Blain, David (1843-1899)

BLAIN

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/23/2019 at 17:02:31

David Blain
Sep 15, 1843 - Jan 28, 1899

(From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.594)
DAVID BLAIN is one of the progressive and popular citizens of Waveland Township, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. He came to this township on the thirteenth of March, 1874, and has since made this place his home. Mr. BLAIN was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, September 15, 1843, son of James and Moreland (AITKIN) BLAIN, natives of that place. His mother died in Waveland Township March 11, 1885, at the age of seventy-five years. He was one of five children - four sons and one daughter - born to his parents.
Mr. BLAIN was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of Scotland. In 1870, bidding farewell to home and the heather hills of his native land, he sailed from Glasgow for America, landing at New York. From there he came direct to Iowa City, Iowa, where he had an uncle. March 2, 1874, he was married, in Johnson County, Iowa, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary HAMILTON, an amiable and intelligent lady, a native of Ayrshire, and his old school-mate. She came to this country with her parents, Robert and Mary (MARTIN) HAMILTON, in 1870. Her mother died in New York State and her father in Waveland Township, Pottawattamie County. A few days after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. BLAIN came to their present location in Western Iowa. He bought sixty-seven acres of wild prairie land, upon which they at once took up their abode. At that time the country was very thinly settled and scarcely a house could be seen between their place and Walnut. Mr. BLAIN is an industrious man and a good business manager. As the result of his own well directed efforts he is to-day a wealthy man. He now owns 214 acres of improved land, there being two good dwellings on the same. His farm is also supplied with other buildings and is well fenced. His land is bounded on two sides by highways, his residence being midway between the two roads. His groves, orchards, well tilled fields, and pastures dotted over with stock--all give evidence of prosperity.
Mr. and Mrs. BLAIN have nine children, as follows: James, Edmonson, David, Joseph, Moreland, Mary, Robert, Nelly Bly and Susan. Their first born, Moreland, is deceased. Politically Mr. BLAIN is a Republican, but is independent in many of his views.