Samuel Maner Martin Papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Mss-0247
The collection consists of correspondence, a memorial, negatives, photographs, and a speech that span the period 1899-1984. The correspondence, which dates from 1905-1906, is mainly from Martin to his father and his brother Benjamin, describing the weather, his garden, family matters, and a trip to Hampton County to hunt and oversee some of the family's financial interests (farm rentals and timber-cutting contracts) there. One letter is from Martin's half-brother Luther Bostick Martin, who is seeking a position in a drug store. The 1959 memorial for Martin by Clemson Mason Lodge No. 254 describes his Masonic and public service activities. The speech was given by Martin at the laying of the cornerstone of Holtzendorff Hall (YMCA) on June 16, 1915; the May 14, 1984 cover letter from Mike (Julius C.) Hubbard, Jr. to Michael Kohl donating the speech is enclosed with it. The negatives and photographs, dating from 1899-1967, depict Martin (a few show him dressed as a Mason), his family and friends, faculty at Clemson University, scenes around the City of Clemson and the University, and events such as the groundbreaking for the second Clemson Methodist Church building c.1967 and the laying of the cornerstone of the Amphitheater at Clemson University in 1940.
Samuel Maner Martin was born October 30, 1875 in Allendale, South Carolina, the son of Benjamin and Katherine Maner Martin. He graduated from The Citadel in 1896. Martin married Elizabeth Conway Simpson of Pendleton, South Carolina in 1901 and they had four children: Benjamin Vincent, Maria Garlington (Lucas), Richard Simpson and Samuel Maner, Jr. Elizabeth Martin died in 1948; he married Eva Gasque of Dillon, South Carolina in 1954.
After graduating from The Citadel, Martin taught at Johnston Institute in Johnston, South Carolina for two years. In 1898, he became a Mathematics instructor and assistant to the Commandant in the Military Department at Clemson College. He served as assistant to the Commandant until 1902; the students nicknamed him "Major". He became an Assistant Professor of Mathematics in 1901, an Associate Professor in 1906 and Professor in 1908. That same year, Martin became the Head of the Mathematics Department, a position he held until he retired in 1948.
He was a Mason who served in several positions in local lodges and as Grand Master of Masons in South Carolina from 1939 to 1941; he received the highest Masonic award, the Albert Gallatin Mackey Medal. Martin helped organize the Clemson Methodist Church in 1903 and was a charter member. He served 21 years as superintendent of the Sunday School and 25 years as Chairman of the church Board of Trustees. He was also Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Clemson YMCA from 1917 to 1951 and served on the local school board and Oconee County Board of Education for many years.
Martin died on December 17, 1959 in Clemson, South Carolina.
Born October 30, 1875 in Allendale, SC. Graduated from The Citadel in 1896. Taught at Johnston Institute in Johnston, SC 1896-1898. Appointed instructor in Mathematics and assistant to the Commandant in the Military Department at Clemson in 1898. Assistant to the Commandant until 1902; Assistant Professor of Mathematics in 1901, Associate Professor in 1906, and Professor of Mathematics and Head of Mathematics Department in 1908. Retired in 1948. Died December 17, 1959 in Clemson, SC.
81 item(s)
English
Mike Hubbard donated the speech at the laying of the cornerstone of Holtzendorff Hall in 1984, accession 84-31. Maria Martin Lucas gave the photographs in 1987, accession 87-63. Christine Newtson gave the correspondence in 1987, accession 87-109.
Part of the Clemson University Libraries Special Collections and Archives Repository