Martha Coston

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Martha Coston - American inventor (1826-1904)

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03.04.25

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Themed Timelines

Personal Life and Family After Benjamin's Death

Business and the Civil War (1861-1865)

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Legal Battles and Business Challenges

Marriage, Loss, and Initial Invention (1847-1858)

Martha Coston's Published Works

Early Life and Family (1826-1847)

Developing and Patenting the Coston Flare (1858-1861)

Post-Civil War Business and Recognition (1865-1904)

Coston Flare Technology and Evolution

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Main Milestones

Birth in Baltimore, Maryland

December 12, 1826

Martha Jane Hunt was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to William Hunt and his wife. Her early life was relatively comfortable, receiving a good education for a young woman of her time, which laid the foundation for her later pursuits.

Marriage to Benjamin Franklin Coston and Family Life

1840s

In her late teens or early twenties, Martha married Benjamin Franklin Coston, a promising scientist and inventor. They would have four children together. Benjamin's work as a Navy scientist exposed Martha to the world of maritime signaling and innovation, although tragedy would soon strike.

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Brief

Known For

Inventing the Coston flare, a signaling device for use at sea; Owning and managing the Coston Manufacturing Company.

Daily Chronicle

9 July, 1904

Martha Jane Coston died at the age of 77. Her death marked the end of the life of a notable inventor and businesswoman who significantly contributed to maritime safety through her invention of the Coston flare.

15 January, 1865

End of the Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina, which started on January 13, 1865. Coston flares played an important role in coordinating naval operations during the battle. The battle was a significant Union victory.

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Martha Coston

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03.04.25

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