Harold B. Lee Library

Thomas L. Martin and Brigham Young University

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1921 President Franklin S. Harris began to reorganize the academic structure of the university by recruiting new faculty members. Among his early recruiting successes was Thomas L. Martin, who had a doctoral degree from Cornell University and was asked to join the faculty of the university as chair of the Agricultural Department. He would be a member of the faculty for 37 years. Professor Martin wanted students to have the best possible educational experience and worked to strengthen the curriculum of his department as well as that of the College of Applied Science. He oversaw the addition of two new courses (bacteriology and landscape architecture) to the College of Applied Science curriculum in 1936. Professor Martin eventually served as Dean of the College of Applied Sciences. The remarkable history of Brigham Young University and the people that shaped it can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives.  The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Thomas L. Martin’s legacy.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975 (see index for Pardoe, T. Earl)
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976 (see index for Pardoe, T. Earl)

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with Thomas L. Martin: A sample of the materials that contain information about Thomas L. Martin. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 98 Papers, 1924-1950 Papers of Thomas L. Martin. Includes correspondence, scrapbook items, published writings, and copies of photographs.
  • UA 1065 Photographs, 1924-1950 Photographs of Thomas L. Martin and photographs apparently taken by Martin.
  • MSS 3687 William Martin photograph of Thomas L. Martin, 1950 Photograph is of Thomas L. Martin in a group with two other men and three other women. It was taken in December 1950 by Thomas L. Martin’s son, William.
  • BX 8670 .A1 no.182 Thomas L. Martin: Funeral sermon delivered by President Ernest L. Wilkinson, June 20, 1958 Includes the address given by President Wilkinson, which gives a brief history of Martin’s life and honors him as both an intellectual and spiritual man.
• Writings of Thomas L. Martin:
  • BX 8670.1 .M367m My life story Publication date unknown. An autobiography that spans into the early 1950s, detailing the activities, services, and feelings experienced throughout his life.
  • BX 8631.2 .M367e Ethical teachings of Jesus Published in 1926. Lessons complied by Martin intended to aid students in studying the ethical teachings of Jesus, the spread of Christian ideality by the apostles, and the indispensability of Christian ethics.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the life of Thomas L. Martin. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.