Martha became pregnant while in the Penitentiary. Though the father remains unknown, the list of suspects is limited to those who had access to her while in prison, such as the prison guards and lessees. She gave birth in the fall of 1844 and the child, a daughter named Sarah, remained in her cell with her. With the knowledge that the baby may not survive the winter in a cold cell, 55 people, among them some prominent local figures, signed a petition for Martha's pardon which was granted in December 1844 by Governor John C. Edwards. Later life and death After her release, Martha and her children assumed the use of her maiden name and lived with her father, John Curnutt, for some time.
Later life and death After her release, Martha and her minor children assumed the use of her maiden name and lived with her father, John Curnutt, for some time.