James Stewart Martin (congressman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Stewart Martin
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 16th district |
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| In office March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | William A. J. Sparks |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 19, 1826 Gate City, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | November 20, 1907 (aged 81) Salem, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
James Stewart Martin (born August 19, 1826 – died November 20, 1907) was an American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for the state of Illinois. He was also a soldier and a lawyer.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Stewart Martin was born in Estillville, Virginia. This town is now known as Gate City. He went to local schools and later attended Emory and Henry College in Virginia.
In 1846, when he was about 20 years old, he moved to Salem, Illinois. This is where he would live for most of his life.
Military Service
James Martin was a soldier in two important American wars.
Mexican-American War
He served in the Mexican–American War. This war took place from 1846 to 1848. He was part of Company C, 1st Regiment of Illinois Volunteers.
American Civil War
Later, during the American Civil War (1861–1865), he joined the Union Army. He became a colonel in the 111th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment in 1862.
By 1865, he was given the honorary rank of brigadier general. This was a special recognition for his service. He left the army in June 1865.
Law and Public Service
After his military service, James Martin became a lawyer. He studied law and was allowed to practice in 1861. He worked as a lawyer in Salem, Illinois.
He also held several public jobs:
- He was a clerk for the Marion County Court.
- After the Civil War, he became a judge for the Marion County Court.
- In 1869, President Grant appointed him as a United States pension agent. This meant he helped soldiers get their pensions.
Political Career
James Martin was a member of the Republican Party.
In 1872, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served one term in the Forty-third Congress, from March 4, 1873, to March 3, 1875. He ran for re-election but did not win.
After his time in Congress, he continued to serve the public. In 1879, he became a commissioner for the Southern Illinois Penitentiary.
Later Life
James Stewart Martin passed away in Salem, Illinois, on November 20, 1907. He was 81 years old. He was buried in East Lawn Cemetery.
