Eben Wever Martin (April 12, 1855 – May 22, 1932) was an American attorney and politician in South Dakota. A Republican, he was most notable for his service as a member of the United States House of Representatives during the early 20th Century.

Eben Martin
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Dakota
In office
March 3, 1901 – March 4, 1907
Preceded byRobert J. Gamble
Succeeded byWilliam H. Parker
Constituencyat-large district
In office
November 3, 1908 – March 3, 1915
Preceded byWilliam H. Parker
Succeeded byHarry L. Gandy
Constituencyat-large district (1908–13)
3rd district (1913–15)
Personal details
Born
Eben Wever Martin

(1855-04-12)April 12, 1855
Maquoketa, Iowa, U.S.
DiedMay 22, 1932(1932-05-22) (aged 77)
Hot Springs, South Dakota, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
EducationCornell College (BA)
University of Michigan (LLB)

Early life and education

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Martin was born in Maquoketa, Iowa. He attended the public schools of his hometown, and in 1879 he graduated from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He studied at the University of Michigan Law School in 1879 and 1880, was admitted to the bar in 1880 and commenced practice in Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

Congress

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Martin served in the South Dakota Territory House of Representatives in 1884 and 1885, and was president of Deadwood's board of education from 1886 to 1900.

In 1900, Martin was elected as a Republican to Seat B, one of South Dakota's two at-large seats in the United States House of Representatives. He was reelected in 1902 and 1904, and served from March 4, 1901, to March 3, 1907. He ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate in 1906.

After the death of William H. Parker, Martin won a special election to fill the Seat B vacancy in the U.S. House, and was re-elected to three more terms, serving from November 3, 1908, to March 3, 1915. As a result of the 1910 United States census, South Dakota was apportioned three House members and created three districts. In Martin's 1912 reelection he ran successfully for South Dakota's 3rd congressional district seat. He was not a candidate for re-election in 1914.

Later career

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After leaving Congress, Martin practiced law in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Death and burial

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He died in Hot Springs on May 22, 1932, and was buried in the city's Evergreen Cemetery.

Legacy

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Martin is the namesake of the city of Martin, South Dakota.[1]

References

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  1. ^ Federal Writers' Project (1940). South Dakota place-names, v.1–3. University of South Dakota. p. 50.
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U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Dakota's at-large congressional district

March 4, 1901 – March 3, 1907
Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Dakota's at-large congressional district

November 3, 1908 – March 3, 1913
Succeeded by
District inactive
Preceded by
New District
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Dakota's 3rd congressional district

March 4, 1913 – March 3, 1915
Succeeded by