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Martha was twenty when her parents, Kelley and Laura, moved from the farm to Flatwoods in 1920. At that time, most girls her age were going to work in various factories around the area. Martha very much wanted to go to work, but her Ma insisited that she remain at home. Laura did not want her to ever leave home and prevailed upon her to stay and help with the large family.
All her brothers and one sister were married now, except she and Clyde. Neices and nephews were coming along quickly (to later total fifty-six). Whenever a new baby was born or housecleaning, canning or other big jobs to do, they sent for Martha to help. Often she did not want to go, but Ma would say, 'All right, if you don't want to go, I will."
Martha, knowing her mother was getting up in years and was unable to work, so she would go on, often going out the gate in tears. Some of her family paid her a small amount for the work she did, but most gave her no more than a thank-you, as if it was her obligation to serve at their beckoning call. The money she recieved from her family was her only source of income, but most of the family did not pay her. Her brothers, George and Clyde, tried to help see to her needs as much as they could.
Sometimes she washed, ironed and sewed for people when work was available to make extra money. George's wife, Esther and Martha worked side by side to help each other. Martha had a difficult time financially, but did not complain. She wore hand-me-down clothes most of her life, but always appeared grateful for whatever she might recieve.
She took care of her Uncle Marion until he died and her parents until they passed away. By this time Martha was thirty-seven with no wage earning skills. She continued to work for her famikly as long as her health permitted. She rented out part of her house and lived by herself in only two rooms for many years. She had a small income, but was a scrupulous handler of money and could pinch a penny when necessary. Unbelievably, she was even asked for loans by various family members from time to time. She was also a faithful and active member of the Methodist Church in Flatwoods all of her life.
Martha enjoyed the compnay of her nieces and nephews for the next three generations. She often had them over to spend the night and for good-sized get-togethers. New Year's Eve parties were a highlight every year and even in her 80's, you could still phone Aunt Martha on New Year's Eve and find nieces and nephews there for a family party
She delighted in telling family stories to all and letting you engage in learning such fine arts as taffy pulling and quilt making. You could always count on her having plenty of goodies on hand to serve and a good cup of coffee.
Martha kept up with the family history and members. It is to her that we are indebted for the details of a major part of this history. She is known affectionally as "Aunt Martha", not only to family, but to many others in the community.
Martha never married and lived in house built by her father in 1920 on West Collins Street. As years went by, she had to give up many of those she loved most and depended on, her parents and Uncle Marion, all her brothers, but especially Clyde and George, whom she knew would look out for her, her nephew Arnold and others. She was fortunate to have other nieces and nephews who cared about her very much and continued to help see about her needs. In later years, she no longer rented her home, but depended on a state pension for support.
Martha never had any serios illnesses and had never in her life laid a full day in bed. When she was 82, she developed cataracts and went totally blind. She entered the hospital for eye surgery and, with what seemed to her nothing short of a miracle, her vision was restored. This was quite an experience and she proved to be an inspiration to all those around her when her gift of sight was returned.
She lived alone until well in her 80's, still possessing a flawless memory and still eager to have all those visit who lovingly called her "AUNT MARTHA".