SACRED LEGACY ARCHIVES™
José Tomás de Sousa Martins
1843-03-07 – 1897-08-19
Life & Legacy
José Tomás de Sousa Martins (7 March 1843 – 18 August 1897) was a doctor renowned for his work for the poor in Lisbon, Portugal. After his death, a secular cult arose around his personality in which he is thanked for "miraculous" cures.
In 1897, Sousa Martins was diagnosed with tuberculosis and left for the Serra da Estrela for relief. The disease worsened and he contracted cardiac problems in addition to what now seemed to be terminal tuberculosis, Sousa Martins committed suicide on 18 August 1897, using a large injection of morphine. Shortly before, he had confided to a friend: "Death is not stronger than I am" and "A doctor threatened with death by two diseases, both fatal, should be eliminated by himself."
Occupation & Career
physician, politician
Sources & Provenance
- Wikidata population candidate Q1709664 — wikidata View source
Are you related to José Tomás de Sousa Martins?
Family members can contribute records, photographs and stories or request stewardship of this legacy.