author
Mrs. Martha C. Grassham Purcell
b. 1867
A Kentucky educator and local historian, she wrote lively historical stories for young readers that bring the state's early days vividly to life. Her best-known book, Stories of Old Kentucky, blends frontier adventure with a strong sense of place and heritage.
1 Audiobook
Stories of Old Kentucky
by Mrs. Martha C. Grassham Purcell
About the author
Born in Kentucky in 1867, Martha C. Grassham Purcell was remembered as an educator and writer with deep ties to the state's history. Sources about her life place her childhood in western Kentucky, and contemporary publication information identifies her as a member of the Board of Education in Paducah.
Purcell is best known for Stories of Old Kentucky, published in 1915. The book presents episodes from Kentucky's past in a clear, accessible style, making pioneer history and regional legend appealing to younger readers while also preserving local traditions.
She also wrote Settlements and Cessions of Louisiana, showing a broader interest in American and regional history. Taken together, her work reflects a lifelong commitment to education and to sharing Kentucky's story in a way that feels welcoming and memorable.