Wade O. Martin, Sr.

Who was Wade O. Martin, Sr.?

Wade Omer Martin, Sr. was a Louisiana planter, educator, and politician allied with the Huey Pierce Long, Jr., faction of the Democratic Party. Martin's longest tenure was as the former District 2 member of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, having served for twenty-four years, beginning with his election in 1932 and until his death. After Long's assassination, Martin attempted to run for governor in 1935 but was unable to mount a serious campaign.

Martin was born in Arnaudville in St. Landry Parish to Dr. G.W. Martin and the former Ida Gilbeau. He attended public schools and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He organized the LSU Dramatic Club, edited the yearbook, the Gumbo, and was assistant editor of the student newspaper, the Reveille. He worked for the United States Department of Agriculture and was later a teacher and a coach. He also managed a large plantation and operated a sawmill.

In 1912, at the age of twenty-seven, he was elected sheriff of St. Martin Parish. He served two terms until 1920. He was elected again for two terms in 1924 and 1928, when he also supported Huey Long for governor. As sheriff, Martin hired Drauzin Angelle as chief deputy, a position that Angelle held from 1924 until his death in 1958. Angelle became a political power broker in St. Martin Parish through the chief deputy's position.