Bios: WILLIAM BLANCHARD: Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
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Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Lawrence Co transcribers.
Coordinated by Ed McClelland
Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens
Lawrence County Pennsylvania
Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo, N.Y., 1897
An html version with search engine may be found at
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/lawrence/1897/
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WILLIAM BLANCHARD,
[p. 627] deceased, who during a large portion of his life was identified
with the manufacturing interests of Fallston, Pa., as a maker of edge tools,
and spending the latter part of his life as an agriculturist of Taylor
township, Lawrence County, was born in the State of Massachusetts in the year
1797 and departed this life in 1889, being then in his ninety-third year. He
was a son of James and Elizabeth (Howe) Blanchard, both of whom were natives
of the Bay State. James Blanchard was a prominent farmer of the town of which
he was a citizen. They were Congregationalists in their religious belief;
their children numbered nine in all, as follows: William, our subject,
Catherine; Sanford; Eliza; Liberty; Harriet: Harvey; and two that died in
infancy.
After obtaining an education in the schools of his native place Mr.
Blanchard learned the tool maker's trade, and until late in life was engaged
in manufacturing, being located in Fallston a large part of the time.
Arriving at the years when men long for rural life, Mr. Blanchard purchased a
farm in Taylor township, Lawrence County, and spent the sunset of life in calm
and retirement. He was a very active man, could not be induced to cease
entirely from work even in his last years, and took a hearty interest in all
public affairs. In his political affiliations he was a firm Republican, but
did not have time to seek political honors. Mr. Blanchard was twice married.
His first wife was Jane Simison of Waterford, Ohio. His second wife was Mary
Simpson, a daughter of John and Eliza (Sample) Simpson of Pittsburg, Pa. By
this second union there were born three children, two of whom now survive.
Elizabeth, born Jan. 8, 1862, married S. S. C. McGrew of Canton, Ohio, and to
them were given six children: William B.; Carl; Fred; Samuel S. C.; Mary E.;
and Katherine. Harriet F., the other surviving child, lives at home. The
family are Presbyterians in their religious belief.