In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1846
From The history of Buchanan County, Missouri (1881)
JOSEPH T. MARTIN, foreman of the St. Joseph Planing Mill, is a native of Maryland, and was born in Emmettsburgh, July 31, 1846. He there spent his youthful days, and resided, until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he tendered his services to the Confederate cause, enlisting in the Second Maryland Battalion, and served until the close of the war, participating in many stirring events, among which were the second battle of Bull Run and Antietam; was three times wounded, once severely, and was taken prisoner at Petersburg, and held two months at Point Lookout. In 1865, he came West, taking up his above in this city, and entered the St. Joseph Planing Mill. Being a man of mechanical inclination, he rapidly progressed, and in about two years was placed as foreman. The duties of this responsible position he has since faithfully discharged. Mr. Martin, in scroll work and ornamental designs, of which he makes a specialty, has but few equals. A large amount of this class of work, which ornaments many of the imposing structures of St. Joseph, and throughout the Northwest, are specimens of his skill. He is esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances.
As printed in The history of Buchanan County, Missouri (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.