Iowa Old Press

LeMars Sentinel
Issued Mondays and Thursdays
Thursday, April 7, 1898

A PIONEER GONE
The Death of Deacon John Blodgett Removes One of the Earliest Settlers of
the Northwest from Our Midst

The death of John Blodgett which occurred on Sunday last at Independence
removes from this earthly dwelling place one of the earliest settlers of the
northwest and no history of the early days in this section would be complete
without the embodiment of his personality in its pages. Nearly thirty years
have passed since his foot first trod on what was then one vast expanse of
prairie and his eyes gazed on the beautiful and fertile valleys which
stretched for miles and miles in their broad expanse and seemed to invite
but the hand of man to come and utilize their richness for himself and
generations yet unborn. When Deacon Blodgett first settled in LeMars there
was one store kept by John Gordon where Trenery’s machine shops are now
located. Now this city has a population of over 6000 souls with flourishing
industries of all kinds and a country thickly settled.

John Blodgett was born of good old Puritan stock, his forbears having been
residents of America for several generations. He was born at Bucksport,
Maine, in July 1827, where he was reared, educated and entered into young
manhood. He was united in marriage in February 1852, with Miss Sarah Case, a
native of his own state and lived in wedded happiness with her until her
death in 1871. Mr. Blodgett engaged in mercantile pursuits in his native
town until the year 1868, when he in company with B. O. Forster, another
pioneer settler of LeMars, came to this section of the northwest. They
decided in their own minds that here was a favorable spot for a railroad
junction and their prognostications proved correct, as the Iowa Falls and
Sioux City railroad, now the Illinois Central, came through here in 1869 and
the St. Paul and Omaha followed later. They located here and opened a
general store on the site where the Ashwood dairy now stands and in 1869
John Blodgett was made the first postmaster of this place. When the railroad
came through here they moved the store building to the corner of Sixth and
Main, where Mr. Hentges is now located. On that spot in partnership with
Frank Flint, Mr. Blodgett built the brick block, known as the Flint block to
all older residents and sold out to them later. After getting settled Mr.
Blodgett returned east and brought his family out to the new home. After
dissolving business connections with the Flints, Mr. Blodgett engaged in the
real estate business and was associated with J. R. Mitchell and later with
Wm. J. Wernli in the land, loan and insurance business for a number of
years.

He suffered the loss of his wife, who departed this life in May, 1871, and
was buried on the homestead east of town and laid in the city cemetery when
it was laid out. Mr. Blodgett was one of the organizers of the
Congregational church in this city, the church being organized in 1871 and
was during his life one of its pillars and most ardent supporters.

Mr. Blodgett was of a retiring disposition and shunned the glamour of
popularity. He was deeply imbued with religious convictions and a man of
the highest integrity and honor, who believed firmly in the doctrine of
eternal justice. With those whom he became well acquainted he was a
steadfast friend and many a friend and old resident hearing of his death
breathed a sigh and words of regret at the passing away of good old Deacon
Blodgett.

Two or three years ago he fell into ill-health and went to his old home to
receive care and attention and then came west to other relatives, but sad to
say the powers of his once active mind were failing and he became subject to
hallucinations and it was thought advisable by those nearest him to send him
to the asylum at Independence (Iowa) for medical treatment which was done a
few months ago, but he grew worse and succumbed to what might be called a
general breakup of both the physical and mental system. He leaves three
children, a son, Albert M. Blodgett, of Kansas City, two daughters, Mrs.
Grace H. Mason, of Rochester, N. Y., and Mrs. E. J. Hainer, of Aurora, Neb.
He has also two brothers living, Rev. Henry Blodgett of Bridgeport, Conn.,
who was for forty years missionary in Africa, and Mr. Geo. Blodgett, who
resides at the old home in Bucksport, Maine.

Ex-congressman Hainer and Mrs. Hainer, his daughter of Aurora, Neb., and his
son, A. M. Blodgett, of Kansas City, were present at the funeral which was
held Tuesday afternoon at the Congregational church and which was very
largely attended by old settlers and others who had known the deceased so
long and well.

The floral tributes of love and reverence for the deceased were many and
beautiful in design. Rev. W. J. Suckow, of Hawarden, formerly pastor here,
delivered a short and impressive eulogy on the deceased and Rev. W. J.
Johnson delivered the sermon. Referring to the life of the deceased he said:

July 11, 1827-April 3, 1898 –between these dates lies the life story of John
Blodgett, whose remains are before us today, but whose blessed record is
embalmed in the archives of the skies and by it, he being dead, yet speaketh
to us.

Our brother first saw the light of day in the town of Bucksport, Hancock
county, Maine, a little town built on the banks of the Penobscot river. He
was one of eight children and of these two brothers and two sisters are
still living. One of his brothers, Dr. Blodgett, now of Bridgeport, Conn.,
has been well known in religious circles, he having been for forty years a
missionary in China in the employ of the American Board of Foreign missions,
during which time he translated the Holy Scriptures into one of the native
tongues,

Mr. Blodgett in his youth received an academic training in an institution of
learning at Easthampton, Mass. When 27 years of age, he married Miss Sarah
Case, of Kenduskeag, Penobscot Co., Me., with home he lived until 1871, when
God called her to himself, leaving behind her the husband and three
children.

In 1868, Mr. Blodgett came into the undeveloped west, and after examination
decided to make this his home. In 1869, he moved with his family to LeMars,
and built the first store before the town itself was platted. Here he has
remained ever since, identifying himself with every phase of the growth of
the city. In all the hardships of pioneer life—and only those who have
passed through them know what those hardships are—he shared, believing like
Moses of old that this great country had a splendid future before it.

John Blodgett was preeminently a religious man. From his youth he had joined
himself with the people of God, to think the thoughts of God and to work out
the ideals of God. In his young manhood and in his childhood’s home, he had
served the church of his choice in the responsible office of a deacon,
looking after both the temporal needs and the spiritual welfare of her
membership. Coming west, he brought with him his religious purpose and in
1871, we find him joining with others in a call looking toward the
establishment of a Congregational church in LeMars. The church was
established and Brother Blodgett was elected deacon at the same time and
continued then in office uninterruptedly for fifteen years. It is only the
barest truth to say that no one factor has been so potent in the growth of
this local church as the life and thought and labor and prayers of deacon
John Blodgett.

About a year or so ago failing health caused his retirement from the
activities of the church and business life, thought his interests in these
things was unabated and through these months he as been slowly sinking, till
at last God called him home to his crowning and to rest.

THE FUNERAL OF MR. BALSINGER.

The funeral of the late Mr. Balsinger was held Wednesday, services being
held at the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Macgogney preaching the sermon. The
members of Mower Post G.A.R. marched at the head of the funeral cortege
following their deceased comrade and Prof. Shoup, commander of the Post,
read the ritual for the dead at the grave’s side in a beautiful and
impressive manner, paying a feeling tribute to the memory of their departed
brother, who had borne arms with them in the great strife for the
preservation of the Union. The pall bearers were: Comrades Hyle, Ira Munson,
Jas. Mohan, Geo. Kline, Jeff Carpenter, and B. F. Albright. The interment
was made at the city cemetery.

BURNED TO DEATH
A Six-Year-Old Child Meets a Horrible Fate While Playing With
Burning Corn Stalks

Word was brought back to LeMars Monday of a shocking fatality which occurred
at the farm of Fred Earle, living up on Indian Creed northwest of this city,
about a mile over the Sioux county line. His six-year-old girl was playing
on Saturday afternoon with a brother about two years older than herself out
of doors and the children were burning corn stalks for pastime. The girl’s
clothing caught fire and in spite of the efforts of her brother to save her
she was fearfully burned. The boy attempted to smother the flames by
throwing dirt on her clothing and rolling her on the ground to beat out the
fire, but before he could attract his father’s attention, who was at some
distance in the field, the little girl’s limbs and body were badly scorched.
All that could be done for the child was useless, although she lingered
until the following day at noon, when she succumbed to her dreadful
injuries.

BURNED UP HIS MACHINERY

A fire occurred at the farm of Jas. McDougall, living west of Struble,
Tuesday afternoon which burned up a large machinery shed, two self-binders
and other valuable farm machinery. The origin of the fire is a mystery. The
shed and machinery were totally consumed. Great difficulty was experienced
on preventing the flames from communicating to the barn and the house, but
hard work and the timely assistance of neighbors obviated the danger. There
was no insurance on the building or machinery.

LeMars, (IA) Sentinel, Monday 11 Apr 1898, Pg. 3, Col. 3:

Death of An Old Iowa Settler

Patrick Cowan died at his home on Franklin street in this city on
Thursday morning at the age of 78 years.  The deceased had been ailing
for the past two or three years and had not been able to come downtown
for more than a year.  Mr. Cowan was born in County Down, Ireland, in
1820 and came to America in 1842, settling in what was then Michigan
territory, afterwards Iowa.  He lived in Dubuque county until 1876.  He
was married in 1844 to Mary McLain, who survives him. In 1876 the family
moved to this county and bought a farm near Neptune where they lived
until 1884, when they came to LeMars, which has since been their home.
Mr. Cowan had many interesting experiences and reminiscences to relate
of pioneer days in Iowa and was well known to all early settlers in
Jackson and Dubuque counties and many in this neighborhood knew him
years ago in Dubuque.  He was a man highly respected by his neighbors
and acquaintances. Besides the widow he leaves six children, three sons
and three daughters, John and James, of Watertown, S.D., and Edward, who
resides at Adrian, Minn.  Two daughters, Mrs. Thos. Mohan and Mrs.
Maurice Lamb are residents of LeMars and another daughter, Mrs. Robert
Phillips, lives in Stanton township. The funeral took place from the St.
James church Saturday morning at 10 o'clock.

LeMars Globe, April 16, 1898 

DIED. 

Mrs. Otto Blaul, whose serious sickness was noted in the last issue of THE GLOBE, died on Thursday evening ate her home on Fulton street. Her condition deemed serious on Wednesday and a consultation of physicians decided that an operation was the last chance of saving her life and the operation was performed on Thursday. The physicians while hopeful realized that the operation was very late and did not hold out much hope for her recovery. Deceased was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nic Wilmes and was born at St. Donates, Jackson county, in 1878 and came to LeMars with her parents when but a little girl. She was united in marriage with Otto Blaul in September, 1897, and this sudden separation falls with crushing effect on the young husband. The parents have the sympathy of a large portion of the community in their bereavement. The funeral will be held today, Saturday, at St. Joseph's church at 9:30 o'clock. 

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
April 18, 1898

Died.
Mrs. Nic Huertz died on Sunday evening at her home five miles south of
Remsen, in childbirth. A baby was born to her on Friday, but scarcely lived
an hour. Mrs. Huertz was born in Luxemberg and was thirty-two years of age.
She was a Miss Hansen and was married to Mr. Huertz in 1887. She leaves a
husband and a son eight years old to mourn her departure. Mr. and Mrs.
Huertz have had a large portion of sorrow in their lives as they had five
children born to them, who died.

The funeral was held at St. Joseph’s church in Remsen on Wednesday.

SENEY: (Special Correspondence)
Mrs. Wm. Cook returned home From Westfield Saturday morning, having spent a
week there visiting relatives.

Bert Emery, of Wayne, Neb., arrived Friday to visit his parents over Sunday,
returning Monday morning.

Mr. Clark, of Sioux City, came up Thursday to begin work on Arthur Reeve’s
new buildings.

A special train left here Saturday evening, over the C. St. P. M. & O.
Railroad, consisting of a handcar and eight or ten of our best citizens. A.
M. Cutland, conductor, and Wm. Cook, engineer, all returning at ten thirty
except the engineer, who struck and rode home on the blind baggage.

Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Mills entertained a gentleman friend from Nebraska
Thursday and Friday.

Some of Seney’s young men are getting the war fever. Should half a dozen
decide to defend their country, what would become of poor little Spain?

G. W. Bunt, of LeMars, transacted business in Seney, Friday.

Our new lumber yard is enjoying a good patronage from the surrounding
country.

Mr. Clarence Moore and Miss Ada Lancaster started for Sioux City Saturday
morning on their wheels, but the lady’s wheels gave out a few miles from
here and they were obliged to return home again.

The social at M. G. Mills last Friday evening was largely attended, their
being over one hundred present. A pleasanter evening could not have been
wished for. The evening being so warm the young people played games on the
lawn, and more than eight gallons of ice cream was served during the
evening. A number of young ladies rendered good recitations and especially
was the song enjoyed by all sung by Maggie and Mary Lancaster. Over twenty
dollars was realized for the purchase of a new carpet for the church.

POTOSIA: (Special Correspondence)
D. M. Baker is getting along nicely and will soon be able to get around with
the help of crutches.

Dell Foutz, of Nebraska, is visiting at H. Williamsons’.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Beaulieu are rejoicing over the arrival of a little girl
who came Sunday, April 10. Mrs. Beaulieu has been staying with relatives at
Morningside for some time.

Mr. Grant, of Millnerville, hauled lumber Friday for a county bridge which
will be put in near Mr. Breaulettes place.

Adolph Pavlovic sold his bull in Sioux City on Wednesday. This is the
animal that came very near killing Mr. Pavlovic last summer. They had
considerable trouble with him before they got him to the city, as he knocked
one of the horses and his rider down twice. The animal weighed 1740 pounds.

LeMars Sentinel

April 25, 1898 

DEATH of Mr. Mammen.

Mamme M. Mammen, proprietor of the Dubuque house, died on Saturday afternoon about four o’clock, after an illness of only a few days of inflammation of the stomach.   He was forty-seven years of age.  He was a native of Germany and came to this country with his folks in 1865 and settled in Illinois.  He came to Plymouth county about fifteen years ago and farmed west of LeMars until the last few years when he came to town and assumed control of the Western hotel and recently he moved from there to the Dubuque house.   

Mr. Mammen was an upright, honorable man, a good neighbor and was held in great esteem by all who were acquainted with him.  He leaves a widow, three sons and two daughters to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. 

The funeral was held this afternoon at the Grant township Lutheran Church and was very largely attended by friends and old neighbors.  The interment was made at the Grant township cemetery.