Oral History Interview with J. Allen Martin
J. Allen Martin graduated with a minor in Science and French and majored in History in 1969 before the official establishment of the department in 1974. He emphasized that he took every single Political Science course offered during his four years at Clemson. After his graduation from Clemson, he went to the University of South Carolina to pursue a graduate degree in Computer Science, but did not complete his coursework. Martin was offered a job working for the Republican Party of South Carolina. He now works on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. as a founding Partner and coordinator of the Livingston Group LLC.
Despite the distance between Clemson and DC, Martin continues to be actively involved in Clemson as an Alumni, he mentors Political Science and Business students, preparing them for jobs on Capitol Hill. Throughout the oral interview, transcribed below, Martin recalls his time at Clemson University, his career and how Clemson influenced this career path. He has continued efforts to advance those with Clemson University degrees in the world of politics in the political capital of the United States.
Martin's legacy began with his father, J. Roy Martin Jr, who graduated in 1939 as an Army Cadet. J. Roy Martin Jr’s correspondences (letter, postcards and telegrams) from his time at Clemson College and during his military service reside in the Clemson's Special Collections and Archives. J. Roy Martin Jr. served during World War II, and was present on Normandy Beach on D-Day. J. Roy Martin Jr. ultimately attained the rank of major before he left the military after his 5th year of service.
- John Allen Martin was born in Anderson, South Carolina in 1947 and grew up in an integrated class in Anderson.
- Martin was interested in current events, history, math, foreign languages, and reading the "great books of the Western world" from childhood.
- John Allen Martin's father was a 101st Airborne Division veteran who influenced his business and family values.
- Martin's father's life led to him attending Clemson University, where he lived in a dorm with his best friend and shined boots daily.
- John Martin's interest in politics started in 4th grade, debating for Dwight Eisenhower against a friend.
- John Martin was heavily involved in politics in high school, participating in every campaign every two years.
- John Allen Martin recounts his family's experience with Klan intimidation in Anderson, SC during the 1960s.
- John Allen Martin discusses his involvement with Clemson University and political career, including serving as legislative assistant for the first 11 Republicans in the South Carolina General Assembly.
- Martin shares his experiences volunteering for political campaigns and receiving the Order of the Palmetto from Governor Jim Edwards for his contributions to politics.
- John Allen Martin was hired as executive director of a political organization and later managed a special election in 1977 where a Republican candidate won in a historically Democratic district.
- Martin was asked to serve as Chief of Staff for the successful candidate's entire career in DC after the election victory.
- John Allen Martin discusses his experience with hairy cell leukemia, which he believes may have been caused by exposure to radiation during a trip to Iraq in 1992.
- Martin recounts his time as Chief of Staff to the chairman of the Appropriations Committee during the Republican takeover of Congress in 1994, and how he was diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia shortly after.
- John Allen Martin values the republican form of government and the checks and balances established by the founders to prevent the majority from abusing power.
- John Allen Martin recalls Professor Jerry Reel's courses on Western civilization, particularly his strict grading standards and emphasis on memorizing facts and figures.
- John Allen Martin discusses his political career and values, including his admiration for Ronald Reagan and Tim Scott.
- John Martin shares his experiences mentoring Clemson students, investing in their ideas, and following their post-graduation success.
- John Allen Martin helped a young man from the Congo get into Clemson University through the bridge program and develop an exercise app with an investor.
- Dabo Swinney called the young man in front of his whole staff and read a letter written by John Allen Martin, leading to the young man making the football team.
- John Allen Martin values mentoring kids at Clemson and giving back to the university.
- Martin believes Clemson's brand has increased due to its maintained culture and strong education.
- John Allen Martin highlights the quality of Clemson University students and their successful career paths in politics.
- Martin places Clemson students in congressional offices and helps them follow in his footsteps.
- John Allen Martin reveals Libya's secret weapons transfer with Colin Powell's help.
- John Allen Martin shares personal stories of friendship with Joe Wilson and Rusty DePass.
