Alphonso L. Martin was born in White County, Tennessee, October 19, 1827. His father, George Martin, was a native of Kentucky, and a substantial farmer; be died in 1852. His mother was a Virginian by birth, and her maiden name was Margaret Bates; she died in 1879. In the fall of 1828 our subject: accompanied his parents in their removal to Cooper County, Missouri, and’ there he lived until he was about ten years of age, when his parents changed’ their residence to Platte County, settling upon a farm near Weston, and of” which County his father was one of the first settlers. He lived with his parents and grew up on the home farm, attending school in winter and working upon the farm in summer.
On the 8th of November, 1849, Mr. Martin was joined in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Burge, daughter of John Burge. The issue of this marriage was two children, both of whom are now dead. Mrs. Martin died in Platte County, Missouri, November 25,1855. In the fall of 1856 he removed with his family to this County, where he has since made his home. He owns a large farm of 448 acres, all under fence, 150 acres under cultivation, and’ 224 acres of valuable timber land, the whole well watered and improved.
August 30, 1856, Mr. Martin married Miss Rachel A. McCue, daughter of David McCue, one of the oldest settlers of Daviess County. By this union: they have seven children; namely, George, David, William, Paul S., Maggie, Minnie and Annie. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are consistent members of the Christian Church.
When the dark cloud of civil war darkened the land he linked his fortunes with those of the South, joining the Confederate army tinder General William Y. Slack, and afterward served in the cavalry under General Sterling Price. He participated in the fights at Carthage e, Wilson Creek, Lexington and Dry Wood. After six months service under Price he was discharged on account of sickness, and returned home. In the summer of 1865 he crossed the plains with a wagon train, and on his return gave his attention to the quiet and peaceful pursuits of the farm. Mr. Martinis a highly respected citizen of Daviess County, and has served the County in various honorable positions, having been elected sheriff two terms, from 1876 to 1880, both of which he served with credit to the County and himself. He has also officiated as justice of the peace of Jackson Township two terms, in 1859 and in 1876.