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         JAMES E. BLANCHARD, representative farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 25, Wapello Township, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., July 13, 1831, and is a son of Timothy and Mary A. (Holmes) Blanchard, both of whom were also natives of the Empire State. They were the parents of eighteen children, and of that number thirteen are yet living, their ages ranging from fifty to eighty years. Our subject at the age of six years, in 1837, went with the family to Edgar County, Ill., where he received his education in the common schools. Leaving the parental roof at the age of fifteen, he secured employment as a farm hand, receiving $5 per month as a compensation for his labor. He was engaged in that line in Illinois until 1854, when he came to Iowa, and rented land of his uncle, James Blanchard, for two years.

In 1856 Mr. Blanchard was united in marriage with Miss Tamizon Welsh, a native of Indiana, who came to Louisa County, Iowa, when but six years old. After their marriage he engaged in farming upon the land of Mrs. Welsh for about six years, and during that time bought forty acres of land, which was partly fenced but had no other improvements. With his young wife he moved into an old log cabin, but within the following year built a larger log house, though it has long since given place to a handsome frame residence, which is two stories in height and has a cellar under the entire building. A splendid barn has also been built, and a double corn crib, which is forty feet long, together with all other improvements necessary to a well-regulated farm. To his original purchase of forty acres Mr. Blanchard has added from time to time until he now owns 323 acres of as fine land as can be found in Louisa County. His stock is also of the best grades, and he makes a specialty of raising Poland-China hogs, in which he has been very successful, having at one time sold twenty-one head for $815. Financially, he is a self-made man. Having started in life without capital, receiving for his first labor but $5 per month, he has yet worked on with the enterprise and energy which overcome all obstacles, and now has a comfortable competency. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, while politically, he affiliates with the Democratic party. He has always taken great interest in all matters pertaining to the public welfare, and is ever ready to aid in the promotion of any enterprise for the advancement of the community.

Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard have been the parents of four children, one of whom died in infancy: Ida is the wife of John Morris, a resident farmer of Wapello Township; Charles, desiring to be a minister of the Gospel, fitted himself for that profession, but close application and over study so undermined his health that he has had to lay aside his work. On the 30th of June, 1885, he wedded Maggie E. Reichley, of Letts, Iowa, who was born in Muscatine, Dec. 31, 1860, and is a daughter of George W. and Catherine (Brookhart) Reichley, who were natives of Ohio. One child has been born of their union, Bessie B., Dec. 30, 1887. Leota, the youngest child of the family, is the wife of Charles Stone, who is engaged in farming in Wapello Town- . . .

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. . . ship. Mr. Blanchard has taken great interest in giving his children good educations, having provided them with such advantages as would fit them for the practical duties of this life. In 1883 he made a visit to New York for the purpose of attending a family reunion, which took place in a grove near his childhood’s home. At that time 137 blood relations were assembled together, and a most enjoyable time was spent by all.