Martha J. Coston (1826-1904)

 Martha J. Coston 

Martha J. Coston (1826-1904) was an American inventor and entrepreneur. She is best known for inventing a signaling system for ships at sea, which is still used today.

Martha was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and was raised by her mother after her father's death. She received very little formal education, but was an avid reader and self-taught in many areas.

After her husband's death, Martha discovered plans that he had left behind for a signaling system using different colored flares to communicate with ships at sea. She spent the next decade refining and perfecting the system, and eventually secured a patent for it in 1859.

During the Civil War, Martha's signaling system was adopted by the U.S. Navy and played a key role in several important battles. After the war, she formed the Coston Signal Company to manufacture and sell her invention.

Martha J. Coston's legacy lives on today, as her signaling system is still used by ships at sea and has saved countless lives over the years.

Martha Jane Coston passed away on July 9, 1904. The Signal Company Coston and Supply Company Coston owned by her were in operation until 1985.