mae Markley.
Before his military retirement, Martin also worked as a manager. From 1927, he managed the Veterans Administration facility in Wadsworth, Leavenworth County, Kansas. He retired from this job in 1941.
Martin spent his retirement years in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He passed away there on May 8, 1953. He is buried at the Leavenworth National Cemetery.
