Martha Jane Ridgely

     Martha Jane was born in 1835 in Whetstone Township, Crawford County, Ohio. She was the daughter of Westall Ridgely and Susannah Winbegler. Martha Jane married George R. Roatch on 5 March 1858 in Van Buren County, Michigan. 7 July 1860, Martha and her husband George were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Marcellus Township, Cass County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were George Roach [26 New York][mill man] & his wife: M. J. [26 Ohio].¹ 8 August 1870, Martha and her husband, George, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Marcellus Township. Enumerated in this household were George Roatch [34 New York] & his wife: Martha [34 Ohio], child: Francis [9 Michigan]. He is a farmer.² 25 June 1880, Martha and her husband, George, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Flowerfield Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were George Roatch [45 New York] & his wife: Martha J. [35 Ohio], children: Frank [19 Michigan] & Clark [9 Michigan]. He is a farmer.³ Martha departed this life on Sunday, 9 January 1898 in Flowerfield Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan, at age 63 years.⁴ She was buried at Marcellus Township in Bly Cemetery. The inscription on her tombstone reads:
Mother - Jane Roatch - 1835-1898.⁵