Luther Martin was born in New Jersey around 1748.
After graduating from the College of New Jersey, he moved to Maryland where he began practicing law.
He served as state attorney general and in the Continental Congress.
At the Philadelphia Convention, he opposed increasing the power of the federal government.
Martin believed in the rights of the states and of the people and wanted each state to have an equal vote in Congress.
He also wanted a bill of rights.
Although he owned six slaves, Martin opposed slavery, speaking out against it.
Because he lost battles on issues he thought were important, Martin left the convention and did not sign the Constitution.
He fought against ratification in Maryland.
After 27 years in office, Martin resigned as Maryland attorney general in 1805.
He served in several other positions, but returned as attorney general in 1818.
