BLEDSOE, Martha - Putnam

Miss Martha Ann Bledsoe, one of the seven children of Elias and Eliza Wilson Bledsoe was born Aug 8, 1860 and departed this life July 24, 1935.  During her entire life of 74 years 11 months and 6 days she was a resident of Putnam County.  She received her early education at the old Randall School house and in 1872 (very smudged may be 1904)  moved to Bainbridge where she has since resided with her sister, Mrs. Emma Lewis, all her other brothers and sisters having preceded her in death.  Mrs. Sarah Perry in May 1884 (again, smudged) Joseph Bledsoe in 1928, and earlier, Elizabeth Petty, Ellen Bledsoe and Jackson Bledsoe. In 1883 she united with the Christian Union Church under the pastorate of DL Vandarnett (?) and attended Sunday School and church there regularly until services were forced to close and since then attended services at either the Methodist or Christian Church until ill health prevented. She was always a willing worker in the Ladies Aide societies and took a great interest in community and neighborhood activities. Hers was a life marked by simplicity – inspired to do the gentle and kindly thing – ever a good neighbor and kind friend. She lived a happy life in the midst of hardship and struggle, suffering and privation. She was a patient sufferer having been bedfast the greater part of the time for the last three years and only the loving care and constant companionship of her sister helped her maintain life as long as she has. To this sister there can be no harsh hints to reproach her memory.  All problems of the home were met after consultation, each seeking advise from the other and each giving their love and labor without ___ or complaint.  For weeks she had known the end might come at any time and often expressed herself at being ready to go. She leaves to mourn her passing the one devoted sister Emma Lewis, a number of nieces and nephews and other sorrowing relatives and friends.