Abbie Ellen (Stearns) BLANCHARD

STEARNS, BLANCHARD, STEPHENSON, HARR, VINSEL, PACKARD, ROWEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:43

6 January 1848 --- 16 June 1922

MRS. ABBIE E. BLANCHARD

Chariton friends were greatly grieved to learn of the death of Mrs. E. M. Blanchard, of this city, which occurred in Des Moines, Iowa, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frances Stephenson, on Friday afternoon, June 16, 1922, at 1 o'clock, at the age of 74 years, 5 months and 11 days, after an extended illness.

Abbie Ellen Stearns was born in Salem, Mass., January 6, 1848. When but a small child she came with her parents to Belmond, Wright county, Iowa. On December 25, 1864, at Belmond, she was united in marriage to Edwin M. Blanchard. To this union ten children were born, three of whom are deceased: Mrs. Leila E. Harr, died in October, 1905; Lewis E., died in infancy; and Clara A., in 1888.

The children surviving are: Mrs. Ella L. Vinsel, of Des Moines; Stillman W., of Hemingford, Nebr.; Mrs. Frances Stephenson, of Des Moines; Harry B. and Ed, of Chariton; George E., of Russell; and William A., of Charles City. She was one of four children, two of whom survive: Mrs. Henrietta Packard, of Belmond and Mrs. George Rowen, of Rowan. The brother preceded her in death by many years. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. The husband passed away in Chariton May 31, 1911.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard lived in Wright county for a brief period, moving to Ainsworth, then to Moline, Ill., from which place they came to Russell, Iowa in 1875. In 1904 Mr. Blanchard retired from his lifelong activity of farming and moved to Chariton, where the home has been ever since.

Mrs. Blanchard enjoyed good health until a few years ago when the rigorous life and the advancing years began its toll upon her and after being confined to her bed for the past year, she was called at last to take the higher step into the larger life.

Many years ago she professed her faith in her Saviour and united with the Presbyterian church at Russell. When they decided to make their home in Chariton she moved her membership to the First Presbyterian church of this place, where she has been a faithful member until the time of her going.

It was a privilege to know Mrs. Blanchard, whose long life of eventful activity made her a valued friends and counsellor. Her kindly thoughtfulness, her helpful ministrations, her cheery countenance and her winsome personality will make her memory live long in many lives.

A brief funeral service was conducted from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frances Stephenson of Des Moines, Saturday afternoon, after which the remains were brought to Chariton. The funeral service was conducted from the Presbyterian church by her pastor, Rev. C. W. McClelland, on Sunday afternoon at 2:30. Interment took place by the side of her husband in the Chariton cemetery.

THE CHARITON HERALD-PATRIOT -- Chariton, Iowa
June 22, 1922