The Shelbyville Democrat
Thursday, January 10, 1929
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DESCENDANT OF HISTORIC FIGURE
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Mrs. Melinda Motley, who died today
was a descendant of Richard Stanhope
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Mrs. Melinda B. Motley, wife of Stokes
Motley, and one of the city's best known colored women, died at 5 o'clock this morning at her home at the sough
edge of Shelbyville following a short illness, due to pneumonia.
Mrs. Motley's death today call to mind. The fact that she is a direct descendant of Richard Stanhope, who , as chief of George Washington's slaves at historic Mt. Vernon has a permanent place in the early history of the colonies. Mrs. Motley had in her possession a newspaper of an early date in which there appeared an account of Richard Stanhope's death.
Mrs. Motley is survived by the husband, Stokes Motley, two sons, Leroy Martin and Charles Martin and a brother, William Adams, all of this city. She was a member of the Household of Ruth, the Eastern Star and the Pythian Sisters lodges and was also affiliated with the Second Baptist church, where funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon with the Rev. Mr. Bell officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery with Ralph J. Edwards undertaker in charge.
Submitted by David Craig
The Shelby Republican
Thursday, February 23, 1893
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Mary, wife of Stokes Motley,
died at her home on West Locus street, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 14. Funeral services was held at Second Baptist
church at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Rev. Gray officiating. Interment in the city cemetery. Cummins & Edwards.
Submitted by Phyllis Miller Fleming
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