Blakeslee, Obed (1845-1903)

BLAKESLEE, WILLIAMS, REYNOLDS, DE BORD

Posted By: Judy Strain (email)
Date: 10/1/2006 at 12:14:39

Obed Blakeslee, one of the best known and most highly respected residents of Cass county, died at his home about four miles north of Marne last (Wednesday) evening after an illness of about a year’s duration, the ailment which ultimately caused his death being pernicious aneamia. He had returned about a week ago from a hospital at Lincoln, where he had been for treatment, in a weak condition, and sank by degrees until his death.
Obed Blakeslee came to Cass county about 1875 and settled in Brighton township. He was born in Linn county, Iowa, on the 15th of April, 1845 and in 1873 was married to Miss Melissa Williams who with six children survives him. During his residence in this county he accumulated a fortune in the neighborhood of $100,000. He was the owner of the beautiful farm on which he died. A few years ago he improved the place and built a new house which was appointed with all the modern conveniences, being one of the most commodious and beautiful residences in this part of the state. For a number of years he had been engaged in the raising of pop-corn and under his supervision the growth and sale of the product had become an industry of vast proportions.
The children who survive him are Orrin, Mrs. Edith Reynolds, Mrs. Edna De Bord, Mrs. Inez Reynolds and two younger sons, all living in this county.
The funeral services will be held at the home at 2 o’clock tomorrow afternoon and the interment made in the Brighton cemetery. Rev. H. S. Hill of the Congregational church will have charge of the services.

Cass County Democrat, Thursday, July 9, 1903 (Atlantic, Iowa)