Daily Kennebec journal., 1902-11-12
Oliver m. Blanchard.

The death of Oliver NJ. Blanchard,
which happened very suddenly and
unexpectedly at his home on River
avenue, early Monday morning, re-
moves one of the merchants whose
business has been long established
one. The cause was apoplexy and
although Mr.. Blanchard had for some
time complained of some slight trouble
with his heart, the crisis was an en-
tirely unlocked for one. His age was
go years. Mr.. Blanchard was not well
during Sunday night and was dis
tressed quite severely in the early
morning, so that the neighbors were
sent for and everything done for his
comfort. His sickness on this occasion
was not thought to be more serious
than on former ones, but, while he was
taking medicine which was being ad-
ministered to relieve his distress,
death occurred.
His life history is an interesting
and eventful one. starting as a boy on
his fathers farm in Richmond and ex-
tending through the years of his fol-
lowing the sea, first with his father on
coasting vessel and later as captain
of a like craft. On coming to this city
he started in the booksellers business
with the late Peleg Reed under the
firm name of Blanchard & Reed. The
store occupied by the firm was located
where VIM. Woods grain store now
stands and the firm operated at the
same time the first telegraph COM
pany which opposed the Western
Union and which later was bought by
the last named company. The firm
moved to to the store occupied by Mr..
Blanchard, at the time of his death,
when the building was built, some
thirty years ago.
Mr.. Blanchard was the Gardiner
agent of the Kennebec & Boston line
of steamers for a long term of years
and Mr.. Reed was also associated with
him. On the retirement of Mr.. Reed,
Mr.. Blanchard had the agency of the
steamer line and on Mr.. Reeds death
took his interest in the bookstore and
had been engaged in that business up
to the time of his decease. BY his
long business connection with the city
he became one of the best known men
of the city and by his characteristics
he has made many friends whose
number can not be determined.
was, PNihtAPS, ehh Ouu
man and might seem more so to
those not personally acquainted with
him and his characteristics. But, from
his wide circle of friendship it would
be task to find one who would speak
unkindly of him. His large-hearted-
ness was shown by his interest and
friendship to children and no little
child. whom he knew, passed by him
without kind word from him or a
bright smile. 1t would be difficult to
name a man who will be more missed
on the business street. than Oliver
Blanchard, and words of regret of his
death and sympathy for those of his
family are only just rewards for his
character and influence.
Though having never entered poli-
tics he was an opinionated man and
was conversant with all the leading
topics of the day and his knowledge
of the important events of history and
it followed that when any decision as
to the right of date or occurrence
was wished Mr.. Blanchard was in
invariably sought for and it was very
infrequent that he could not give the
desired information. He was a MEM
ber of the Royal Arcanum. New Eng
land Order of Protection and had
several times held Offices Of trust and
credit. To the young people he was
particularly interesting on account of
his good -natured originality and his
acquaintance with them was an ex-
tended one.
He is survived by his wife, Sophro-
MIA Eastman Blanchard and daughter.
Miss Matte. The funeral is arranged
for two o'clock, Wednesday afternoon.
and will be attended by representa-
tions from the orders Of which he was
member.