Thomas Blythe

Thomas Blythe

• Thomas Blythe was born on 12 April 1804 in Scotland.
• He married Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of William Wilson and Isabella Culbertson, on 22 April 1830 in Southdean, Roxburgh, Scotland.
• Thomas Blythe and Elizabeth Wilson appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1840 in Madrid, St. Lawrence County, New York. Other (counted but unnamed) members of the household apparently included Thomas Blythe, Isabellla Blythe and Jane T. Blythe.
• Thomas Blythe and Elizabeth Wilson appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1850 in Madrid, New York. Other members of the household included Thomas Blythe, Isabellla Blythe, Jane T. Blythe, Ellen Blythe, Betsey Cannon Blythe and Caverhill Tate Blythe.
• He was a farmer, according to the 1850 census.
• Thomas Blythe and Elizabeth Wilson appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1860 in Waddington, St. Lawrence County, New York. Other members of the household included Jane T. Blythe, Mary Ann Blythe, Ellen Blythe, Betsey Cannon Blythe, Caverhill Tate Blythe and William Wilson. Also in the household were Thomas (age 35) and Christopher (22) Brown.
• Thomas Blythe and Elizabeth Wilson, appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1870 in Waddington, New York. Other members of the household included Mary Ann Blythe, Betsey Cannon Blythe, Caverhill Tate Blythe and William Wilson.
• He was a farmer, according to the 1870 census.
• The following appeared on 2 February 1872 in The Ogdensburg Journal: Farm for Sale. The subscriber offers for sale a farm of 150 acres, near his residence, two miles from Waddington Village, all under cultivation, except about 15 acres wood land. There is a good well on the premises, and a barn 35 x 45, with sheds attached. Thos. Blythe (Waddington, Dec. 6, 1871).
• Thomas Blythe became a widower at the 26 October 1872 death of his wife Elizabeth Wilson.
• He married Mary F. Oliver.
• Thomas Blythe and Mary F. Oliver appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1880 in Waddington, New York.
• He was a farmer, according to the 1880 census.
• Thomas Blythe died on 3 April 1885 at age 80 in Waddington, New York.
• Mary F. Oliver became a widow at his death.
• He was interred at Brookside Cemetery, Waddington, St. Lawrence County, New York.
• The following appeared on 18 October 1935 in The Ogdensburg Journal: History of the Waddington Presbyterian Church. As taken verbatim from the original manuscript of the late James Redington by permission. Available through the kind cooperation of the Rev. Owen J. Roberts. D.D., Ph.D., pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Waddington. Part 19.
       While upon the subject of the eldership it would be well to continue what ought to be said concerning those that departed this life though it may be in advance of many things that remain to be developed. Another truly good and devout man came into our Church was Elder Thomas Blythe. Liberal, genial and of a sociable nature in connection with his piety which was clearly perceptible by the most casual observer, he became prominent in his new church relations, loved and respected. His knowledge of Scripture was most profound. His exhortations at the conference and prayer meeting was of the superior order fortified by Scripture references and his prayers ferveid and simple.
       I can not do better than transcribe from the records the resolutions that were adopted by the session written and composed by the Rev. Randall Pease some time after the demise of Brother Blythe. They read as follows:
       "Whereas God in his providence has removed from our number his servant, Thomas Blythe, born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Apr. 12, 1804, immigrated to this town in 1830, died Apr. 3, 1885, served for many years as elder in the Canada Presbyterian Church of Waddington, N. Y., and for the last 19 years in this church. Therefore, Resolved 1st--That we as a session express the profound sorrow and the loss which this church feels in the death of this devout servant of Christ.
       '2nd--That we desire to record our esteem and gratitude for the eminent services which the grace of God enabled him to render this church and community. In the session he was a wise counsellor, a spiritual leader and affectionate brother--a conscientious constant worker in the church, a pillar in the prayer meeting, one habitually present and singularly gifted, in society a constant Christian gentleman and a peace maker.
       "3rd--That we cherish the memory of Elder Blythe as that of a man who was mighty in his Scriptures, blameless as a steward of God, peculiarly talented and diligent in pastoral work, eminent alike in his transparency and sympathy of character and depth of piety making such a life that has made a deep impression upon all who enjoyed his precious fellowship."
       Present at the session, Rev. Pease, Moderator James Redington, James Allison, William J. Rutherford, and Alexander Dunn. Brother Blythe was buried with all the solemnities and sorrow which his eminent character was calculated to inspire. "Blessed are they that do His commandments--that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city."
       But a very short period of time after the death of the lamented Elder Blythe our church was called to mourn the loss of another efficient elder, William J. Rutherford. . . .

• Last Edited: 6 Dec 2015