His parents, Absalom Blythe and Hanna Essary Blythe, were among the pioneers of Stone County from Kentucky and Tennessee. They settled in Flat Creek county west of Cape Fair many years ago. They were prosperous farmers and knew how to make an honest living from hard work and careful planning. The father was a prominent citizen in the Flat Creek community in the earliest days of Stone County, for, besides being a substantial farmer, he was a Justice of the Peace, a particularly useful position at that early day in a sparsely settled country. He was looked to for legal advice and performed marriage ceremonies. One of the couples being Lafayette Henson (Doctor afterwards) and Frances Melton.
It was on June 10th, 1867, that their son Ab was born and he lived in Stone County all his life.
He married to Hattie Cagle on Feb. 4th, 1885, at Galena, Missouri. They became the parents of seven children, three of whom preceded him in death: the baby, Rebecca Jane, a son, Clevy, 16, and a little daughter, Frankie, aged 13. The faithful wife and four daughters survive: Mrs. Clara Lauritzen, Tekoa, Washington, Mrs. Julia Horn, Mrs. Allie Berry, and Mrs. Fannie Hemphill, all of Galena. There are fourteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
The young part of his life was spent in farming. In 1908 he moved to Galena, where he has since lived. For a number of years he has been retired from active life because of failing health. For a long time he was a caretaker at the grade school and the children all just loved him. Mr. Blythe was of such good moral character, always even tempered, he had no quarrel of fuss to make with anyone; he always held his associates in great respect and he could do this because he had respect for himself. No one could ever truthfully speak a harm word of Ab Blythe and no one ever wanted to. He truly knew how to live a good Christian life. He enjoyed the calls of the Reverend Frank Eaton at the Blythe home they would have a prayer and talk awhile on religious topics, and he was a firm believer in the Christian faith. He said that he was ready to leave this world and for his loved ones not to mourn. He has known what great suffering is but he bore it like a martyr--- so uncomplainingly. God rest the soul of this good man and may all who remain take example of his patience and courage through many trials.
Funeral services have been delayed awaiting the arrival of the daughter, Clara, who is speeding here from her home in Washington. The services will be held at the Blythe home and burial made by Everett Cheatam in the Galena cemetery. (Stone County News Oracle-July 22, 1942)