"Anthony Bledsoe was born in Virginia Jan. 31, 1808. He moved to Missouri in 1818 and then to California in 1854. He moved back to Missouri in 1855 and again came to California in 1875 making Smith River his stopping place until March 29, 1900, in the very closing year of the century with which he began; when the massive gates of eternity opened, admitting him to the beyond.
Anthony Bledsoe married Miss Kate Butler sixty-seven years ago (Jackson County, MO, 3/13/1833)--they have lived together during all those years -- a wonderful record. Few there are that will surpass it in length of days ........... they have remained true and tender to each other. They have brought thirteen children into the world, eight of whom are still alive.
Mrs. Woodruff, one of his children now a resident of Smith River, deserves special mention in this article because of her care and patient attention during the five long weeks of her father's sickness.
Mr. Bledsoe followed the profession of blacksmithing ever since he came to California, and few have ever come to this county that were more efficient in that line. He served as a Confederate soldier during the Civil War. During his lifetime he has ever been kind and considerate and generous, chivalrous and helpful to his fellow man. He has lived honestly, sincerely and openly before all the world, according to the dictates of his own conscience.
The self-sacrificing , the kind and gentle, devoted Christian wife and mother who still survives {wishes} to express her thanks to all of the many friends that have been so helpful and thoughtful during her past days of trouble and grief. She left on the steamer Monday for her son's home in Ukiah."

Marhoffer Obituary Collection
Del Norte County Historical Society

"Anthony Bledsoe was born in Virginia Jan. 31, 1808. He moved to Missouri in 1818 and then to California in 1854. He moved back to Missouri in 1855 and again came to California in 1875 making Smith River his stopping place until March 29, 1900, in the very closing year of the century with which he began; when the massive gates of eternity opened, admitting him to the beyond.
Anthony Bledsoe married Miss Kate Butler sixty-seven years ago (Jackson County, MO, 3/13/1833)--they have lived together during all those years -- a wonderful record. Few there are that will surpass it in length of days ........... they have remained true and tender to each other. They have brought thirteen children into the world, eight of whom are still alive.
Mrs. Woodruff, one of his children now a resident of Smith River, deserves special mention in this article because of her care and patient attention during the five long weeks of her father's sickness.
Mr. Bledsoe followed the profession of blacksmithing ever since he came to California, and few have ever come to this county that were more efficient in that line. He served as a Confederate soldier during the Civil War. During his lifetime he has ever been kind and considerate and generous, chivalrous and helpful to his fellow man. He has lived honestly, sincerely and openly before all the world, according to the dictates of his own conscience.
The self-sacrificing , the kind and gentle, devoted Christian wife and mother who still survives {wishes} to express her thanks to all of the many friends that have been so helpful and thoughtful during her past days of trouble and grief. She left on the steamer Monday for her son's home in Ukiah."

Marhoffer Obituary Collection
Del Norte County Historical Society