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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