Martha Hines TempletonBorn in Kansas City, Missouri, the author's family moved to the Ozarks when she was eleven. Her father's roots went back six generations in that area, where they migrated from Kentucky and Virginia, in the early 1800's. She met her husband in high scool, and married soon after she graduated. After moving to Springfield, MO, family vacations took them to Jam-Up cave, Jack's Fork River, and Alley Springs, (named Rushing Springs in the book). She is currently employed at Missouri State University.