Obituary of Mary Martha Bartlett Hickman Submitted by: Bessie J. Gumm Mrs. M. Martha Hickman who has been in declining health for four years past, bade her final adieu to earth at the family home on Spruce Creek (Ritchie County) on Sunday evening February 8, 1914 at 4:30 pm. Mrs. Hickman was a good Christian woman, a devoted wife and loving mother. She had been a faithful communicate of the Baptist Church for 48 years and her last conscious moments were filled with joy and praise. It had been evident for some time that the end was approaching and on Sunday morning, she called her loved ones to her and told of her bright prospects for happiness and as she bade them adieu, admonished them to meet her on that fairer shore and sent messengers to her friends. When her voice ceased to speak, she lapsed into unconciousness and there remained until she passed away some hours later. She was born in Taylor County, (WV) on October 19, 1849. With her parents, the late James F. and Veldah Bartlett, she came to Spruce Creek when she was 17 years old. On January 5, 1858, she was married to Charles M. Hickman of Doddridge County, and with the exception of the first few years, which were spent in Doddridge County, her home had been on Spruce Creek. Seven children were born of this union. Addie Gum, the elder daughter, was burned to death a few years ago and the other six children survives. Samuel M.; Mrs. John Collins and Mrs. Media Louden are of Spruce Creek; Cecil and Oaf are at home and J. H.is principal of the Sutton High School. Mrs. D. G. Law, a sister and Patrick Bartlett, a brother, of Blue Rock, Ohio, also survives. All of whom were at her bedside when the end came. The funeral took place from the Spruce Creek Baptist Church on Tuesday morning in the presence of a large congregation. The Rev. L. S. Vannoy conducted the service. The casket was covered with beautiful floral tributes and those sent by the Sutton High School arrived too late. Internment was made in the Spruce Creek Baptist churchyard among the family dead. Much sympathy is felt for the friends in their sad bereavement.