(We haven't completed sifting family records yet for Martha's background.)--But here's what we know:

She was born in Dexter, Missouri to Rachel Jane McElwrath, and great-grandmother Rachel was also born in Dexter, on September 5, 1850.

Martha married Albert H Beall, who was born January 7, 1861, Vincennes, Indiana. Albert died on March 8, 1936.

Martha was an extremely busy woman, as she raised a large handful of children, of whom Carol's father, Hallie, was the youngest.

The family did move cross-country at least a couple of times, (Hallie was born in Memphis, Tennessee.) and must have been country folk from the memories Hallie shared with Carol.

Eventually, Martha settled in Tulsa, as did several of her children. With such a large family, Martha's quilts found many homes, and many others were worn out.

Carol feels especially lucky to have her "Wheel of Mystery," which was quilted by a neighbor 15 years after Martha died, and 35 years after Martha painstakingly hand pieced it.

Several other quilt tops of Martha's are in Carol's possession, but unfortunately, they became mixed in with grandmother Marilla's tops many years ago, and we don't know which is which!! -Another reason to make a temporary label on muslin and baste to your top!!!