Charles Henry Martin
Major General, U.S. Army

Charles Henry Martin was born on 1 October 1863 in Albion, IL.

Martin was a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy in 1887, the beginning of a 40-year military career. He served in the Spanish American War, Philippine Insurrection, Boxer Rebellion in China and as Commander of the Panama Canal Department from 1925-27.

He served under General John J. Pershing in World War I, commanding the Black Hawk Division and the Fifth Corps in the Argonne. He retired in 1927 with the rank of Major General.

In Retirement

Martin had a second career in politics. He served from 1931-35 as a Democratic Representative to Congress, and as Governor of Oregon from 1935-39. Major issues included economic recovery from the Great Depression, planning and construction of Bonneville Dam, and many labor issues.

Martin was opposed to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal politics, especially the labor organizations. His criticism of Roosevelt cost Martin a re-election campaign.

Death and Burial

Charles Henry Martin died on 22 September 1946 in Portland, OR. He is buried at River View Cemetery in Portland.