BLOWERS, John S. (1833-1885)

BLOWERS, CORRINGTON, BELT

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 4/7/2022 at 13:57:47

Died at his residence in Crystal Township, Hancock County, Iowa, Wednesday, September 16th, 1885, John S. Blowers, aged 57 years.

The deceased was born in Mason, near Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1828, and removed to Indiana, in 1849, coming from there to Iowa in 1855, and locating at Mason City, and the next year he moved to Forest City, where he continued to make his residence, until his removal to his farm west of town, a year or two ago.

Mr. Blowers was the first Sheriff of Winnebago County, having been elected to this position in 1857. He was prominent in the politics of Winnebago County, for over a quarter of a century and held various offices of honor and trust. He was a charter member of Truth Lodge No. 213, A. F. and A.M. and was its first Senior Deacon. He was also a master of the Lodge one term.

Mr. Blowers was one of the pioneers of this section, and his son, George R. was the first white child born in this County. He was twice married, the name of his first wife being Catharine Corrington, who died within a year or two after his removal to this County. He was subsequently married to Sarah Belt, who survives him. He leaves a family of seven children to mourn his loss.

Mr. Blowers was a man who had the courage of his convictions, and what he believed he boldly avowed, and he adhered to his opinions with the greatest tenacity. He was frank and outspoken on all occasions, and he meant what he said, and always said what he meant. He was honest to a fault and no man ever questioned his word, or doubted his sincerity and integrity. He was possessed of a generous disposition, and was noted for kindness of heart and benevolence of nature. He was a good husband and father, a true friend, an obliging neighbor and a patriotic citizen. A wide circle of sincere friends mourn his loss.

The funeral services took place on Saturday afternoon, from his late residence in Crystal Township, and was under the direction of Truth Lodge No. 213, A. F. and A. M., Rev. C. F. Dykeman preached a sermon appropriate to the occasion, after which the remains were conveyed to Crystal Township cemetery where they were interred according to Masonic rites. Truth Lodge turned out in strong force to pay the last tribute of respect to an honored brother, and the fraternity was well represented by delegations from Garner and Britt.

The bereaved family have the sincere and unfeigned sympathy of this community in their hour of sadness and affliction.

source: Winnebago Summit, Forest City, Iowa, 24 Sep 1885, page 2, column 3

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Died - J. S. Blowers, at his residence near Lake Edward, on the 16th of September, at 11 o'clock p.m., aged 57 years, 7 months and 2 days. He leaves a wife and 7 children to mourn his loss. Mr. Blowers suffered much during the summer with the heart disease which caused his death.
He has been a kind husband and father, and good neighbor. He was born in the state of Ohio, came to Forest City in 1856 and resided there until about 4 years ago when he removed to Crystal township. The deceased was a Free Mason and his funeral was conducted by many masons from the surrounding country. Garner was fully represented.

His remains were laid in the Crystal township Cemetery. Rev. Mr. Dykeman preached the funeral sermon. The family have the universal sympathy of the whole community for their irreplaceable loss. All the neighbors join in this our last tribute of respect of a good man.

source: Hancock Signal, Garner, Iowa, 25 Sep 1885, page 3, column 5

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The news of the death of J. S. Blowers of Crystal township was received with deep regret by the many who knew him in this township. Having come to this part of Iowa in 1856, he was among our pioneers.

The funeral was very largely attended, the burial services being conducted in accordance with the Masonic ritual. Numerous members of
the Garner, Britt and Forest City lodges were in attendance.

source: Hancock Signal, Garner, Iowa, 25 Sep 1885, page 3, column 2