MARTHA E. NEELY
Mrs. Martha E. Neely was born in York county, S. C. January 13, 1847,
and died at her home near Draper, December 4, 1916. She was married
to W.J. Neely in 1865 and moved to Arkansas in 1869. In childhood,
she joined the Presbyterian church, but after coming to this State,
joined the Methodist church, to which she belonged till her death.
There are left behind one brother, eight children, thirty-one
grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, along with a host of other
relatives and friends to mourn her death.
January 4, 1917 page 15 col 4 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (Garrison Cem. Bradley co.)
MARY ELIZABETH BENNETT
The subject of this brief sketch, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Bennett (nee Jordan), was born in Green
County, Alabama, September 27, 1828. She was married at the age of 17 to Isaac Bennett. They
moved in early married life to Mississippi, and from thence to Texas, where they lived till
15 years ago, when her husband passed away. Ten children were born to them. The husband and
five children preceded her to the Unseen World. Two years ago, Sister Bennett came to Warren, to
live with her daughter, Mrs. Harville. After a few days' severe suffering, she went to her reward
on the morning of June 1. She was converted and joined the Methodist Church with her husband at
the age of 19, and lived a consistent member of the same till her death. She possessed a strong
robust faith in her God. Her religion was not vague and indefinite but a great, virile truth.
She was a Christian from conviction and a Methodist from principle. She believed something and
believed that something profoundly. She was able to give a reason for the hope that she had
within her. It was a great blessing to see and hear her shout and praise her Maker in spite
of her great suffering as the end drew near. She lived a Christian 66 years, and there was no
disappointment to her at the close, but visions of rapture swept over her ravished soul. She
was blessed with heavenly visions as her feet touched the chilly waters. She has gone to her
well-earned reward. Her loved ones know where to find her. May they follow where she has led.
June 22, 1911 page 14 col 1 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
MRS. B. F. BLANKENSHIP
Mrs. B. F. Blankenship (nee Martin) was born in N. C. Dec. 14, 1836. In 1859 she was united in
marriage to Samuel P. Blankenship, a man in whose veins flowed the soul of honor, in whose life
was exemplified the characteristics of a true Christian. Sister B. was converted and received into
the Church in 1863; from that day her life was given to God and not in a mere formal way, but to
the extent of her ability and circle of acquaintances. We are free to say none excelled her. True
to the Church and as a help in aggressive church work before disease checked her progress, her
equal was but seldom seen. Many in the glory world now and many others on the way will greet her
as the one who spoke a word of encouragement and extended the hand of help and sympathy when
struggling to give life and soul to God. In her home every interest was looked after and now that
the Lord has taken her to that better land her children can rise up as did King Lemuel and utter
the prophecy his mother taught him and rise up and call her blessed. The faith of our lamented
but glorified sister was often put to severest test. As her pastor on Jan. 28, 1880, as I walked
with her to the grave of her noble husband, followed by her nine weeping children through her
tears she said, the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, but my faith in Him is such that I
can say blessed be his name. Through years of widowhood and bodily suffering her faith never
wavered and in the early hours of March 25, 1892 at her home near Warren, she went home. Her
pastor, Bro. Burns, in writing me says her death was a triumph. She talked up to the last hour.
She thought of her Missionary subscription and gave directions for its payment. The world is
better for her having lived it. Having known her from her bridal days, often an inmate of her
home, been with her in sorrow and in joy, I can say I never knew a better woman, a truer Christian.
April 28, 1892 page 7 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
ADA BLACKWELL PIERCE
Mrs. Ada Blackwell Pierce fell asleep in Jesus at her home in Warren,
Arkansas May 25, 1923. She was born April 12, 1870. Married Franklin
Pierce September 26, 1897. To this union six children were born all
of whom are left to mourn her going. Mrs. Pierce was converted when
quite young and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church. After her
marriage to Bro. Pierce she united with the M.E. Church, South of
which he was a member. In this church she lived a consistent and
devoted Christian life to the end. She was a sweet-spirited,
good-natured woman whom to know was to love. A devoted wife, a
fond mother, and a good neighbor. She has no doubt received the
crown of eternal glory, for she fought a good fight and kept the
faith. She was an energetic, hard working woman who gave herself
generously and unselfishly to her husband and children. Her home
was the center of her activities, but not the extent, for she
loved her church and was kind and helpful to those in distress.
A most beautiful trait in her life was that what she did was done
in the true spirit of ministry and not with any intention of
attracting attention to herself. No one perhaps realized just how
strong she was until an accident made a permanent cripple of her
husband. It was then that her courageous, self-sacrificing spirit
shone like a light out of darkness. The last years of her life were
attended with added burdens, but she did not complain and her cruse
(sic) of comfort never ran so low, but that she would have shared
it with another who might need it. We mourn victory. Funeral services
were conducted by Rev. H. H. McGuire of Rison, Arkansas and the
remains laid to rest in the Black cemetery; and attended by a host
of sorrowing friends and relatives. May the God of all grace greatly
comfort and strengthen the grief stricken husband and children.
October 4, 1923 page 11 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
ROBERT DRUMMOND
Robert Drummond was born in Bradley Co., Ark., Sep. 16, 1875. He was a son of J. T. and Mary
E. Drummond. He was a sprightly boy, took great interest in his books and in the Sunday School
and learned very fast. When two years old he had a severe congestion and was never really well
and stout afterwards. When about nine years old he was attacked with rheumatism, and was a
great sufferer for seven years, bearing all with remarkable patience. For two year previous to
his death he was confined to his room. He was always glad to receive company, and always enjoyed
the visit and prayer of God's ministers. He departed this life Feb. 24, 1892 and in his 17th
year, at his home near Warren, Ark. Four brothers and one sister, all older than himself had
gone before, leaving with his death only two behind with their parents. These dear Christian
parents have more in heaven than on earth. May God bless them, Sorrowingly.
April 26, 1892 page 7 col 1 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (Oakland Cem. Warren)
DELLA BLANKENSHIP
Mrs. Della Blankenship, daughter of Bro. and Sister Garvin Brewster, was born in Cleveland Co.,
Arkansas June 11, 1876, and was most happily married to Dr. W. H. Blankenship November 18, 1895.
Soon after their marriage they settled at Linwood, Jefferson Co., where on November 8, 1897,
that pure sweet life went back to the God who gave it. Della was converted and joined the church
when 12 years of age and from then until death claimed her as a victim she was all the church
could wish or expect. No word of criticism of her Christian life was ever uttered, but on the
contrary, her life was so consistent as in every way to be worthy of imitation. Her influence
was remarkable for one so young. She leaves a sorely bereaved husband, two little babies,
parents, brother, sisters and scores of relatives and friends to mourn her going. But thanks
to a wise and good Father, they know where she is and can go to her.
December 29, 1897 page 15 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
MAHULDA E. BLEDSOE
Mrs. Mahulda E. Bledsoe, whose maiden name was Ledbetter, was born in Bradley County, Ark.,
Oct. 18, 1861. She was married to N. M. Bledsoe, Jan., 1879. Shortly after this she was
converted and joined the Missionary Baptist and lived a Christian life until Feb., 1901, when
she passed to her final reward. She has gone from earth and will be missed by her husband,
children, parents, brothers, sisters and many friends. She was ever ready to nurse the sick
and cheer the unfortunate. She loved to attend the services of all the churches, but now she
is gone. The home is broken up without the mother. The once worn hands that pressed the little
ones cheeks are cold in death's embrace. Hush! she only sleeps, but by and by, she will awake
to meet us on the other shore. Cheer up, parents, yet a little while and He will come.
April 24, 1901 page 15 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
MARY J. BOLLS
On the 22nd day of August, 1901, the Angels of God came to the parsonage home of our brother,
Rev. David Bolls, pastor of the Palestine Circuit, Little Rock Conference, and bore hence
the departing spirit of his sainted wife, who for more than twenty years had shared with
him the joys and sorrows of his life. Mary J., daughter of Fletcher and Martha Whiteside, was
born in what is now Nevada county, Ark., May 7, 1850. She was married to David Bolls January
13, 1881. She could not remember the time when she did not love Jesus and trust him as her
personal Savior. Even in her childhood and youth, all who knew her were impressed with the
purity of her character and the devoutness of her spirit, and the later years of her life
seemed to mark the complete unfolding of these early flowers of piety and love. For many
years, she had been a confirmed invalid, and a great sufferer. It seemed strange that her
delicate body could so long endure the sickness and pain which she suffered. But through
it all, she was so submissive, patient and cheerful, that her life was a constant benediction
to all with whom she was associated. Truly, the grace of God was magnified by the manner in
which she bore her afflictions. On account of her health, Brother Bolls hesitated for some
years before entering the pastorate, but with heroic courage, and self-sacrifice, she
continued to insist that he should enter the conference and devote his life to the work
of the ministry. She loved the Methodist itinerary, and cheerfully endured all the hardships
and privations connected with it. Nearly all her life, she was intimately associated with
Methodist preachers. Her grandfather, the venerable Rev. Jacob Whiteside, was one of the
pioneer preachers of Arkansas. Two of her brothers, Jacob D. and William B., were honored
members of the Little Rock Conference. To her brothers, she was ever a sympathetic and wise
counsellor. Her now bereaved husband writes, "If I have ever had any success in the ministry
it has been chiefly due to her influence." Her last illness was of short duration and she
was unconscious for some hours before her death. However, she has left behind her the testimony
of a pure and holy life; and "We know where to find her." She rests from her labors and her
works follow her, and we doubt not, many in the last day will rise up and call her blessed.
October 16, 1901 page 15 col 2 & 3 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (Pattesville Cem. Bradley Co.)
HUGH BRADLEY
and
ARMELIA VIRGINIA BLANKENSHIP BRADLEY
Hugh Bradley was born in Bradley county, Arkansas, two miles north of Warren,
October 21, 1832 and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. B. W. Martin, Warren,
Arkansas July 20, 1907. In the absence of his pastor, his funeral was conducted by
Rev. B. E. Wallace, pastor of the Presbyterian church. Brother Bradley proved himself
worthy of every trust confided in him. He went out with the volunteers in the Civil
War and spent four years in the defense of the South and the homes he loved. He was
twice elected Sheriff in his native county and served his constituency with credit
to himself and honor to his party. He was for thirty-seven years an active member
of the Methodist-Episcopal Church, South, and for many years, an honored member of
her official board and at his death, was the senior member of the same. His sufferings
and confinement were continuous for more than a year, but release came at last and his
disembodied spirit went home to God. He was married November 29, 1854 to Miss Armelia
(sic) Virginia Blankenship. Armelia Virginia Blankenship was born in Nottiway (sic)
county, Virginia, June 7, 1828 and came with her parents to Arkansas in early life and
settled in Bradley county, where she grew to womanhood and married Hugh Bradley November
29, 1854. To them, were born six children, all of whom preceded them to the land of rest;
except Mrs. B. W. Martin with whom they made their home for some years before their death.
Sister Bradley passed to her rest, November 30, 1907, while her pastor was attending the
annual conference. Her funeral was conducted by Rev. J. F. Lawson, a former pastor of the
Presbyterian church. She rests, she and Uncle Hugh, side by side in the new cemetery. Their
home was the home of many a wayworn pastor. No member loved the church more, or was more
liberal in the support of the church. Uncle Hugh and Aunt Jennie lived in the arms of
Christian love; and died in the triumphs of the Christian's faith. They will wait the
home-coming of those they loved. Peace to their memory.
December 19, 1907 page 14 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (Oakland Cem. Warren)
EPSIE E. BROUGHTON
Sister Epsie E. Broughton was born at Greensboro, Ga., December 5, 1817. She was married
to Edward N. Broughton in the year 1837 and, in 1847, he died. She thus experienced a
widowhood of 62 years. At the age of 15, she was happily converted and united with the
Methodist Church, in which communion she remained until God called her home. She came
to Arkansas in 1859, where she remained for the rest of her life. She was the mother of
three children, two of whom, Mr. John R. Broughton of Jersey, and Mrs. H. F. Richardson
of Warren, still survive. On October 25, 1909, she quietly fell asleep at the home of
Sister Richardson, in the 93rd year of her age. Sister Broughton was a true mother in
Israel. She loved God and the church, and as the infirmities of age came upon her, her
whole thought was of Jesus and Heaven and the loved ones at home. She was the oldest
person in Bradley County; but notwithstanding, she was ripe for Heaven; she will be
sadly missed by loved ones and a host of friends. In loving memory.
April 7, 1910 page 13 col 1 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (Oakland Cem. Warren)
