Martha A. Kirkendall

One of County’s Best Women Dies; Be Buried Sunday

Martha A. KIRKENDALL died at the home of her niece, Mrs. Mertie REECE, 
three miles east of Ina, at 3:00 o’clock yesterday afternoon, at the age 
of 77.  She was the daughter of Joseph and Sarah WITHERSPOON, who came 
from Tennessee and located near Bluford, Jefferson County, in the WITHERSPOON 
School District, which was named for him.

Her mother, Sarah WITHERSPOON, died in the year 1878, her father 
Joseph WITHERSPOON died in 1898. She leaves one sister, Mary HOGAN of Arcola, Ill.

She was married to Elias KIRKENDALL January 11, 1886, and lived with him until 
his death, July 7, 1918.

She professed religion in a revival meeting held by Prof. John WASHBURN at Ewing, 
August 26th, 1873, and joined the Baptist Church at Ewing and was baptized by 
Prof. WASHBURN, pastor.  She held her membership in the Ewing Church until 1898, 
when she removed her membership with her husband to Sugar Camp Baptist Church in 
Jefferson County, where she remained a faithful member until death.

For the past nine years she made her home with her niece, Mrs. Mertie REECE, 
east of Ina.  She was a consecrated Christian, living the religion she professed.  
She was very industrious and could not be idle if possible to employ her time for 
a useful purpose.  She was able to sew, having pieced several quilts of late years, 
her services for her loved ones was one of her best traits.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Bird GREEN of Mt. Vernon, at Sugar Camp 
Church in Moore’s Prairie Township, Sunday at 11 o’clock a.m.  Burial will be had 
in cemetery nearby. 



Source: Mt. Vernon, IL Register News
Date: 07 April 1934
Submitted by: Mary Zinzilieta