William Joseph Martin, Sr. was born in Richmond, Va. in 1830. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1851. He served on the faculties of Washington and Jefferson College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Davidson College. In 1861, he organized the 28th N.C. Regiment for service in the Confederate States Army. He retired from the army as a colonel, and went to Columbia, Tenn., where he founded and administered the Columbian High School. In 1870, he accepted the Chair of Natural Sciences at Davidson College. In 1887, he served as Acting President of the college. He was offered the presidency as a permanent position, but he declined and chose to accept the position of vice-president instead. For additional information abut his family see DC028, the William Joseph Martin, 1868-1943, Collection, 1858-1986.
From the description of Collection, 1859-1905 [bulk 1859-1877], 1980. (American Museum of Natural History). WorldCat record id: 722090314
