Arthur J. Blanchard

Arthur J. Blanchard, farmer, section 29, Hersey Township, was born in Onondaga, N.Y., Oct. 15, 1857, and is the son of Loren and Esther (Marsh) Blanchard. The parents are residents on section 32 in Hersey Township. The father is a farmer and works to some extent as a carpenter. The family came to Michigan in 1860, first fixing their home in Sharon Township, Washtenaw County. The father bought 160 acres of land, where he operated as an agriculturist until 1872. On selling the place he removed to Ann Arbor, returning thence to a second farm in Sharon Township, of which he became the owner, comprising 80 acres. In 1877 he again sold out and purchase 80 acres in Hersey Township. In 1882 he bought 80 acres additional. Father and son are in partnership, and both equally interested in paying for their joint property, the second purchase of land being in the son's name.

The latter was married Aug. 28, 1881, to Anna Richards. Alice A., only child was born June 8, 1882. Mrs. Blanchard is the daughter of William R. and Lydia A. (Edwards) Richards. Her father was a soldier in the Union service and was captured by the rebels at Olusta, Florida, Feb. 12, 1864, and incarcerated in the stockade prison at Andersonville, where he died July 19, 1864, from the combined effects of exposure, hardship and hunger. He was born Aug. 23, 1813, in Monmouthshire, England, was married in his native country and in 1844 emigrated with his family to the United States,locating primarily at Hopkinton, Mass., where he operated as a blacksmith. The mother died in New England. Mrs. Blanchard was born Jan. 12, 1852, at Hopkinton. She is a lady of more than ordinary intellectual abilities and culture, and during 1881-2 was School Superintendent of Hersey Township. Mr. Blanchard is a Republican in the truest sense of the word.

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