[ARTIFACTS] Obituary keepsakes from January 1963

My great grandmother’s obituary produced as keepsakes by the local newspaper. It has been interesting to live as witness to the demise of the print journalism industry.

In Memoriam

HERALD-LEADER

Lexington, Ky. January 8 1963

Mrs. Martha B. Corman

Mrs. Martha Bradshaw Corman, 81, the widow of Suber* Corman, died at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Elizabeth Hospital, South Fort Mitchell.

She was a native of Lexington. Mrs. Corman lived at 6 Floral Avenue in South Fort Mitchell and was a member of the Madison Avenue Christian Church there.

She is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Fanny Dean Mathews, Nicholasville; Miss Viola Corman and Miss Madeline Corman, both of South Fort Mitchell; Mrs. William Englett, Victorville, Calif., and Mrs. Joseph Neal, Kansas City, Mo; two sisters, Miss Susie Ghant, Nicholasville, and Mrs. Minnie Scanlon, Prineville, Ore; 12 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

The body was taken to the Allison and Rose Funeral Home in Covington.

It will arrive here at noon Wednesday and will be taken to Kerr Brothers Funeral Home where services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be in the Lexington Cemetery.

One of two examples of obituary keepsakes laminated and serve as bookmarks.

A TRIBUTE

published in the pages of

THE LEXINGTON LEADER

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

JAN 7 1963

Memorial Obituary

Mrs. Martha B. Corman

Mrs. Martha Bradshaw Corman, 81, widow of Suber* Corman, died at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Elizabeth Hospital in South Forth Mitchell.

A native of Lexington, Mrs. Corman had lived at 6 Floral Avenue in South Fort Mitchell and was a member of the Madison Avenue Christian Church there.

Survivors are five daughters, Mrs. Fanny Dean Mathews, Nicholasville; Miss Viola Corman and Miss Madeline Corman, both of South Fort Mitchell; Mrs. William Englett, Victorville, Calif., and Mrs. Joseph Neal, Kansas City, Mo., two sisters, Miss Susie Ghant, Nicholasville, and Mrs. Minnie Scanlon, Prinville, Ore.; 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

The body was taken to the Allison and Rose Funeral Home in Covington. It will arrive here at noon on Wednesday and be taken to Kerr Brothers Funeral Home where services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be in the Lexington Cemetery.

follow my KY family roots research

Profile: Viola Murphy (1897-1928)

The only images I have found thus far of VIOLA MURPHY, my 1st cousin 2x removed, are in her early youth. She was the only one of her three siblings to live beyond 10 years. As it was, she died at 31yo from tuberculosis.

Viola was the fourth child born to Daniel J. Murphy, Jr., and Mary Bell “Mayme” Bradshaw, both of Mercer County, Kentucky.

Left-to-right: Susie Bradshaw (standing), Mary Bell “Mayme” Bradshaw Murphy (seated in chair), Maudy May Murphy (seated on porch), Daniel Murphy (seated in chair) holding **Viola** **Murphy** in his lap, and Martha Jane Bradshaw (standing). Circa 1898-99.

Just two and a half years before the birth of Viola, mother Mayme had a nervous breakdown. She refused to acknowledge the death of her 15-month-old daughter, Florence. Three years earlier, she had lost her first child, Surber, in infancy, also.

Parents Mayme Bell and Daniel Murphy lost 3 children in ten years.

Family records indicate Maudy May was handicapped in some way. Viola Murphy was only 2yo when her 8yo sister, Maudy May Murphy, died. Based on these facts, the family portrait on the porch must have been very close to the time Maudy May died. It was not a thing to smile in photographs but could this image have captured any more poignantly the layers behind those faces?

Baby Viola Murphy seated on lap of father Daniel Murphy.

My grandmother, Martha Jane, came to live with Mayme, her eldest sister’s family, to care for them all. The 13yo Martha must have had a special relationship with her very young niece, as she named her second daughter Viola.

Adolescent Martha Jane Bradshaw, my great-grandmother.

And, in further layers of complexity, my grandmother’s manuscript recounts a falling out between Martha Jane and Daniel Murphy, her brother-in-law. Something happened when Martha Jane lived with the Murphys. It was a hurt that Martha Jane carried into adulthood.

The tragedy and sorrow of the Murphy family household – what a burden for a 13yo young woman to carry as her own caregiving yoke. What an introduction to mothering after losing her own mother when she was only 5yo.

When Viola Murphy died June 6, 1928, she was living in Danville, Boyle Co, KY. She had married Willie Duncan. There are records showing two children, Myrtle Chestnut and Annabelle. This is an area needing further research as I have since found refuting evidence.

RESOURCE: Headwaters, Appalshop on KET

Justice in the Coal Fields

I access TV using a digital antenna because it is free on a relatively reliable signal. The upside is that KET offers a special variety of choices. BBC World News, Kentucky Edition and PBS NewHour is my preferred cocktail for evening media. Occasionally I stumble upon gold in my channel surfing and the series Headwaters by Appalshop is often the source.

This afternoon, I was able to catch some of “Justice in the Coal Fields” a 1995 documentary by Anne Lewis about the 1988 United Mine Workers (Virginia) strike against the Pittston Coal Company that explores a number of themes resonating for Kentucky, as well, including civil disobedience, right-to-work states, justice and the law. And, Appalachian history and culture.

Although dated in all aspects, the film’s interviews and images hit home for me. I do not know of any coal miners in our family, at least not yet in my research. It is more from the spirit and personalities of the people. The character and characters of the community, their sense of community – that is what I remember from my youth. I cannot yet articulate fully how but I am reminded of my family.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/387521543?h=250b58fad8″ width=”640″ height=”480″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen>

preview of Justice in the Coal Fields

I am grateful there are resources featuring the history, both distant and recent, of the people of Appalachia and beyond. As I am working to create the threads of narrative about my ancestors, I appreciate how these stories are captured. Perhaps even one person will discover someday a missing piece of their own genealogical pursuits in what Appalshop has made available. And, you can stream and purchase episodes of the Headwaters series from KET Passport and from Appalshop.org.

Help with restoration of these treasures

Historic flooding in late July 2022 brought catastrophic damage to the resources held by Appalshop in Whitesburg, KY. Efforts are underway to recover as much as can be saved. Learn more and consider sending contributions to: Appalshop in Whitesburg, KY 41858

January 20, 2023

that.Kentucky.girl

A 6th-generation Kentuckian on a journey to find out – follow along

HEADSTONE: CORMAN, Eliza Murphy 1872-1896

*Headstone for Eliza Jane Murphy Corman, located at Corman Cemetery, Bethel Pike.*

ELIZA

WIFE OF

SURBER CORMAN

BORN

APRIL 2 1872

DIED

JULY 16 1896

This is a sad kind of realization. If this woman, Eliza Jane Murphy Corman, had not died prematurely, tragically – I would not be here (at least not as I am in this form). In being a mother and protecting the life of her child, she died. She sacrificed by instinct is my guess.

Eliza Jane Murphy was born 1872 in Pleasant Hill, Mercer County, KY. She was 16yo when she married 21yo Surber Corman in Wilmore, KY, January 1889. Their first child, Minnie Pearl, was born March 31, 1890, followed by Roy Sidney in January 1893.

*Surber Harden Corman with first wife Eliza Jane Murphy*

The story goes that 3yo Roy fell into Jessamine Creek, that ran across their family farm, and in attempting to retrieve him, Eliza – who was pregnant with their third child – fell in but saved Roy. She died in July 1896, as did the unborn child, from complications caused by the accident. After only 7 years of marriage, Surber was a widower at 28yo with two young children.

At 34yo, Surber married his second wife, 20yo Martha Jane Bradshaw, in 1901. These were my great-grandparents.

December 27, 2022

that.Kentucky.girl

PHOTOS+ephemera – Corman, Ira Malcolm and Vesta Jane McCord

*Rev. Ira Malcolm Corman, BORN 26-Feb-1904, Wilmore, KY, DIED 30-Jul-1930*
*Vesta Jane McCord, BORN 22-Nov-1902, Bartholomew, IN, DIED 5-Apr-1995*
*my granduncle and grandaunt*

Ira (22yo) married Vesta Jane (23yo) on Wednesday, July 28, 1926, in her hometown in Bartholomew County, IN. He attended seminary at Manhattan Bible College (present-day Manhattan Christian College) which opened in 1927 as Christian Workers University in Kansas. How did they meet? Still working on that detail.

Wedding Day, July 28, 1926 “Ira and Vesta Jane”

They were married only four years when Ira died July 30, 1930, of typhoid fever while living and preaching in Erlanger, KY. Typhoid fever rates had declined since the advent of drinking water purification efforts and is caused most commonly by exposure to Salmonella bacteria (see Johns Hopkins references) At the time, there was less than a 20% chance (20 in 100K) incidence of typhoid fever, according to The CDC, so somewhat rare. They had no children. They had only just celebrated their 4-year wedding anniversary two days before his death. Maybe he was already sick and they could not celebrate.

As recorded in the 1950 US Census just released this year, Vesta J. Corman was a 47 year old widow, “lodger” who “teaches grade school” living in Fort Thomas, Campbell Co, KY. The handwritten letters of the census taker appears to be on “Alex Pine” with “River View” street on one side and “So. Fort Thomas Ave” on the other side. I will map this eventually.

Although Vesta Jane remarried following Ira’s untimely death, they are buried together in Section 50, Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus, Barthlolomew County, Indiana.

Interestingly, Vesta Jane’s second husband Howard Long was the widower of Ira’s eldest step-sibling, Minnie Pearl Corman Long. Minnie Pearl, a nurse, died at 58 years old on Dec. 28, 1948, due to a stroke.

In the 1940 Census, Howard Long, his wife Minnie, their adopted son Alan and Howard’s mother Elizabeth (Vandiver) Long lived at 220 Forest Park Road in Lexington, Fayette Co, KY. Eight years later, Minnie died.

The 1950 Census places Howard Stanley Long still living at Forest Park Road. He is 56 years old, widowed and working for the water company in the occupations of “Reading and Repairing Water lines” with an income of $3,730. Living in the residence are 14 year old son Alan B. Long, 87 year old mother Elizabeth P. Long, and Stella J. Hamilton, the 60 year old nurse who’s occupation is listed as “Nursing and companion.” Presumably, this was for the senior Mrs. Long.

Sometime between 1950 and Howard’s death in 1959, Vesta and Howard married. Vesta Jane lived another 36 years as a widow again and joined the cadre of Corman women who lived to their ripe old ages caring for others and for each other. They were my role models, these women in community.

It’s That Kentucky Girl

that.Kentucky.girl

A 6th-generation Kentuckian on a journey to find out – follow along

OBITUARY, 1930: CORMAN, Reverend Ira Malcolm dies of typhoid fever, age 26

my grand uncle
born February 26, 1904, Wilmore, KY, died July 30, 1930, Kenton Co, KY. Buried Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus, Bartholomew Co, IN, Sec. 50.

OBITUARY: YOUNG PASTOR VICTIM OF FEVER

Rev. Ira M. Corman, Erlanger, Dies in Covington Hospital

POPULAR WITH PEOPLE

Body Will Be Sent to Indiana Following Church Rites.

The Rev. Ira M. Corman

Funeral services for the Rev. Ira M. Corman, 26, pastor of Graves Avenue Church of Christ, Erlanger, Ky., who died Wednesday afternoon at Booth Memorial Hospital, Covington, were held Thursday afternoon at the church. The clergyman’s death was due to typhoid fever.

The Rev. William E. Sweeney, pastor of Broadway Christian Church, Lexington, assisted by the Rev. S. S. Lappin and Dr. Fred J. Gielow, conducted the services. The body was sent to Columbus, Ind., for interment.

The Rev. Mr. Corman had been in charge of the Erlanger church for six months and was popular with his congregation. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Vesta Corman.

The Rev. Mr. Corman was a student at Manhattan, Kan., and at the Cincinnati Bible Seminary, and preached for churches at Greenleaf and Morrowville, Kan., while a student at Manhattan. He had conducted six evangelical meetings.
Family library artifact, unknown publication name

Fanny Dean Corman, Martha Jane Bradshaw Corman, Ira Malcolm Corman

OBITUARY, 1953: SETTLES – Mrs. Mary Bell Settles

My paternal great-grandaunt – Mary Bell Bradshaw Murphy Settles

born 12 April 1867 Mercer County, KY – died 13 May 1953 Fayette County, KY

Lexington, Kentucky – Wednesday Afternoon, May 13, 1953

OBITUARY, 1953: Mrs. Mayme Belle (Bradshaw Murphy) Settles

SETTLES, Mrs. Mayme Belle, 85, of Midway, widow of Will Settles, died at 3:15 o’clock this morning at the home of a granddaughter, Mrs. William Lewis, 494 Sheridan drive, after an illness of two months.

A native of Mercer county, Mrs. Settle was a daughter of the late John T. and Fannie Bradshaw. She attended the Mercer county schools, and was a member of the Victory Christian church.

Besides Mrs. Lewis, she is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Susie Grant, Nicholasville; Mrs. Minnie Scanlon, Prineville, Ore., and Mrs. Martha Corman, Fort Mitchell; two brothers, Horace G. Bradshaw, Georgetown, and Will Bradshaw, Jessamine county; another granddaughter, Mrs. Kenneth Courtney, Midway, and three great-grandchildren.

The body was taken to the W. B. Milward mortuary, where services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday by the Rev. Sherman W. Swan, Midway. Burial will be in the Wilmore cemetery.

Bearers will be Lucien Bradshaw, Howard Bradshaw, Avon Bradshaw, Adrian Bradshaw, Howard Long and Elmo Baldwin.

While newspapers are struggling to survive as an industry, I’d like to take a moment to comment on the fact that I can recall the days when there was more than one newspaper edition in a day. I was young but I remember.

~ Other details I have learned ~

Ancestry.com and electronic resources helped me piece together more of her story to supplement the physical family artifacts I am organizing and preserving. An original manuscript and transcribed copies of my grandmother’s own narrative is chock full of her memories and reflections. This is a rich alchemy that swirls around me like the angels’ share or ether when I can piece together elements and bring ancestors’ stories to life.

Mary Bell was the third child and first female of eight children born to the Bradshaw parents, John T. & Fannie (a Murphy). Mary Bell “Mayme” was 16 years older than her youngest sister Susie. At 21 years old, Mayme married Daniel J. Murphy, Jr. in 1888 and over the next nine years birthed four children, only one of which lived beyond a decade.

Surber G Murphy (1889-1890) died in infancy.
Maudy May Murphy (1891-1899) died before age 10.
Florence Murphy (1893-1894) died in infancy.
Viola Murphy (1897-1928)

Family portrait on porch of unknown house, the Murphy family. Based on research revelations, I estimate this was taken circa 1898-1899. Seated: front, center Maudy May Murphy (lived fewer than 10 years), second row, mother Mary Bell Bradshaw Murphy, father Daniel J. Murphy, Jr. holding Viola Murphy (who was only 2 years old when Maudy May died). Standing: Susie “Mattie” Bradshaw and Martha Jane Bradshaw. Barely visible within this family portrait are layers and layers of grief behind those faces. And, a tragedy about to strike.

Certificate of Death, Commonwealth of Kentucky

Mary Bell, an 86-year old, twice-widowed housewife, died at 494 Sheridan Drive in Lexington, Fayette County 2:15 am on May 13, 1953, where she had been for two months. Her usual residence was in Midway, Woodford County. She’d had an operation in April by which she was diagnosed with carcinoma of the liver. There was no autopsy. The cause of death: carcinoma of liver. Interval between onset and death: 4 mons. She was buried in Wilmore Cemetery on May 15, 1953.

On another interesting genealogy note: Her sister-in-law, Eliza Jane Murphy, was married to Surber Corman and had two children before she died at 24 years old along with their unborn third child. Look for more about Eliza and Surber coming soon.

family, genealogy, history, Kentucky, Kentucky history, Mercer County, surnames

: Bradshaw, : Murphy, Artifacts Library, Burying babies, genealogy, Kentucky, Obituary, Paternal tree, Primary source, Tragedy

[ARTIFACT] 1984: The Jessamine Journal, Thursday, October 18, 1984

by that.Kentucky.girl July 24, 2023

[ARTIFACT] 1776 Deed: James Douglass, Jessamine Co, KY

by that.Kentucky.girl June 19, 2023

PHOTO: Spot and Violet

by that.Kentucky.girl June 2, 2023

Oh, Martha Jane

Martha Jane Bradshaw (1881-1963)

my paternal great-grandmother

Her story may break your heart.

Martha Jane Bradshaw (1881-1963), born Mercer Co, KY.

paternal great-grandmother

Oh, my Martha Jane. Her story will break your ever-loving heart. She lost her mom when she was five years old. She and her sister were raised by Shakers at Pleasant Hill, KY. Plucked suddenly from that idyllic, utopian children’s life to then carrying the weight of consummate caregiving for a family in crisis.

She was brought to apply all the learning of Shakers care full-time for the family of her eldest sister, Mary Bell Bradshaw Murphy. Martha was thirteen years younger than her sister, who needed help even before her mental breakdown.

Martha Jane broke off a romance after she was scorned by the mother of the man she loved. Martha Jane then married Surber Corman, a young widower with two small children after the recent tragic loss of their mother.

Martha Jane endured burying babies and children from more than one angle. She endured harsh conditions. And, her own tragic end is hard to conceive with the cause of death noted as “2nd & 3rd degree burns over 60% of her body,” according to the KY death certificate.

Traumas and taking on the yoke of someone’s tragedy lives in my DNA. I don’t need 23&Me to tell me that, even if they could. I can think of repeat experiences that fit that depiction.

More on Martha Jane Bradshaw in S1:E 23-E24-E25, coming later.