Margaret Blanchard

BLANCHARD, BROOKHART, BACON, REICHLEY, HICKLIN, MANNING, BROWN

Posted By: Judy Kelley (volunteer) (email)
Date: 5/28/2009 at 21:58:53

Unknown Newspaper, June 12, 1952

Mrs. Margaret Blanchard Dies

Mrs. Margaret (Aunt Maggie) Blanchard, 92, died June 4 at Broadlawn hospital in Des Moines. She was the widow of the late Rev. Charles Blanchard, who served as pastor of the Wapello Christian Church from 1895 to 1910 and was also editor of the Wapello Republican.

The Rev. Mr. Blanchard also had several books published, including volumes of poetry and "Four Years in China", the story of the work done by his son-in-law and daughter, the Rev. Wallace Bacon and Bessie Blanchard Bacon, in the mission fields of China. Mrs. Blanchard died while serving in China.

After moving to Des Moines they were affiliated with the University Church of Christ in which she was a deaconess. She took part in all the activities of the church until her death June 4.

During the time of their residence in Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard housed, helped, advised and encouraged many students who were struggling for education in Drake University, especially young men who were taking ministerial courses.

Mrs. Blanchard was the daughter of George W. and Catherine Brookhart Reichley Brookhart and was born near Cranston, in Muscatine County Dec. 31, 1859. She was married to Charles Blanchard of Letts June 30, 1884, and with him was instrumental in founding the Wapello Christian Church. She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Millicent Hicklin of Wapello; two grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Granddaughters surviving are Mrs. Florence Manning of Spencer and Mrs. Carl Brown of Dalhart, Texas. Seven great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral sevices were held in Des Moines, after which the body was brought to Wapello, where graveside services were held in the Wapello cemetery at 2:30 Friday afternoon.

The Rev. Mr. Crase of Des Moines officated at the graveside service.