Martin H. Glynn

Martin H. GlynnMartin H. Glynn was born on September 17, 1871, to Martin and Ann Glynn, Irish immigrants who had settled in the mill town of Valatie, New York. His Irish ancestry was a matter of considerable pride to the future governor, and in later life he would make important contributions to his parents’ homeland.

Graduating from Valatie’s public high school, Glynn went on to attend Fordham University, graduating with top honors in 1894 at the age of twenty-three. He later studied at Albany Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1897.

Among his accomplishments:

  • 1896 – Valatie Postmaster
  • 1900 – US House of Representatives
  • 1906 – NY State Comptroller
  • 1912 – Lieutenant Governor of New York
  • 1913 – Governor of New York State

Accomplishments & Contributions in New York State (more detail)

Impressive as his political career was, Martin H. Glynn was also highly regarded as a journalist. Writing first for the Hudson Weekly Record and the Hudson Evening Register, he became a reporter for the Albany Times-Union in 1896.  Eventually he rose to become the T-U’s owner and publisher. From his position at the helm of the Times-Union, Glynn built a reputation as one of the premiere editorialists of the time. Calling upon his extensive knowledge of the arts and sciences, as well as his first-hand familiarity with the political world, Glynn turned out an impressive body of editorial writing.

He was also in great demand as a public speaker.  Whether speaking to a fraternal organization, a scholarly society, a professional association, or simply to his fellow citizens, he was was noted for his ability to charm and inspire.

Substantial as these accomplishments were, however, they pale in comparison with Glynn’s most important achievement.  Click here to learn how Martin H. Glynn  came to be known as the “Father of the Irish Free State.”

Martin H. Glynn, died by his own hand.  As recorded in Dominick C. Lizzi’s Governor Martin H. Glynn: Forgotten Hero, Glynn suffered all of his adult life from chronic pain caused by a spinal injury sustained in his youth.  Returning from Boston after an unsuccessful attempt to relieve his intractable suffering, Glynn took his own life on December 14, 1924.