William Jefferson Blythe Jr. lost control of his 1942 Buick on U.S. Route 60 outside of Sikeston, Missouri, after one of his car's tires blew out. He survived the accident after being thrown from the car, but drowned in a drainage ditch as he tried to pull his way out of the three feet (1 meter) of water in the ditch. Three months later, Blythe's widow, Virginia, gave birth to their son, whom she named William Jefferson Blythe III in honor of his father and grandfather. In 1950, Blythe's widow married Roger Clinton Sr.; 12 years later, Blythe's posthumous son legally adopted his stepfather's
Calvin Blythe 1843 until 1845, he was Collector of Customs for the port of Philadelphia. From 1845 until his death, he was in private practice in Philadelphia. In 1832, the newly founded Pennsylvania College of Gettysburg appointed Blythe to their Board of Trustees, which he served on until 1844. He was the first (1832–5) and third (1838–43) president of the board. He spoke at the College's opening ceremonies. Blythe Township, Schuylkill County, formed in 1846, was named after him. Calvin Blythe Calvin Blythe (1790 – June 20, 1849) was a Pennsylvania lawyer and judge. He served as state Secretary of State and