Martha (Thomas) Cota was the daughter of Samuel and Julia A. Thomas. She was the 1st wife of Sgt. John Simon Cota. John was killed during the Civil War. In the US Census - 1850 - Bangor, Franklin Co., New York - John S, age 16 and Martha, age 14 lived only one house away from each other. In the US Census - July 28, 1860 - Bangor, Franklin Co., New York - John S., age 26 and Hattie, age 1 are living with John's parents. I surmise that Hattie was the daughter of Martha and John S.

Obituary
Northern Christian Advocate
Wednesday, June 20, 1860
Page 98, Col 4
COTA.--Martha, wife of John Cota, died of pulmonary consumption, in Brandon, Franklin County, New York, May 11, 1860, in the 26th year of her age. As a wife, Mrs. Cota was modest, affectionate, kind, and faithful. As a neighbor she was loved and respected by all around her. Attention, sympathy and love were freely and extensively bestowed upon her while living, and her death is greatly lamented. Religion was a great source of comfort and support to her mind in the closing scene of life. During her illness she was blessed of God in a remarkable manner. By the aid of the Holy Spirit, she employed and improved all the Christian graces. Meekness, patience, gentleness and love, she exemplified in accordance with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her faith in the Savior, and in his word, was prominently displayed in all her devotioinal exercises, and in all her remarks about heaven and divine things. She was the only sister of Rev. David Wesley Thomas, of Black River Conference, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. As Brother Thomas spent the last week of her mortal life at her house, no doubt her love to God burned with a clearer and purer flame as the man of God opened to the mind of a sister, who was dear to him beyond expression, an only sister, a dying sister, the plan of human redemption and the unfading glories of the heavenly world.
Written by Rev. William D. Moore
Black River Conference
Potsdam District
Bangor Methodist Episcopal Church
May 31, 1860