The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1877-08-23
MANTUA.


which will long be remembered by the
citizens of Mantua. On that day, near.
ly the entire population of the town
ship, together with many hundreds
from the adjoining towns, assembled
to pay the last tribute of respect to q
twenty years, had been devoted to the
promotion of the welfare, temporal
and spiritual, of all within the circle
of his acquaintance. On Sunday, Oul
lamented tOwnsman, Hon. o. Blake
after a protracted illness of seven
weeks, closed his earthly labors, leav.
ing an entire community, as well as a
bereaved family, to mourn his depart
ure.
A vast concourse of people assembled
had never been seen before in the his
tory of the township. The two houses
of public worship, and the Town Hall
were densely packed with sorrowing
and sympathising friends, whose pres
ence afforded ample testimony to the
respect. esteem and affection which
the deceased had won by his unselfish
character, and ardent devotion to their
interests. Thus his death becomes a
public calamity.
The services were held in the Disci-
pie Church, and were conducted by
Rev. Mr.. Steele, of Chagrin Falls,
President Hinsdale, of Hiram College,
assisting, while in the Union Church
Rev. .Amzi Atwater delivered fitting
eulogy on the life and character of the
deceased.
A large number of the Patrons of
Husbandry also Joined in the exercis-
es, as mark of respect to their deceas-
ed brother.
Mr.. Blake was born in Carnival,
Ct, April 8, 1924. and when two years
Of age his parents elnigrated to Brim-
field, o., where his youth was spent
on farm, and without other advanta-
ges than disposition to study. he fit
ted himself for u teacher at sixteen
years of age, continuing in this EN-
plOyment during the winter season
until 26 years of age, when he married
and two years after, in 1852, settled on
farm in Mantua.
the Baptists, and afterwards for the
Free Will Baptists. in which order he
continued to labor the rest of his life.
Various secular duties Of life also en-
gagged his attention as a home mis-
siOnary; as lecturer Oh topics con.
nected with various reforms, social and
political, as a magistrate for five years,
and as member of our State Legisla
ture during two terms, he faithfully
performed his duties in all earnest but
ell opinions from all.
He also performed a vast amount of
labor as a newspaper correspondent,
aud at weddings and funerals his ser
vices We're every ywhere demanded, hav-
ing attended $50 funerals, and nearly
200 weddings, often journeying from
the State Capital to administer conso-
latiOn to his friends in a time of be-
reavement.
He leaves wife, three Sons and two
daughters-all his children having at
tanned majority excepting one son, IS
years of age.
Thus, His sun has gone down,
while yet it was day "-his family sep
arated from kind and indulgent hus-
band and father. and society loses a
most estimable and useful citizen, and
now the sad but unanswered enquiry
arises, on whom CAN his mantle fall
VERITAs.
MANTUA, Aug. 90, 1877.
Grand Masonic Demo tration.
The twentieth Triennial Conclave of
the Grand Eucampment of Knight
Templsrs Of the United States is to be
held in Cleveland, next week, COM
mencing on Monday and continuing
to aud including Thursday, the vari-
Gus Commandries to be received and
entertained by Oriental Commandry
No. II, knights Templar, stationed at
Cleveland, O., U. S. A., acting in be-
half of the Grand Commandry of
Knights Templar of the State of Ohio.
The following is the order of exer-
cises:
MONDAY, August 81.
Receiving and escorting visiting
to quarters.
7 80 p. M, at Case hail, address Of
welcome by the Reception Committee,
Hon. Sir Rufus p. Spalding, Chair
man in connection with which cere-
nOny concert under the direction
OF Oriental Quartette.
TUESDAY, AUGUST %.
$50 a. M. grand parade, review and
escort of the Grand Muster and GRAND
of the United States.
3p. M, excursion on Luke Erie by
returning at p. M, to en-
able visiting Knights to attend the
concerts, receptions, etc. at
the various COmmandery headquar-
tcrs.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST %.
10 a. m., lawn fete and reception by
Oriental COmmandery at grounds of
the Northern Ohio Fair Association,
at which time. will be held q grand
prize drill for three pre-
miams offered by Oriental Comman-
dery No. II, aggregating in value 5000.
and to be awarded respectively as the
first, second aud third prizes to the
Communicates exhibiting the greatest
in the Teinplar drill.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 30.
Ia. m., grand lake excursion to Put
in Bay on the steamers Pearl and Me-
tropolis, rendered by Oriental Com
mandery to all Sir Knights and ladies
in the city and who may
choose to avail themselves thereof.
The display vii; doubtless be the
mOat brilliant ever witnessed in the
State. Up to last Saturday quarters
had already been engaged for over
five thousand Sir knights, and appli
cations were still being received. More