Mary Elizabeth Van Sinderen Lawrence spent her early life in New York before settling in Washington, D.C., where she became known for her work in patriotic and lineage societies. She was a charter member of the National Society of the Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, and was the founder and first Regent of the Emily Nelson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, D.C. She also served on various national committees of the D.A.R. during the society’s formative period, contributing to the development of its educational and historical initiatives.

Her husband, George Gilchrist Martin, held government service positions in Washington, including roles in the U.S. Treasury Department and later the Government Printing Office. Their only child, Agnes Martin, was active in Washington charitable society and was occasionally mentioned in the society pages before her early death in 1900.

The Martins lived for most of their married life in the Dupont Circle–West End area of Washington, D.C., a neighborhood then home to many families engaged in government, diplomatic, and cultural life. Mary Elizabeth remained active in lineage, historical, and civic circles into her later years. She is buried in Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, D.C.