George Blickley, of the well known undertaking firm of Blickley & Rauschenberger, with office at No. 25 West Bridge street, has been in this line for the past five years, and, as he had been a very popular citizen previously, added a prestige to the business, which had been originally established about ten years previously and was on a solid basis, the concern now about fifteen years old.

John George Blickley, father of George, the subject, came from Germany to America when a young man, and married Annie Mary Kalnback, who bore to him two children, viz: Catherine, the wife of John Ellenger, of Grand Rapids, and George, whose name opens this biography. The father was a mason by trade, was industrious and of steady habits, but while working in the wet on bridge piers, caught a cold which degenerated into pneumonia of the lungs, and caused his death at the early age of twenty seven years. The death of his widow took place at the age of fifty-four. George Blickley was born in Grand Rapids, July 3, 1859, was educated in the public schools, and at the age of fifteen years began work as a general utility hand and clerk in a store. Being naturally of a mechanical turn, he next entered a wagon manufactory; later, he learned cabinet making, and still later was employed by the Phenix Furniture Manufacturing company, with which he remained seventeen years, and then engaged in his present business, with which he has since become thoroughly acquainted through the instruction imparted by his partner, who is practical and well acquainted with every detail. Mr. Blickley was united in marriage in Grand Rapids, with Miss Bertha Kuslanger, and this marriage has been blessed with four children, born in the following order: Mamie H., Wesley G., Lena P. and Matilda. In politics Mr. Blickley was first a republican, but his last vote with that party was for James A. Garfield, in 1880, since when his affiliations have been with the democratic party. He is a member of the school board, and takes great interest in public education. In religion, he was reared in the faith of the German Methodist church, and has strictly lived according to its precepts. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Blickley is a large, well developed man physically, is genial, pleasant, and courteous in his nature, and wherever he goes attracts to himself friends who ever remain steadfast.