Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Blanchard, Emory W. 1914
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Sandy Heintzelman sheintz@iserv.net December 3, 2010, 12:09 am

Portland Observer, 6 Feb 1914

E.W. Blanchard Dead

Pioneer Undertaker and Furniture Dealer Expires Wednesday in Lansing Hospital.

In Business Here 45 years

Deceased Had Been a Permanent Figure in Local Commercial Circles for Nearly a 
Half Century.

Funeral To Be Masonic.

The remains of Emory W. Blanchard will be lowered into a grave in Portland 
cemetery Friday afternoon with Masonic ceremonies.  Rev. Wm. W. Slee, of the 
Methodist church, will deliver the funeral sermon, Friday afternoon at 2:30, at 
the Congregational church.

In the death of Emory W. Blanchard, …[smudged copy]… shortly after 2:30 o’clock 
Wednesday afternoon, Portland loses another pioneer business man, who for 
nearly a half century had been a permanent figure in local commercial circles.

The immediate cause of Mr. Blanchard’s death was bladder trouble, which became 
apparent last October, although he had enjoyed fairly good health until that 
time.  A Grand Rapids specialist was consulted, but the patient derived little 
benefit from the treatment, and failed steadily.  In a final effort to save his 
life Dr. Tolles, of Lansing, operated upon Mr. Blanchard at the Sparrow 
hospital January 27th.  The patient rallied from the effects of the operation 
as well as could be expected and was on a fair way to recovery when his 
condition took a sudden change for the worse.  On Tuesday Mr. Blanchard’s two 
sons, Chester and David, were hurriedly summoned to his bedside, since which 
time all hopes of his recovery had been abandoned.  With him when he passed 
away were his wife, his son, Chester, his daughter, Mrs. F. A. Brewer, of 
Tampico, Ill., and his daughter-in-law, Mrs. David A. Blanchard.

Had he lived until March 16th next, Mr. Blanchard would have attained the age 
of 68 years.  He as a native of Canada but came to the states at the age of 19 
and immediately settled in Portland, where he built up a reputation for honest 
and legitimate dealings.

His father was a Methodist minister in the days of the “circuit riders,” and 
preached in Portland at regular intervals.  Mr. Blanchard himself was an active 
worker in the Methodist church up to the time of his death, having been a 
member of the building committee for the new edifice now nearing completion.

On February 9, 1870, Mr. Blanchard married Miss Ada Simmons, of Portland.  Four 
children were born to this union, although but three survive.  These are David 
A. Blanchard, of Danby, Chester Blanchard, of Portland, and Mrs. Cora Blanchard 
Brewer, of Tampico, Ill.  A brother, Benj. Blanchard, is a resident of Des 
Moines, Ia., while two sisters, Mrs. R. A. Doty and Mrs. Esther Williams, 
reside at Grand Ledge.

About 45 years ago Mr. Blanchard engaged in the furniture and undertaking 
business in Portland, his establishment being located then on the site now 
occupied by Mrs. Vera Smith’s bakery.  Years later he moved his stock to the 
building now occupied by the Temple theatre, where it was located until the 
completion of the fine Blanchard block seven years ago.  Mr. Blanchard was 
thoroughly successful in the furniture and undertaking lines and had a 
reputation for square and honest dealing.

Although a lifelong republican Mr. Blanchard was never active in politics, 
declaring it to be poor business policy.  A number of years ago, however, he 
yielded to the persuasion of friends and allowed his name to be placed on the 
republican ticket as a candidate for village treasurer.  He was elected without 
an effort on his part and served a second term, but beyond this would never 
consent to be a candidate for office.

Mr. Blanchard was one of the oldest members of Portland’s Masonic lodge and 
always took an active interest in the work of the fraternity.  For many years 
he served as collector of the Royal Arcanum lodge, in which he was a policy 
holder.

The remains reached Portland on the late train Wednesday evening and were taken 
to Mr. Blanchard’s late home, four Masonic brethren acting as bearers.


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