Margaret was born on December 14, 1834, in Tarland, Scotland, to Elspet Grant and Robert Anderson .[2] Margaret's work life started at the age of seven, when her education ended upon being employed to herd sheep.[2] Her other occupations included working in harvest, in domestic service, and at a primary school.[2] Later, due to her parents' ill health, she stepped in to oversee the family croft.[2] This was in spite of many health challenges of her own.[2] Though her education was cut short, Margaret's curiosity was not. At a young age, she had begun to collect items, which would later be displayed at her museum. These items included shells, old agricultural and household items, and unique stones.[2] She received donations from friends as well, including animal skins from their travels.[2]
Margaret left her museum in the care of Lord and Lady Aberdeen, who set it up in a physical structure in Tarland.[2] After the start of World War I, however, the museum was shut down because it was needed for use during the war.[2]
