[1] Martyn first joined the Conservative Primrose League, but while working in Reading she lodged with her maternal aunt, Mrs Bailey, who held pronounced left-wing views.

In 1896, she was elected to the National Administrative Council of the Independent Labour Party and became editor of Fraternity, the journal of the International Society for the Brotherhood of Man, and ILP trades union organiser for the north of Scotland.

[citation needed] Martyn worked as a socialist education leader with Archie McArthur which led to Tom Anderson's initiative to start, what became a national organisation of Socialist Sunday Schools,[3] modelled on Christian church Sunday schools for children, but where they taught instead the principles of socialism, and offered formal educational material and lesson plans for teachers to use.

"[5] Although she habitually dressed plainly, she cut a distinctive figure in the long black cloak which she wore while travelling, which was apt to draw "many curious eyes".

[7] Ceremonies were held at St Paul's Episcopal Church and at the graveside, and wreaths were placed at her grave by Emily Thomson and Ethel Moorhead, Edwin Scrymgeour and the local branch of the Independent Labour Party.

Julia Dawson, a journalist based in Manchester, created Clarion Vans to travel around the country carrying the socialist message to women.

It was discovered by Mike Arnott[citation needed] (later to become the president of the STUC) and, at the instigation of Dundee Trades Council, the grave was tidied and the granite column restored.