Robert R. Blanchard (1837 - 1916)

BLANCHARD, CLARK

Posted By: Karen Brewer (email)
Date: 1/24/2022 at 17:01:28

The Osceola Democrat, Osceola, Iowa
April 06, 1916, Page 4

Robert R. Blanchard.

Robert R. Blanchard was born April 27, 1837, in Des Moines county, and died April 1, 1916, in Woodburn, Iowa, at the age of 78 years, 11 months and 4 days. He was the youngest son of Ezekiel and Elizabeth Blanchard and was the last one remaining of his father's family. He has lived all his life within the state, thus claiming to be the oldest Hawkeye living at the time of his death. He was married to Sarah A. Clark December 28, 1865, in Des Moines county. To this union was born one son, Edward A. Blanchard. In 1874 he with his family moved to Clarke county where he resided on a farm until he moved to Woodburn, Iowa two years ago last fall. Their golden wedding anniversary occurred on the 28th of last December, There survive his death, his wife, their son, two grandchildren, and a host of friends, many of whom have known him from pioneer days. He was always a man of very sound health, never having suffered any serious sickness till the last one. Toward the last he often expressed his desire to die and said he was not afraid. He became a member of the Masonic lodge in 1882. Practically all who knew him were his friends. Many times it has been noted how many came to see him daily. His life was of that stern rugged type, with a marked individuality and an open hospitality which so often has been the product of pioneer days. The community will certainly miss one who who has so long lived here.