Blain, John 1840-1926

BLAIN, BARNES, BLAKELY, CARVER, WRIGHT

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/11/2018 at 18:01:26

October 10, 1840 ---- May 4, 1926

Mr. John Blain died at his home in Barnes City, IA May 4th, 1926; aged 85 Years, 6 months and 16 days. The deceased was born at Burlington, IA, October 10th, 1840 and at the time of his death was probably the oldest native born Iowan. He was the second oldest of eight children, four brothers and three sisters of which he was the last surviving member. At an early age, he moved with his parents to Johnson Co. IA, north of Iowa City, where he lived until he grew to manhood.

In 1864, he was united in marriage to Ann Eliza Barnes, also of Johnson County. To this union, eight children were born., Helen A. Blakely; David C., Clyde C., Fred C., Clara B. Carver, Elmer, Alice G. Wright, and Stephen A. All our living with the exception of Clara B. who passed beyond in 1895.

In the year 1869, Mr. Blain and family migrated to Poweshiek County, coming to Brooklyn by rail and then across country by team to the farm southeast of Montezuma, which has been the family homestead since that date. Mr. and Mrs. Blain retired from the farm in 1911, moving to Barnes City where they have made their home since that time. During the last few years, Mr. Blain has been in poor health, unable to take the active interest in business affairs, as was his usual custom. For the last five weeks he was confined to his bed and finally passed away Tuesday Morning at 3:00 o’clock.

Besides the children mentioned above, he is survived by his widow, Ann E. Blain, fourteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.