Martin G. Scott was born in DeWitt county, Missouri, August 6, 1842. His parents were both natives of Tennessee, and he accompanied them to this county in 1855, and has since made this his home and farming his principal occupation, in which he has achieved fair success. He received only a common school education, but has added to his knowledge by profiting by his experience. In 1876 he was engaged in the mercantile business, as a partner with John H. Stucker, of Jameson, and continued about eighteen months. He enlisted in Company H, Twenty-third Regiment Missouri Volunteer Infantry, August 5, 1861, and served three years and three months; was taken prisoner at the. battle of Shiloh, and held in captivity for six months, and was exchanged and joined his regiment; was wounded, July 27, 1864, while in front of Atlanta, Georgia, being shot through the right lung, from which he has never fully recovered.
Mr. Scott was united in marriage, February 14, 1867, to Miss Caroline M. Terry, who was born August 28, 1848, in Daviess county, Missouri. They have had five children; namely, Ruth J., born June 9, 1868; Lawrence I., born February 3, 1871-died; James D., born December 19, 1872; William J., born August 14, 1876; and Etna P., born March 18, 1819.