Tuscola County MI Archives Biographies.....Blasius, Clarence September 2, 1888 - February 1977
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Michelle LeSage malesage@hotmail.com September 17, 2008, 7:04 am

Author: Melisa Ferry, Tuscola County Advertiser, June 1, 1972

Became a Man at 14
He sits back in his chair with a smile slowly spreading across his face, 
causing his eyes to twinkle with warmth.
     When meeting Clarence L. Blasius, one is reminded of Santa Claus (minus 
the beard) and a favorite uncle as he relates the story of his 84 years.
    Blasius, the eldest son of John and Hattie Blasius, was born on a Fremont 
Township farm in 1888.  A prominent citizen of Indianfields Township.  Blasius 
served on the township board for 45 years before retiring to his farm.
    Education ended for Blasius at 14 years of age when he took over the farm 
duties following the death of his father.  "I suppose you could call it an 
education." pondered the friendly man.  "After father died, I never saw 
another day of school."
    The next year his mother remarried and Blasius "bached it" on the farm 
until 1905.
     At the age of 17, he moved to Juniata Township and worked as a hand on 
the Fred Henry farm.  1908 saw Amos Andrews Sr. hire Blasius a $20 plus room 
and board weekly.  "I always say that was my best year.  Besides the $20 pay, 
I got my wife as a Christmas present," he said.  On December 24, 1908, Blasius 
married the former Ella H. Campbell,(adopted name), granddaughter of Andrews.
     "We never got very far in life:  Just two miles down the road from where 
we married." related Blasius who has lived in a stone house at 1959 West Caro 
Road, Caro for 56 years.
     Blasius, who gives his late wife all the credit, said their children 
never were a problem.  "All nine of them walked two miles to the Carpenter 
School and another two miles to high school." said Blasius who proudly 
displays pictures of his children and their families to anyone with the 
time.  "I've got 33 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and one great great 
grandchild," says the grandfather as his face lights up with pride.
     The 84-year-old has had five different grandchildren living in the 
upstairs of his home.  "It gets rather lonely for me.  When my wife died, so 
did the better days of my life." he said with a trace of sorrow creeping 
across his face.  He visits his wife's grave as often as possible.  
     Before his wife died, in 1966, they were able to celebrate their 50th 
wedding anniversary with their children and families.  "We used to have the 
family reunions here." he said, gestering at the house "but there are too many 
of us now.
     Blasius, who remembers the time when he went to Caro once a week for 
supplies, says he doesn't get out too much.  "I go to church, and to town for 
groceries, but not like I used to.  A lot of times I eat in restaurants." he 
said.
     When you meet Blasius a twinkle and smile appear.  When you depart, the 
reverse happens and you realize your company helped him pass another lonely 
day.  When Clarence L. Blasius dies, so will a lot of local and familiar 
history.


Additional Comments:
Ella Campbell (wife of Clarence Blasius) was born Alice Heggie.  Her father 
was Thomas Holden Heggie and mother, Ella Clark.  When her mother died, 
neighbors took in the youngest girls.  Alice was adopted by the Campbells and 
her name changed to Ella Campbell.

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