Many proficient classroom teachers are also quite adept as politicians, a fact that is confirmed by the distinguished career of Martin R. Bradley. Martin was a classroom teacher who was elected to five terms to the Michigan State House of Representatives.

Martin was born in Newberry, Luce County, Michigan, on April 1, 1888, the son of Robert and Josephine (Johnson) Bradley. When he was a young boy, his family moved to Huron County. When he grew to manhood, Martin enrolled first at the Ferris Institute in Big Rapids, Mecosta County, Michigan, and then at Central State Teachers College in Mount Pleasant, Isabella County, Michigan.

After his college graduation, Martin returned to Huron County, where he had accepted a position as a school teacher in rural schools. In 1910, he moved to Hermansville, Menominee County, where the experienced educator served as the Superintendent of Schools. Martin remained in that position until 1914. After he concluded his stint as the superintendent, Martin worked for a time in the insurance industry, and then, from 1914 to 1923, as the postmaster for Hermansville.

In 1922, the former teacher began his distinguished political career. He served an impressive five terms as a member of the Michigan State House of Representatives. He was first elected for one term in 1922, and then was re-elected to four successive terms beginning in 1926. In addition, he was selected by his peers as the Speaker of the House for the 1933-1934 session, the first representative from the Upper Peninsula to be so honored. In 1932, Martin became a delegate to that year’s Democratic National Convention, the historic convention that nominated Franklin D. Roosevelt for President of the United States.

In 1935, when Martin’s final term was completed, he was appointed Collector of Customs, a position which required that he move to the Detroit area. Martin held this position until his retirement in 1953.

Sadly, Martin passed away in Leavenworth, Washington, on December 21, 1975, at the age of 88. For more about this accomplished teacher and politician, see the website for the University of Michigan’s Bentley Historical Library.