Joseph W. Martin Jr.

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Joseph W. Martin Jr. (November 3, 1884 – March 6, 1968) was an American politician who served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts. He was the Speaker of the House from 1947 to 1949 and again from 1953 to 1955.

Early Life and Education

Joseph William Martin Jr. was born in North Attleborough, Massachusetts. He attended the public schools and graduated from North Attleborough High School in 1902. Martin worked as a newspaper editor before entering politics.

Political Career

Martin was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1912. He served in the Massachusetts Senate from 1914 to 1917. In 1924, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served until 1967.

Speaker of the House

Martin became the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives in 1947, following the 1946 United States House of Representatives elections. His tenure as Speaker was marked by his opposition to many of the policies of President Harry S. Truman. He lost the speakership in 1949 but regained it in 1953 when the Republicans again took control of the House. He served as Speaker until 1955.

Later Career and Legacy

After losing the speakership, Martin continued to serve in the House until he was defeated in the 1966 Republican primary by Margaret Heckler. He retired from politics and returned to North Attleborough, where he lived until his death in 1968.

Personal Life

Martin was known for his modest lifestyle and dedication to public service. He never married and was known to be a private individual.

Related Pages

• Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
• Republican Party (United States)
• United States House of Representatives
• Massachusetts House of Representatives
• Massachusetts Senate
• Harry S. Truman
• Margaret Heckler