Sears, Rhoda Blanchard(1840-1920)

BLANCHARD, SEARS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 12/1/2007 at 13:49:11

Jackson Sentinel
November, 30, 1920

Another Old Settler Gone

Rhoda F. Blanchard was born Oct. 12th, 1840, in Lebanon, N. H.

While yet a child, she came with her parents to Sycamore, Ill., where the family remained for a couple of years; when they moved to Maquoketa and settled on a farm, part of which is now the fair grounds.

On October 27, 1859, she was married to the late Benjamin C. Sears, the son of one of Maquoketa’s pioneers. Mr. Sears passed away on June 27, 1923.

For over 40 years Mrs. Sears has been a member of the Baptist church Maquoketa, where she attended with faithful regularity until the infirmities of old age prevented her. For almost two years she has been staying at Mrs. Becker’s home for the aged, where she has received the best care and attention.

Last Thursday noon, Nov. 25, while about to sit down to a Thanksgiving dinner, she was seized with a paralytic stroke, from which she never recovered.

The only near relatives that survives her, apart from the children, is an aged sister, Mrs. E. J. Weed of South Bend, Ind.; all of whom sustain a great loss in the death of their loved one.

The funeral was held at Mrs. Becker’s home on Monday, Nov. 29th. The Rev. Elgin Brough, pastor of the Baptist church, conducted the services. Interment took place in the family lot, Mt. Hope cemetery.