Martha and Benjamin Coston began their married life with aspirations of scientific exploration and invention. They worked closely together, sharing ideas and experiments.

Martha gave birth to several children during this period. Balancing motherhood with her own interests became a challenge.

Benjamin Coston accepted a position at the Washington Navy Yard, which exposed him to naval signaling practices and likely influenced his later work on flares.

Benjamin resigned from the Washington Navy Yard.

Benjamin began experimenting with pyrotechnics for signaling purposes. This likely laid the groundwork for Martha's later work on the Coston flare.

Martha experienced the tragic loss of several of her children in their early childhood. The pain from these losses weighed heavily on her.

Martha and Benjamin had their first son, named after his father.

Martha and Benjamin's first son, named Benjamin Franklin, Jr. died at a young age.

Martha and Benjamin's daughter, Eliza, dies at a young age.

Benjamin became the superintendent of the Philadelphia Gas Works.

Benjamin resumed working at the Washington Navy Yard.

Benjamin resigned again from his position.

Benjamin resumed working as the superintendent of the Philadelphia Gas Works.

Benjamin patented a street lamp with increased luminosity.

Benjamin accepted a position as the manager of the Boston Gas Company.

Benjamin Franklin Coston died, leaving Martha a young widow with children to support. This event spurred her determination to find a way to provide for her family and fulfill her husband's incomplete work.

After her husband's death, Martha began sifting through his notes and unfinished projects, eventually discovering sketches and formulations for signaling flares. This became the foundation for her own invention.