Talbot County Georgia Bios William Robert Blythe File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by grmiles1@bellsouth.net Carla Miles Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/talbot.htm Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm William Robert Blythe In the Dictionary of English and Welsh surnames, the Blythe name has two meanings: #1 - a nickname meaning gladsome, happy, a sunshiny fellow; and #2 - “of Blyth”, a parish in Northumb, also a parish in diocese of Southwell. From what I’ve learned about the Blythe family, I would say that the first meaning applies to them. They were friendly people, well liked by everyone. In fact, there is a Blythe Street in Junction City named in honor of this family. William Robert Blythe was born in July 1854 in Camilla, Georgia. He is the son of Sarah (her maiden name is unknown), and I’ve not located any information about his father. Nothing is known about Robert’s childhood years. Although I have researched the Blythe name in hopes of discovering more about his family, such as who his father was and if he had any siblings, I have not been successful. Making the research even more difficult and confusing is the fact that in the 1880 Census, there were two William Blythes living in the same area. They were the same age and both were married, with a one year old child. My research indicates that Robert Blythe’s first wife was Emma. This information is derived from the 1880 Talbot County, Georgia Census. I don’t know when they married or have any information for Emma other than the fact that she died between 1880 and 1889. The only child born to this marriage was William Andrew Blythe. He was born on December 27, 1878 in Marion County, Georgia. On December 4, 1887, Robert purchased 100 acres in Chattahoochee County, Georgia. The deed for this land was witnessed by L.F. McLaughlin, (brother of Susannah McLaughlin Fielder) and William Pinkney Fielder, (Susannah’s husband). Most likely Robert already knew or met the Fielder family during this time and their daughter would become his second wife. On February 16, 1890, William Robert Blythe and Martha Elizabeth (Mattie) Fielder were married in Chattahoochee County, Georgia. They were married by W.P. Allison, the Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Mattie was the daughter of William Pinkney Fielder and Susannah McLaughlin. She was born in November 1867, most likely in Marion County, Georgia. Their daughter Susie Clyde, was born on December 11, 1890, in Marion County, Ga. I derived her birthplace from her obituary. From the research I’ve gathered regarding Susie, she was known as Clyde Blythe and wasn’t referred to as Susie. This was most likely because there were so many family members with this same name. Clyde had two cousins named Susie - Susie Mae Fielder and Susie Frank Hart, an aunt, Susie Fielder Hart and her maternal grandmother, Susannah McLaughlin Fielder. Several years later, a son was born into the Blythe family. Robert Pinkney Blythe was born on May 25, 1893. It is apparent that Rob, as he was called, was named in honor of his father, Robert, and grandfather, William Pinkney Fielder. Next to arrive in the family was Evans Alonza Blythe. Ibb, as he was fondly called, was born on February 24, 1896 in Box Springs, Georgia. A resident of Junction city has said that Ibb’s name came from his initials, E.A.B. Everyone in Junction City knew him as Ibb Blythe. The last child born to the Blythes, was a daughter. Thelma Blythe was born in January 1898 and died sometime in 1901. This information is taken from her gravestone. She is buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery between her parents. Finding Thelma was quite a surprise. No one in the family knew about her! William Robert Blythe was actively involved in his community, and he appears on a list of Justices of the Peace of Marion County, dated 1867 through 1888. He also appears on a list dated January 6, 1888 as a Road Commissioner for the Pine Knot District. The 1900 Census shows the family still living in Chattahoochee County, Ga., Pine Knot District. Apparently the family lived on the county line between Marion and Chattahoochee Counties. Robert Blythe’s occupation at this time is listed as “builder of coffins and farmer”. The older children, Susie Clyde who was 9 years old and Rob, who was 7 years old at the time, were at school, while Evans, 5 years and Thelma, 2 years, were at home with their mother. The book There Was A Land, which is about Talbot County, mentions that a casket factory was built in Box Springs and began operation in 1901. W.R. Blythe is listed as the bookkeeper and his brother-in-laws, Lucious Fielder and Frank Hart, were employed there as well. I don’t know if the family moved to Box Springs at this time. I was surprised to find in the Talbotton newspaper that the family apparently lived in Butler, Ga. for a short time. Mentioned in the Box Springs Social Notes dated March 12, 1903, it states, “Mrs. Frank Hart is spending some time with her sister, Mrs. Blythe of Butler at this writing.” and “Mrs. Robert Blythe of Butler made a business trip to Box Springs last week.” I’ve never located any Court documents or other information in Taylor County for the Blythe family. The town of Junction City was created in late 1906 by Mr. C.W. Moore. By 1907 the family had moved to the new town and appeared on the membership list of the newly established Junction City Baptist Church. Robert, Mattie and Susie Clyde joined the church by letter. From the church minutes, I find that on March 7, 1908, the church met in conference and elected officers for Sunday school. Among those elected were Mrs. Mattie Blythe, Teacher of the Adult Bible class, and Miss Clyde Blythe, Teacher of the Infant class. Mattie’s brother- in-law, Frank Hart was elected Sunday School Superintendent. A sad event occurred 1909 that would forever change the Blythe family. On January 1st, Mattie Fielder died. I’ve not been able to locate an obituary for her or determine the cause of her death. She was only 41 years old at the time and left three children, Susie Clyde, 18; Rob, 14; and Evans, 12. Included in the minutes of the Junction City Baptist Church was a Resolution honoring Mattie Fielder. I’ve included it below: RESOLUTION Our church has suffered a great loss in the death of sister, Mattie Fielder Blythe, who died January the first 1909. Sister Blythe was born November 9, 1866. United with Mt. Zion Church, Chattahoochee County July 1889. She was married to William R. Blythe March 17th 1890. Her beautiful Christian life endeared her to all who knew her. Truly none knew her but to love none named her but to praise. Sister Blythe was a loving mother, a faithful wife, a noble sister, a kind neighbor, and true friend, and an earnest Christian. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord for their works do follow them. Resolved therefore, 1st That in the death of sister Blythe we have lost one of our most consecrated members. One whose place will not easily be filled. 2nd That her death is a great loss to us, but we bow in humble submission to the will of our Father who doeth all things well. 3rd That we tender our tenderest sympathies to the family of our deceased sister, and pray God in His infinite love to comfort them. 4th That these resolutions be spread on our Church Record and a copy given to the family of our sister. Church Committee Mrs. W.L. Moore, C.H. Moore, J.H. Boswell Several months after his mother’s death, Rob Blythe became ill and was sent to the Sanitorium at Columbus, Georgia. The Talbotton newspaper noted on April 22, 1909, that “his aunt, Mrs. Frank Hart had visited her nephew and that he was improving”. Another mention was made of Rob on May 13, 1909 and it stated that “Rob had returned home from the Sanitorium where he had been for several weeks.” I’m sure it was very difficult for Rob to experience this illness so shortly after his mother’s death. In the 1910 Talbot County Census, the Blythe family lived on Broad Street in Junction City. Mr. Blythe was a foreman at the coffin factory in the town; Susie Clyde, 19, was a teacher in the public school; Rob, 16, was a telegraph operator and Evans, 15, was apparently still in school. At this time, Robert Blythe’s mother Sarah, age 74, was living with the family. The census states that she was widowed and born in North Carolina. I’ve wondered if Sarah came to live with the family to help out after Mattie’s death. I’ve never located another mention of Sarah, nor discovered when she died or where she is buried. While searching the 1911 Talbotton newspapers, I was very surprised to discover an article about a shootout in Junction City that involved Robert Blythe. I don’t intend to judge Robert’s entire life by this one article. In fact, I have scoured old newspapers in hopes of finding additional articles that mention him in a more positive light but haven’t been successful. I’ve kept in mind that at this time he had lost two wives, and was raising his children alone, so I’m sure it was a difficult time for him. This article was printed on November 9, 1911 in The Talbotton New Era: Shooting at Junction City “Sunday night Mr. W.R. Blythe got on a drunk at Junction City and proceeded to make himself noticeable. He began by taking a seat in church by the side of Mr. George Peddicord, who was with a young lady; Mr. Blythe became obnoxious; Mr. Peddicord and the young lady moved, Mr. Blythe followed; Mr. Peddicord and the young lady moved again; and then it was Mr. Blythe became insulted and wished to fight. In the scrimmage which followed on the outside persons were cut while taking a knife from Mr. Blythe.” “Mr. Blythe went to his home and Peddicord to his. But Monday morning about 3 o’clock Mr. Blythe still bent on avenging his supposed wrongs, went to young Peddicord’s room and called him out to shoot him. He was then restrained this time by the officers of the town and promised to behave himself if they would release him. But after young Peddicord had gone to his work Blythe followed him to the factory with a pistol and began to shoot. Peddicord was prepared for him and also began to shoot. A stray bullet from Mr. Peddicord’s pistol hit Mr. Lon Downs but inflicted no serious injury. Mr. Blythe was also shot in the leg but not dangerously. He is now confined to his bed. And all this happened in the peaceful little town of Junction City, all because just one man, and an old man at that, had too much whiskey. Yet there are some who think we ought to turn whiskey loose on a community.” Another mention of Robert is found in The Talbotton New Era, Thursday, June 8, 1911: “Mr. W.R. Blythe made a flying trip to Columbus Saturday.” It’s neat to think he flew during the early days of aviation! Robert Blythe at some point moved in with his oldest son, Will Blythe. He is listed as living with Will and his family in the 1920 Census. At this time he was 65 years old. No occupation is listed for him, so he must have been retired. Two years before his death in 1922, he went to live with his daughter, Susie Clyde and her family in Phenix City, Alabama. He died at her home on October 25, 1922 after an illness of several months with paralysis. William Robert Blythe is buried near his wife Mattie and daughter Thelma at the Mt. Zion Cemetery. This cemetery is now part of Fort Benning and is a restricted area. Permission must be obtained from Fort Benning in order to visit the cemetery. I located Robert’s obituary and a thank you note written by the family in the Talbotton newspaper: The Talbotton New Era Thursday, November 2, 1922 Wm. R. Blythe Dead William Robert Blythe, a former resident of Talbot County; died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ed Layfield, in Columbus on Wednesday, Oct. 25th, at 5 p.m. Mr. Blythe was in his 69th year; he had been in declining health for several years. Mr. Blythe formerly resided at Box Springs, Ga., later moving to Junction City, where he resided until about two years ago. The deceased was well known in Talbot County. Mr. Blythe is survived by four children: Mrs. Ed Layfield, of Columbus; Messrs. W.A., R.P. and E.A. Blythe, all prominent citizens of Junction City. The interment was made at Mt. Zion Church cemetery some five miles from Box Springs, on Thursday, Oct. 26th, Rev. B.E. Donehoo performing the services. The deceased was a member of the Baptist Church. The Talbotton New Era Thursday, November 9, 1922 Card of Thanks We desire to express through this medium our heart felt thanks to our friends for their kindness to us during the illness and death of our father and brother. We also desire to thank them for the many and beautiful floral offerings. May God richly reward each one for these tributes of loving kindness. Robert P. Blythe, Evans A. Blythe, Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Blythe Mr. and Mrs. Ed Layfield, Mr. and Mrs. M.T. Fielder, Mr. and Mrs. S.F. Hart 1880 Talbot County Census 688 Militia District Census taken on 6/23/1880 E.D. 124, Page 53 William Blythe, white male, 26 years old, farmer Married, born in GA, birthplace of parents: GA Emma, wife, 22 years old, keeping house, birthplace of parents: GA Her birthplace not listed Willie, son, 1 year old No Census for 1890 1900 Census of Chattahoochee County, GA Pine Knot Precinct, Census taken on June 4, 1900 Census 1900, Reel 186, R-MF 929.3 W.R. Blythe, head of household, white male, DOB July 1855, 45 years old, married for ten years, birthplace: GA, parents birthplace: GA, can read and write, owns home Occupation: Builder of coffins and farmer Mattie E., wife, DOB Nov 1867, 32 years old, married for 10 years, mother of how many children: 4, how many of these children living: 4, birthplace: GA, parents birthplace: GA Can read and write. All children born in GA: Clyde S., daughter, DOB Dec 1890, 9 years old, at school, can read and write Robert P., son, DOB May 1893, 7 years old, at school Evan A., son, DOB Feb 1895, 5 years Thelma, daughter, DOB Jan 1898, 2 years old 1910 Census for Talbot County, GA Militia District, #886 Harts, Junction City, GA Census taken on April 15 & 18, 1910 The Blythe family lived on Broad Street. William R. Blythe, head of household, white male, 54 years old, widowed, born in GA, Birthplace of Father: GA, Birthplace of Mother: NC, renting home, can read and write, Occupation: Foreman at Coffin Factory Sarah, Mother, 74 years old, widowed, place of birth: NC, birthplace of father: NC Birthplace of mother: SC, can read and write Susie C., daughter, 19 years old, single, birthplace: GA, birthplace of parents: GA Occupation: Teacher at public school Robert P., son, 16 years old, single, birthplace: GA, Occupation: Operator-Telegraph, can read and write Evan L., son, 15 years old, single, birthplace: GA, Occupation: none, can read and write **John, son, 13 years old, single, birthplace: GA, Occupation: none, doesn't state if he can read and write ***John, didn't show up in the 1900 Census even though he would have been three years old then, and after this census he never shows up again. I've never found a cemetery record for him and family members have never heard of him. John is a mystery! I've not included him in the family record. 1920 Talbot County, GA Census Census taken on January 2, 1920 #4 William A. Blythe, Head, WM, 41 years old, born in GA, parents born in GA, Married,Owns Home, Occupation: Bookkeeper-Coffin Factory Mary N., wife, WF, 27 years old, married, born in GA, parents born in GA Benjamin R.,son, WM, 14 years old, single, born in GA, parents born in GA William B. Blythe, father, WM, 65 years old, widower, born in GA, parents born in GA (This is William Robert Blythe) State of Georgia Marion County This indenture made the 4th day of December in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty Seven between Elizabeth F. Davis of the State of Georgia and County of Marion of the one part and William R. Blythe of the State of Georgia and County of Marion of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Elizabeth F. Davis, for and in consideration of the sum of One Hundred Dollars to her in hand paid at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged that granted, bargained, sold and conveyed and doth by these presents grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said William R. Blythe, his heirs and assigns, East half of lot number (172) on One Hundred and Seventy Two, in Chattahoochee County, Ga. in the 10th District of originally Muscogee now Chattahoochee County, know as Pineknot Courtyard ground, in said County and District containing one hundred acres ¼ more or less. To have and to hold the said bargained premises unto him the said William R. Blythe, his heirs and assigns together with all and singular the rights, members and appartenances there to the same in any manner belonging to him and his own proper use benefit and behoof, in fee simple. And the said Elizabeth F. Davis, for her heirs, executors and administrators the said bargained premises unto the said William R. Blythe, his heirs and assigns will warrant and forever defend the right and title thereof against himself and against the claims of his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and against claims of all other persons whatsoever. In testimony whereof the said Elizabeth F. Davis hath hereunto set her hand and affixed her seal the day and year first above written. E.F. Davis Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of L.F. McLaughlin W.P. Fielder, N.P. & Ex officio J.P. Recorded July 23, 1888 James Castleberry, Clerk ======================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for FREE access. ==============