DAVID
HENRY BLANCHARD
(1834-1902)
DAVID
H. BLANCHARD, a prominent resident of Avon and an ex-member of the
Massachusetts legislature from the Seventh Norfolk District, was born in East
Stoughton (now Avon), May 28, 1834, son
of Henry and
Susan
nah (Packard) Blanchard. His grandfather, Isaac G. Blanchard, was a
prosperous merchant of
East Stoughton
. The family is an old and highly reputable one in this locality. Henry
Blanchard was a lifelong resident of
East Stoughton
, and for many years engaged in the manufacture of boots. After a successful
business career he died
January 20, 1874
. His wife,
Susan
nah, was a native of what is now
Brockton
.
David H. Blanchard began
his education in
East Stoughton
, later attending academics in
Brockton
and
Woburn
,
Mass.
, and completing his studies at the age of eighteen. For several years be was
associated in his father's factory, finally becoming a partner under the firm
name of H. & D. H. Blanchard. When the senior partner retired,
he became associated with his brother Hiram Blanchard.
The firm of D. H. & H. Blanchard dissolved in 1870,
after which David H. was for a time associated in business with Bradford
Blanchard. He was subsequently engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe trade in
Boston
until his place of business was destroyed by fire. He has dealt quite
extensively in real estate. His homestead arid the surrounding grounds are
worthy of comparison with some of the finest rural estates in this county.
Politically, he is a Republican; and his public services have been very
beneficial to the community. He was formerly a member of the Board of Selectmen
in
Stoughton
; was active in securing the setting off and incorporation of the town of
Avon
; was elected to the legislature in 1882; and has been a member of the Board of
Water Commissioners since its organization, and is now the chairman of that
body. In religious belief he is an Episcopalian. He is a member of the
Commercial Club of Brockton. He married [at Taunton, Mass. September
11, 1866 by R. C. Rogers] Sarah Frances Lawton, of
Taunton
,
Mass.
, and has one son, Henry L., who is a graduate of Harvard University and
now a student at the Harvard Law School four years engaged in the furniture and
carpet business in Boston, as a member of the firm of Swan, Basford &
Co. He was a Selectman in
Stoughton
from 1879 to 1889; and, excluding the year of 1896, since the incorporation of
Avon
he has served in the same capacity up to the present time, having been the
chairman of the board for several years. He also served as Tax Collector and as
a member of the School Board in
Stoughton
, and he is the present Superintendent of Streets in
Avon
. In politics he supports the Republican party. He wedded Mary E. Demuth,
of
Chelsea
,
Mass.
, and has had three children - Wallace; Mary F.; and Gertrude.
Gertrude died in infancy. Mr. Blanchard was a charter member of
the Knights of Honor. He is widely and favorably known both as a business man
and a public official, and is highly esteemed for his many commendable
qualities.
Source: Biographical Review - Volume XXV - Containing life sketches of
leading citizens of
Norfolk
County
Massachusetts
. (Boston, Mass., Biographical Review Publishing Co., 1898), pgs. 387-388.
Massachusetts Vital
Records (1866 Marriages) 189:141.
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