St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1903-05-20
RECENT DEATHS.
BIOdgett.

Capt. Pearl Davis Blodgett died at his
home in Burlington, Friday afternoon, of
heart trouble, in his 76th year. He was
in apparent good health until Thursday
morning, having attended the meeting OF
the Loyal Legion on Tuesday night.
Thursday morning be rose at an early
hour, but later took to his bed, and
although he went about the house sew
eral times during the day, he did not
leave his bed for more than a few mo-
ments, the end coming quietly Friday
afternoon. t-a-41
Captain Blodgett was born in Ran.
dolph, April 7, 1928, aud was the son of
Eli and Irene Blodgett. He received his
education in the public schools at Ran
dolph and at the age of II years entered
the mercantile business continuing in it
for nearly 20 years.
In 1862 he enlisted as volunteer and
began recruiting in Orange and Gale
donia counties. He was chosen first
lieutenant of Company G when the
Tenth regiment was organized and was
in command during the first few weeks.
When Captain Winslow resigned from
Company E, Lieutenant Blodgett was
promoted to the position, having been in
service but three months.
Captain Blodgett had his left arm
shattered by mimic ball in the desper-
ate charge upon the confederate works
at Cold Harbor and was at that time re-
ported dead, his wife mourning him until
she received letter telling of the circum-
stances. 1t is interesting to know that
this letter was written by the late Gov.
Horace Fairbanks who found Captain
Blodgett in a hospital in critical con-
dition.
In 1864 Capt. Blodgett was appointed
captain in the Veteran Reserve Corps,
and was mustered out in 1865 at Indian
apolis. He then took up his residence
in st. Johnsbury, and soon started in the
insurance business. He conducted life
and fire insurance business for many
years, and soon became one Of the best
known insurance men in the state. He
was also town clerk and treasurer of ST.
Johnsbury for number of years. He
was the first commander of Chamberlln
Post, No. 1, G. A. r., and thus had the
distinction of being the first post COM
mander elected in Vermont. He also
served one term as department com
mander of the state. He was a charter
member of Passumpsic Lodge, No. 90
F. & A. NJ, and his death removes the
last charter member of this lodge. Ii
will be recalled that be came to st
Johnsbury on Jan. 13, 1908, to partci
pate 10 the exercises of the 50th annver
sary of the lodge, but sprained ankle
compelled him to return to his home in
Burlington. He removed to Burlington
about three years ago, where he has
since resided. During his 35 years resi-
dence in St. Johnsbury he was especially
active in the religious life OF the towr
and was one OF The pillars of the South
church, which, next to his home, was the
dearest spot on earth. He had beer
Sunday school superintendent aud dea
con, and was deeply interested in the
spiritual welfare of Others.
He is survived by his wife, who wa.
Laura A. Freeman of Brook6eld, anc
five children, Pearl Freeman OF Montpe
lier, Mrs. S. E. Belknap of Minneapolis
Ernest A. and Winthrop W. Blodgett o
st. Johnsbury and Miss Eliza WOOD
Blodgett of Burlington. He also Leaves
three brothers and two sisters, Hayder
Blodgett of Fremont, Ohio, and E. D
Blodgett of St. Johnsbury, W. W. Biodg
ett of Pawtucket, r. l., Mrs. William
Bennett of Crete Neb., and Miss Eliza
be b Blodgett of Avaca, Neb. The gold