Title	Mrs.
Last Name	Bridges
First Name	Lydia
Middle Name
Maiden Name	Swanton
Nick Name
Place of Birth	Dexter, ME
Date of Birth	1840
Place of Death	Dexter, ME
Date of Death	1907-05
Publication	The Eastern Gazette 5-23-1907, p.5
Obituary	Mrs. Lydia A. Bridges. The many friends and acquaintances of Mrs. Lydia A. Bridges, wife of Owen W. Bridges, were much surprised and shocked to learn of her sudden death which occurred at her home on Maple St. Sunday morning after but a few hours' illness, her death being due to a paralytic shock. Mrs. Bridges suffered from a similar shock some two years ago from which she never fully recovered, complaining frequently of her head not feeling well. She was, however, able to be around and to attend to her various church and social duties as formerly. Saturday night she was out riding with her husband in their automobile and with her grandson, Ralph Brewster, who had just arrived in town from Brunswick where he was attending college. She retired apparently as well as usual. About three o'clock Sunday morning she awoke her husband, complaining of not feeling well. He arose and at once telephoned for a physician who arrived soon after. She suffered two shocks, and about 7 o'clock in the morning, another from the effects of which she passed away. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Swanton of this town and was born in Dexter in 1840, being at her death 66 years and 11 months of age. On Dec. 31 1857, she married Owen W. Bridges, the union being blessed by three children of whom only one survives. Mrs. Bridges was a woman of refined Christian character, and was beloved by all who knew her. She was an active and useful member of the Free Baptist church and, also of Martha Washington Rebekah lodge of which she was past grand. She also held membership in the Eastern Star, the Woman's Literary club and the W. C. T. U., each and all of which were benefitted by her whole-hearted and noble efforts for the good of all. She was a most excellent wife, mother and friend, and her death means a distinct loss to the community. She is survived by a husband, one daughter, Mrs. W. E. Brewster, two brothers, Joseph E. Swanton of Millbridge and Seth Swanton of this town, and one sister, Mrs. Wealthea Arnold who also lives here. The funeral services were held at the Free Baptist church Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Mr. Wiggin officiating, assisted by Rev. Mr. Tracey of Pittsfield. Large delegations of the Rebekah and W. C. T U. organizations attended and the beautiful and impressive funeral service of the Rebekahs was read. The interment was in the family lot in Mount Pleasant cemetary.