Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 4.djvu/107

 VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

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open competition bearing witness of his skill. He is a steady and sure player, rising to brilliance when forced by unfortunate chance, but as a rule playing evenly and consistently. He is a Democrat in political conviction, and is a member of the vestry of Monumental Episcopal Church. For twenty- five years he has filled the of^ce of superin- tendent of the Sunday school of this church, and has served with conscientious faithful- ness, giving its work his earnest effort, de- riving therefrom a lasting inspiration.

Mr. Meade married, October 12, 1893, Nellie Prior, born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where her mother was visiting the familv home being in Richmond, daughter of Thomas Stanley and Ellen. R. (Prior) Atkins. Her father was a native of England, coming to Richmond. Virginia, when a young man, and became judge of the Hust- ings court. He was a notable citizen, and was at one time special master in receiver- ship for what is now the Southern railway. Children of Richard Hardaway and Nellie Prior (Atkins) Meade: Richard H., Jr., born May 10, 1897. ^ student at the Virginia Military Institute, class of 1906; Nellie Atkins, born June 15, 1900; Thomas Stan- ley, born November 10, 1905.

Thomas Staples Martin, United States Senator. The elevation of Senator Martin to the highest political of^ce his state can bestow, that of United States senator, was a plain case of "the office seeking the man," as prior to his election by the Virginia legis- lature to the high of^ce he has held since 1895 he had never sought nor held a polit- ical office of any kind in state or nation. Yet he was not without qualifications aside from his well-known powers of mind and character, for he had from youth lived in an atmosphere of politics and had been for sev- eral years a member of the executive com- mittee of the state Democratic committee. When a school boy at Virginia Military In- stitute he had marched out to the field of battle with his brother cadets and his fight for a legal education had proved his strength of character, while his quarter of a century in active practice had developed a character that has withstood the searching light of many years public service. Yet the law was his choice and notwithstanding the impor- tant obligation as a United States Senator he has ever been devoted to his profession.

Senator Martin is a son of John Samuel and Martha Ann (Staples) Martin and a grandson of Reuben Martin, his Grand- mother Hayden being a daughter of a Vir- ginia legislator. John S. Martin, son of a farmer, grew to manhood amid agricultural surroundings, but his tastes were for a mer- cantile life and leaving the farm he became a merchant and manufacturer of Scottsville, Virginia.

Thomas Staples Martin was born in Scottsville, Albemarle county, Virginia, July 29. 1847. He attended Scottsville schools until March i, 1864, then entered Virginia Military Institute, continuing his studies in barracks and field until April 9, 1865. In October, 1865, he entered the University of Virginia, academic department, attended sessions there until June i, 1867. His father's death, July 3, 1867, leaving him the head of a large family, he gave up his ambi- tion for a college education and warmly shouldered his responsibilities. He had graduated from a number of schools and gained practically a college education, how- ever, and he did not surrender his ambition and determination to be a lawyer, but shortly after leaving the university he be- gan a course of private study and reading. Although this was a slower and more diffi- cult way to secure the needed education he persevered in his legal study, finally pre- senting himself before the examiners, men- tally well and accurately equipped with legal knowledge. He was granted a license to practice in the fall of 1869 and at once began practice at the Albemarle county bar. He began in a quiet, modest way, but soon proved his mettle and clients became plenti- ful. As he gained in experience and years, he broadened and expanded mentally, be- coming one of the leading lawyers of the Virginia bar. He practiced continuously from the date of his admission. 1869, until 1893, nearly a quarter of a century, then the reward of a well spent, useful life came to him unexpectedly and unsought. The law was to him a jealous mistress and he had fought so hard for his education and foot- hold that he allowed nothing to come be- tween him and his profession. But in 1893, when chosen by the legislature of Virginia over some of Virginia's distinguished public men, he accepted the high honor, although in former years he had declined to be a can- didate as he had declined other offers of