William Martin

William Martin was one of the most prominent American financial and political figures of the 20th century, serving as the ninth and longest-serving Chairman of the United States Federal Reserve.

While widely recognized for his government service, the tennis world honors him for his tireless administrative efforts to promote and improve the sport.

Profile

William McChesney Martin Jr. was born on December 17, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a lifelong Democrat who was educated at Yale University and Columbia University.

He married Cynthia Davis, the daughter of Hall of Famer Dwight Davis, for whom the Davis Cup competition is named. Martin was an avid tennis player throughout his life, frequently playing on a court across the street from the Federal Reserve headquarters.

Professional Career

Martin's career spanned finance and public service. In 1938, at the age of 31, he became the youngest ever salaried President of the New York Stock Exchange.

He went on to serve as the Chairman of the United States Federal Reserve from April 2, 1951, until January 31, 1970, serving under five U.S. Presidents. His dedication to tennis was administrative; he served as President of the National Tennis Foundation and as Chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame for 20 years, overseeing the restoration of the historic Newport Casino.

He became an Honorary Chairman of the Hall of Fame in 1992.