Marshal Turner Adams was born on September 25, 1886, in Chesterville, Pontotoc County, Mississippi.

[2] From 1903 to 1907, Adams attended a college preparatory school in McKenzie, Tennessee.

[2] He began attending the University of Mississippi in 1907 and entered the school's Law Department in 1909.

[2] In 1915, Adams was elected to represent the 31st District as a Democrat in the Mississippi State Senate for the 1916–1920 term.

[2] Adams had at least three children, whose names included Marshall Jr., George, and Aileen.