Martha Jane was the daughter of Lorrin and Lettice Caldwell Alds Way. She was born in Lempster, New Hampshire. Her siblings were Samuel, William (Erastus), Jasper, Addison, and John. Her parents were divorced. Her mother married again and ahd two more sons, Charles and James Whitton.

Martha married four times. Her first husband was Aaron P. Spafford whom she married on 30 August 1840 at Marshfield, Vermont. They had one son, Appleton Spafford who changed his name to Samuel Way Spafford. Samuel married Ella ? and died in Boston 22 December 1905.

In 1847, Martha wrote from Lowell, Mass., to her brother John in Brandon, Vermont..."Working in factory, living with William Swan at Carpet Lane, on Lowell Corporation...I have been here only four weeks (written 23 May 1847)...some of the girls make $4.00 per week...I do not think it is as hard as housework. I brought Samma (her son) witih me but have sent him back. I could not get him boarded for less than one dollar a week... I have seen father three times. Addison [her brother] was at his house...I would not advise you to come down here. There are so many and provision is very high...I have attended church this forenoon. The lady I board with has given me an invitation to walk with her to the burying ground which is some ways. Do not allow yourself to be absent from meeting, do not let one Sabbath pass without attending some part of the day; people will think more of you...I came down here through Peterborough and stayed with Grandmother one week."

Martha married second Hiram Abbott on 29 November 1848 at Lowell, Massachusetts.

Martha married third Josiah Thomas who was father of her brother John's second wife, Frances Damon Thomas. They had a son Josiah Appleton Thomas, who lived in Boston, Mass. Martha's husband, Josiah, went to California and never returned.

Martha married fourth John Marsh who was born 12 November 1822 and died 25 December 1896. at Randolph, Vermont

Martha died 26 April 1907, aged 85, and is buried in Randolph, Vermont.