Attack of Heart Disease of Sudden Termination
The sudden death of Joseph G. Blanchard at his home two miles east of Leaf River on Sunday morning May 15, 1927, came as a shock to his host of friends thruout the northern part of Ogle County. Mr. Blanchard had been ill three weeks with heart trouble and confined to his bed last week. Sunday he seemed to be somewhat better and was up around the house. Excitement and over-exertion due to his horses getting out brought on an attack of neuralgia of the heart which had a fatal result within a short time.
Joseph G., a son of Amos W. and Harriette Blanchard, was born at Vicksburg, Michigan on November 11, 1862. When he was a boy the family moved to Rockford and later to near Paynes Point where they became influential citizens of Ogle County. In 1884 he was married to Miss Julia Weld. They established their home on what is now the Clymer farm, north of Byron, and then followed a long period of residence in Marion Township as occupants of the Bunn, Case, Stires and Kosier farms. On the latter two farms they lived ten and eleven years respectively. During his residence in Marion Township he held several positions of trust. Ten years ago he purchased and moved to the farm near Leaf River.
Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard, Dollie, (sic, actually Ethel J.) now Mrs. John Feltman, who resides on the home farm, and Nellie of Byron, who with the widow and three grandchildren survive him. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Margaret Osborn, and two brothers, Amos W. and Ernest A., all of Byron.
Fraternally Mr. Blanchard was a member of the Masons, and the Modern Woodmen, and their auxiliaries the Eastern Star and the Royal Neighbors of America. Blessed with a kindly and jovial nature he was always popular in any company in which he might be found, and will be mourned by a wide circle of friends.
Funeral services were held from the home and the Byron Methodist Church Wednesday afternoon and were in charge of C. C. Crickette. The Masons assisted with their funeral rites. Burial in the Byron Cemetery.