MARTIN, ALEXANDER H. (8 Dec. 1872-13 or 14 Nov. 1962), well-known black lawyer and a leader among city's black Republicans, was born in Ironton, Ohio, to Jake and Lydia (Calloway) Martin. He graduated from high school in Geneva at 16 and learned the barber trade. In 1891 he entered Adelbert College of Western Reserve University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1895 and receiving a scholarship to WRU law school. He qualified to take the state bar exam after only his second year and was admitted to the bar a year before graduating from law school. Martin practiced law in Cleveland for 65 years. For many years he was a perennial candidate for judge in various courts but was never elected. He also attempted to gain the Republican nomination for Congress in 1936. Martin helped organize the Attucks Republican Club Cleveland and was its president. In 1900 he was instrumental in shifting black support in Cleveland to the Democratic nominee for president, Wm. Jennings Bryan. He later returned to the Republican party. Among his many civic involvements, Martin served on the executive committee for the CLEVELAND ASSOCIATION OF COLORED MEN and, in 1922, was one of the chief organizers of the Cedar Ave. Branch of the YMCA.
Martin married Mary Brown (see MARY BROWN MARTIN†) in 1905. They had four children: Lydia J., Alexander H., Jr., Stuart B., and Sarah M. (Pereira). He was buried at Highland Park Cemetery.
Last Modified: 18 Jul 1997 03:26:16 PM- Related Article(s)