Chapter 4: Martha Hemingway

Martha was born in Ireland in 1846, a time when the country was gripped by the Great Famine. Although her parents supported the efforts of Sir Robert Peel, Great Britain's Prime Minister, to provide relief during the famine by importing maize from America, they felt that his efforts were inadequate in the face of widespread suffering and death. Shortly after Martha's birth, her family, desperate for a better life, boarded the Bark John P. Wodehouse ship bound for the United States. The journey was perilous, marked by overcrowding and rampant disease. Tragically, her mother, weakened from recent childbirth, and her father, who had weak lungs, both succumbed to illness and died on the ship.

The ship’s captain, moved by the infant’s plight, took Martha into his care. Upon arrival in America, he entrusted her to his friends, the Hemingways, who were eager to adopt a child. The Hemingways were prominent members of society with extensive social and political networks, and they treated Martha as if she were their own from the very beginning.

Prior to Martha's arrival, California was part of Mexico and referred to as 'Alta California'. It was the northernmost part of the Mexican territory of California, which was originally claimed by Spain. During this time, tensions between the United States and Mexico were rising, eventually leading to the Bear Flag Revolt in June 1846 and the subsequent annexation of California by the United States later that year. The Hemingways were key figures, gaining prominence and influence within the new Bear Flag Republic, and becoming significant players in California's transition to statehood.

The Hemingway property was nestled in the heart of California's countryside, an enchanting property spanning several acres. The vibrant landscape of lush green grass invited relaxation and exploration. The expansive grounds were divided into distinct areas, each featuring diverse gardens celebrating the region's rich agricultural heritage.

As one wandered through the property, they encountered a series of meticulously maintained gardens. One section burst with colourful annuals and perennials, providing a stunning visual display that attracted butterflies and bees. Nearby, a vegetable garden brimming with seasonal produce, including heirloom tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and zucchini, ready for harvest.

In a dedicated herb garden, an array of medicinal herbs, such as lavender, chamomile, and echinacea, are thoughtfully organised for easy access. This garden served as a resource for natural remedies, emphasising a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Charming farm animals added to the pastoral ambience throughout the property. A flock of chickens offered fresh eggs, while a couple of goats grazed contentedly in a shaded area. One might spot a few ducks waddling near a small pond and perhaps a gentle horse grazing in a nearby pasture.

This idyllic California property seamlessly combines beauty and functionality, offering a serene retreat where nature thrives and wellness flourishes in every garden. It was a perfect blend of agricultural charm and peaceful living, inviting one to embrace the best of country life.

Mother Hemingway and hired gardeners managed the grounds, while Father Hemingway spent the majority of his time in the separate building that stood proudly as a dedicated chemistry lab. This was a testament to his commitment to evolving medical practices of the time. Constructed with sturdy timber and featuring large windows to allow ample natural light, the building exuded an air of purpose and innovation.

Inside, the lab was meticulously organised, with wooden tables covered in glass beakers, flasks, and various chemical apparatus. Shelves lined the walls, filled with jars containing herbs, powders, and liquids, each meticulously labelled. A large central workbench was the focal point, where Father Hemingway and regular visitors experimented and composed remedies, blending traditional herbal medicine with emerging chemical techniques.

The atmosphere was one of focused activity, with the subtle scents of alcohol, essential oils, and various compounds mingling in the air. A fireplace in one corner provided warmth and was often used to heat water for experiments. A few common and rare potted plants decorated the windowsills, serving as inspiration and ingredients for Father Hemingway's formulations.

Father Hemingway, a pioneer in his field, used his lab to conduct research and prepare treatments for his patients. Whether developing formulas for ailments, studying the properties of local herbs, or experimenting with new chemical compounds, the lab was a hub of discovery and healing on the property, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern science. This space reflected the medical knowledge of the era and embodied the spirit of innovation that characterised the 19th century.

Martha loved spending time in this building, not only observing but also being involved. From a very young age, Father Hemingway loved talking out loud and often used Martha as not only his audience but also a sounding board. She loved nothing more than helping him grind the different flora into powders. Eventually, she became his note-taker, journaling all of his experiments and sometimes funny antidotes.

It never really occurred to Father Hemingway that Martha was a girl; she was just his pride and joy. Martha completed her science studies at the top of her class in 1872 at the University of California, Berkeley. She was one of their first students when they opened in 1868.

Upon graduation, her father encouraged her to apply for membership at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), but she was rejected. In 1872, women were not formally admitted as members of the AAAS. While it included progressive elements, the early years were predominantly male-dominated, reflecting the broader societal norms of the time regarding women's participation in professional and scientific fields.

Father Hemingway was appalled, so he started compiling letters of protest but collapsed and died tragically at his desk, pen in hand, before any correspondence could be despatched. This profoundly affected both Martha and Mother; they went into a year of mourning. Martha spends most of her time in her father's lab and Mother Hemingway in bed.

Mother never recovered from this great loss and, within eighteen months of his death, passed away herself. Martha was overcome with such great losses in this short period of time and wanted to hold on to her mother as long as she could, so she worked out a way to keep her lifeless body from deteriorating and made up a bed for her in the lab.

After a time, Martha started to think about her future and what was important for her to focus on. Looking at Mother on the bed, it occurred to her the sadness Mother felt not being able to bear her own children, which led Martha to consider the direction of her work. She decided to focus on conception, and hopefully helping women like Mother to have children and make it achievable at any age.

To do this, she would need a better understanding of the female body. She knew that Mother would want to help, and she could. Preserving Mother meant that Martha had a test subject. This began Martha's life-long study of conception and anti-aging.