Martha was born about 1791. A location, as well as her parents, remain to be discovered.

Martha married William Flanagan within the York Presbyterian Congregation on a Tuesday.

William and Martha's first child, James, was born in 1809 in Pennsylvania. The proud parents had their son christened within the same congregation of their marriage less than a year earlier, on February 25, 1810.

Martha was enumerated in the 1810 Federal Census in York County, PA in her husband, William's, household with her newborn son.

Martha gave birth to her second child, Ann Rebecca, about 1835.

William and Martha moved to Jefferson County, Virginia sometime before their son's marriage in 1835. William, Martha, and their daughter, Ann, were enumerated in the 1840 Federal census here.

Martha was enumerated in the 1850 Federal Census in the 28th District of Jefferson County, Virginia. Martha was living with her husband, William, and daughter, Ann Rebecca. Her son, James, lived in the neighboring household. William lists his occupation as a farmer with a real estate value off $11,200. It is also noted that he was blind at that time.

Martha became a widow in September of 1855. Her husband, William, had been ill for some time.

Less than a year after losing her husband, Martha's son, James, is tragically murdered by one of his employees.

It is noted in the paper that Martha Flanagan fell from bed and broke her leg. Also noted is that Martha had been confined to bed for many years on account of rheumatoid arthritis .

Martha never recovered from her fall, and on October 15 she peacefully passed away.