Surnames: HOWARD BLACKMAN DUEGE WOODFORD RUDEEN

----Source: CLARK COUNTY REPUBLICAN & PRESS (Neillsville, Wis.) 10/31/1918

Blackman, Mary E. (21 Apr 1858 - 23 Oct 1918)

Mary Ellen Howard, born April 21, 1858 in the town of Grant, Clark County, Wis., to Robert and Rachel Howard, grew to womanhood on Pleasant Ridge, attending the district and later the Neillsville High School.

She married Sims Edward Blackman of Benenden, Kent, England on Dec. 3, 1878. After a trip of six weeks spent among friends in Illinois, they went to housekeeping on their farm on Pleasant Ridge, which has ever since been her home.

To this union three sons and three daughters were born: Ralph Edward, Charlotte Rachel, now Mrs. Albert Duege, Bunker Hill, Ind., Evelyn Ann, Mrs. Milo Woodford of Stewart, Wyo., Elgia Robert, Sadie Laura, Mrs. Gus Rudeen, Pine Bluffs, Wyo., and Clifford Howard.

After the death of her husband July 6, 1900, she continued to run the farm with the help of the boys, making a home for and educating her children until they grew up and took up life with their chosen companions with the exception of Elgie Robert, who is serving his country and is now with our army in France, and Clifford and Ralph, who were with her to the end.

On December last Mrs. Blackman started West to spend the winter with her two daughters, Evely and Sadie.

Her general health seemed better, but this summer she saw it was not a lasting benefit and preferred to come home and be with her old friends and relatives. Her son, Elgie, and sister, Mrs. Edward Selves, went after her, reaching home the 30th of July.

The following day Elgie entered into the service of his country.

About a week after reaching home she became worse while spending the day with her sister, Mrs. Edward Selves, and so remained there and was cared for until her daughters, Charlotte, Evelyn and Sadie came. About 4 weeks ago she was moved to her old home, where she was taken care of by Evelyn Sadie, Ralph and Clifford, also the sister; Charlotte returning home, knowing the mother would be well cared for. After a long illness the final summons came Oct. 23, 1918.

She was a faithful member of the M. E. Church, Sunday school and Ladies Aid until the end. She was also a member of the Ladies of the Maccabees Lodge.

In addition to the vacant place she leaves in the family circle she will be greatly missed by her host of friends, as she was ever ready to help in sickness everyone in need for miles around.

The funeral was held at the (the rest of my copy was unreadable)