Jacksonville Courier, 8 Jan 1897

Died at 2 o'clock Thursday morning at the home of Robert T. Cassell, on West College street, Mrs. Martha Coleson Dalton. Strangulated hernia was the cause of her death, and although she was ill but a few days, her suffering was intense. The deceased was born Aug. 8, 1824, in Lincolnshire, England, and so was in her 73rd year at the time of her death. In 1852 she came to the United States and for the past 39 years has been a resident of Jacksonville. Here in 1858 she was married to William Dalton and his death occurred Dec. 4, 1875. One daughter, Mrs. Robert Cassell, survives the deceased, in addition to a sister, Mrs. Stephen Sheppard of Christian county, two brothers and two sisters, living in England. One brother, Thomas coleson, died Nov. 31, at the age of 80 years at his home near Neelyville, as the result of a cold contracted in this city while attending a rally, Oct. 26th.

Mrs. Dalton, who was ever an active Christian worker, was one of the oldest members of Grace M.E. church and had been a firm supporter of that organization. She was always on the watch for an opportunity to do good and the needy found in her a liberal friend. Wednesday she felt that death was near at hand and expressed herself as ready to go, for she had lived a life of virtuous activity and knew of the reward prepared for her.

The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon from the Cassell residence at the corner of Church and College streets. Interment will be in Jacksonville cemetery.