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 1841
From The history of Buchanan County, Missouri (1881)
P. L. MARTIN, farmer, section 19, postoffice Wallace, was born in Tennessee, October 28, 1841. In 1842, his parents moved to Missouri, and located in Platte County. Was raised on a farm and had no schooling. Was married, in 1 86 1, to Elizabeth Barnes, a native of Missouri. They have had six children, Mary A., Jacob, Fannie, Reuben, Bettie and an infant not named. He resides on Martin Spencer's land. Is a member of the Christian Church, and a man of liberal disposition, contributing freely to the maintenance of churches and the Christian Orphan Home. He has always helped the needy and been the poor man's friend.
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.