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Martin Dies Sr.
Martin Dies Sr. (Texas Congressman).jpg
The Washington Times, May 23, 1912
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Texas's 2nd district
In office
March 4, 1909 – March 3, 1919
Preceded by Samuel Bronson Cooper
Succeeded by John C. Box
Personal details
Born
Martin Dies

(1870-03-13)March 13, 1870
Jackson Parish, Louisiana
Died July 13, 1922(1922-07-13) (aged 52)
Kerrville, Texas
Resting place Glenwood Cemetery, Houston, Texas
Political party Democratic
Spouses Mary Olive Cline (m. 1888-1910, div.)
Florence Nelva Miller (m. 1910-1922, his death)
Children 4 (including Martin Dies Jr.)
Education University of Texas School of Law
Profession Attorney

Martin Dies (born March 13, 1870 – died July 13, 1922) was an important Texas politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. Congress.

Martin Dies came from a family of politicians. His son, also named Martin Dies Jr., later became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives too. His grandson, also called Martin Dies Jr., continued the family tradition in Texas politics.

Early Life and Education

Martin Dies was born in Jackson Parish, Louisiana, in 1870. When he was six years old, his family moved to Freestone County, Texas.

He studied law at the University of Texas at Austin. In 1893, he finished his studies and became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Woodville, Texas.

Early Career in Texas

Before becoming a national politician, Martin Dies held several jobs in Texas. He worked as a newspaper editor in Freestone County. He also served as a county marshal. Later, he became a county judge in Tyler County, Texas in 1894.

During the Spanish-American War, Martin Dies was part of a group called the Beaumont Light Guards. This was a National Guard unit that helped the country during the war.

From 1898 to 1900, he worked as a district attorney. This job meant he was the main lawyer for the government in the first judicial district of Texas. In 1902, he moved to Beaumont, Texas. There, he worked as a lawyer for a company called Gulf Refining Co.

Time in Congress

In 1908, Martin Dies ran for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat. He won the election. He was re-elected four more times, serving a total of ten years. His time in Congress was from March 4, 1909, to March 3, 1919.

During his time in Congress, he led a committee. This committee was called the Committee on Railways and Canals. He was the chairman of this committee for two terms.

Later Life and Passing

After leaving Congress, Martin Dies went back to his ranch. His ranch was located on Turkey Creek in Tyler County, Texas.

In 1921, he moved to Kerrville, Texas. Martin Dies passed away in Kerrville on July 13, 1922, at the age of 52. He died in a hospital after having an emergency operation. He was buried at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.

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