William Harrison Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Harrison "Howdy" Martin
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| United States Congressman Texas 2nd Congressional District |
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| In office November 4, 1887 – March 3, 1891 |
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| Preceded by | John Henninger Reagan |
| Succeeded by | John Benjamin Long |
| District Attorney Kaufman, Smith Henderson, Anderson counties |
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| In office unknown dates – (between Congress and State Senate) |
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| Senator Texas Senate, District 22 |
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| In office 1853–1858 |
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| Preceded by | John O. Meusebach |
| Succeeded by | Francis Marion Martin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 2, 1822 Twiggs County, Georgia |
| Died | February 5, 1898 (aged 75) Hill County, Texas |
| Resting place | Hillsboro Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Martha Elizabeth Gallemore |
| Children | Six children |
| Residence | Hillsboro, Texas |
| Alma mater | Troy State College |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Confederate States Army |
| Branch/service | Hood's Texas Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Eastern Theater of the American Civil War |
William Harrison "Howdy" Martin (September 2, 1822 – February 5, 1898) was an important person in Texas history. He was born in 1822 and passed away in 1898. He served as a state senator and later as a U.S. Representative for Texas. He also fought in the American Civil War.
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About William Harrison Martin
William Harrison Martin was born in Twiggs County, Georgia on September 2, 1822. His parents were Robert and Charlotte Martin. Later in his life, he married Martha Elizabeth Gallemore in Navarro County, Texas. They had six children together.
William went to school in Alabama. He studied law at Troy State College. After finishing his studies, he became a lawyer. In 1850, he moved to Texas and started his law practice there.
Military Service
In 1861, William Harrison Martin joined the Confederate States Army. He was part of Company K, 4th Infantry, in Hood's Texas Brigade. This group was a famous part of the Texas Confederate Regiments during the American Civil War.
His regiment fought in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War. They served under Robert E. Lee in the Army of Northern Virginia. In April 1864, Martin was promoted to the rank of Major.
Many people wonder how he got the nickname "Howdy." One story from the war says that he once saw General Robert E. Lee. William stood up in his stirrups and shouted, "Howdy!"
Public Service and Law Career
William Harrison Martin was involved in public service for many years. From 1853 to 1857, he was a member of the Texas Senate. He represented several counties, including Freestone, Limestone, Henderson, and Navarro.
After the Civil War, Martin went back to Texas. He continued his work as a lawyer in Athens. He was also elected as a district attorney for several counties. These included Kaufman, Smith, Henderson, and Anderson counties.
On February 12, 1887, William Harrison Martin was elected as a Democrat to the 50th United States Congress. He filled a spot left by John H. Reagan. Martin was reelected to the 51st United States Congress. He served as a U.S. Representative from November 4, 1887, until March 3, 1891. After his time in Congress, he went back to practicing law.
Later Life and Passing
William Harrison Martin passed away at his home near Hillsboro, Texas, on February 5, 1898. He is buried in the Hillsboro Cemetery.
