Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries
Blessing
Obituaries
Blessing
The Shelby Democrat Weekly
July 6, 1911
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MRS. MARY BLESSING
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age: 77 on 29 day of May 1911July 6, 1911
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MRS. MARY BLESSING
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husband, John, died 6 Aug 1907
came from Dayton, OH 30 yrs ago as bride of John; John's first wife died
maiden name: Linville
native of Lancaster county, PA
nephews and nieces live in PA
3 step daughters: Mrs. Will Beeks (Emma); Mrs. Jennie Beeks of Chicago; Gertrude Witthoft
John's half sister: Mrs. Sarah Trees
buried at Forest Hill
Summarized by Linda Mohr
The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
August 6, 1907
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PROMINENT RESIDENT
OF CITY DIES TODAY
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John Blessing, Aged Seventy-
Eight, Passed Away at
8:15 This Morning.
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FOR MANY YEARS WAS
ENTERPRISING CITIZEN
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Interested in Various Financial
Ventures And Benevo-
lent Works.
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MEXICAN WAR VETERAN
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After many years as a leading spirit in all public enterprises affecting the welfare of Shelbyville and Shelby county, John Blessing, one of the city's best known residents, died this morning at eight-fifteen o'clock at his home on east Franklin street. Death was due to an attack of stomach trouble and to the disabilities of old age.August 6, 1907
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PROMINENT RESIDENT
OF CITY DIES TODAY
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John Blessing, Aged Seventy-
Eight, Passed Away at
8:15 This Morning.
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FOR MANY YEARS WAS
ENTERPRISING CITIZEN
----------
Interested in Various Financial
Ventures And Benevo-
lent Works.
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MEXICAN WAR VETERAN
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He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, March 3, 1828, being at the time of his death seventy-nine years, five months and three days of age. His father, John Blessing, was a native of Virginia, but died in Maryland when his son was quite young. The mother was Mary Ann Kesselring Blessing, a native of Frederick county. John Blesing[sic] was reared on a farm and at the age of nine years began to support himself. In 1847 he went to Ohio and settled in Montgomery county.
In February of the next year he enlisted in the United States army and was attached to Company D. Eighth regiment, and ordered to the seat of war in Mexico. After six months of service he wass ent to Jefferson barracks, St. Louis, and there received his honorable discharge.
His death takes from Shelby county another of its honored veterans of the Mexican war. Of these veterans, three only are left, these being William Elliott of this city, Captain H. M. Ensley of Fairland and Captain E. N. Wines of Shelbyville.
After leaving the army, Mr. Blessing returned to Montgomery county, Ohio, and for some time was engaged in the distilling business. From 1851 to 1852 he was engaged in raising tobacco. In 1853 he began running a canal boat from Cincinnati to Toledo. In 1857 he engaged in the distillery business at Little York in Montgomery county.
In August, 1863, he came to Shelbyville and for three years operated the distillery east of this city. From 1867 to 1869 he was in the hardware business in Shelbyville. During the years 1869 and 1870 he erected the Blessing opera house which until recently was the best assembly hall in the city.
Since 1865 Mr. Blessing has been a director of the First National bank. Since the year 1893 he has been its vice-president, succeeding the late John Elliott.
He was the originator of the present fair association, and was one of the most energetic workers in drawing up plans and getting the fair on a working basis. In this work he was ably assisted by Jacob Mutz, the Hon. S. L. Vanpelt, Albert Gorgas, David Conger and the Hon. L. J. Hackney, all except the last named now deceased. For several terms he was president of the Shelby county joint-stock agricultural association.
He has ever since the establishment of the Gordon orphans' home been president of the board of directors of that institution. He was one of the prime movers in the laying out of the Forest Hill cemetery and up to his death he was a director of the enterprise and its superintendent.
He was married in 1851 to Miss Martha J. Otey, of Montgomery county, Ohio. Four children were the result of this union. Those surviving are Mrs. William Beeks of this city, Mrs. Jenine Beeks of Chicago and Mrs. Gertrude Elliott of Indianapolis. A daughter, Nora, died when ten yeras of age. Mrs. Blessing died in 1875 and later Mr. Blessing was married to Miss Mary Linville, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. She survives to mourn the loss of her husband. Mr. Blessing has two grandsons, John Beeks, of Chicago, and Evans Elliott, of Indianapolis. Two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Trees and Mrs. Frank Shoemaker, of this city, are also alive. Mr. Blessing was a member of the First Presbyterian church.
During the thirty-four years Mr. Blessing has been a resident of this city, he has always stood in the fore-front of its financial and commercial life. Ever active in any enterprise for bettering the community, he has never denied his time to those who sought his aid in benevolent and charitable enterprises, altho his numerous business interests were sufficient to keep his time occupied.
The funeral services will be held at the residence on east Franklin street Thursday afternoon at three o'clock, the Rev. L. O. Richmond officiating. Interment will take place in the Forest Hill cemetery. Edwards & Hageman are in charge of the arrangements.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelby Republican
March 4, 1875
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IN MEMORIAM.
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By Rev. Geo. Sluter
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Mrs. Martha J. Blessing, wife of Mr. John Blessing, born March 12th 1830 in Montgomery County Ohio, died in Shelbyville Ind. February 25th 1875.March 4, 1875
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IN MEMORIAM.
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By Rev. Geo. Sluter
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For sixteen years a resident in our community, and for one of her retiring disposition known by a large social circle, she leaves behind her the fragrant aroma of a good name. A communicant of the Presbyterian Church, but so truly catholic as to number her friends in all communions, her sudden death was an intense surprise, and her loss will be deeply felt.
Steadfast in her faith in Jesus Christ -- consistent in the purity of her life -- favored with extraordinary sweetness of disposition -- a pattern of domestic virtue as wife, mother, sister, daughter -- exemplary as a member of the church -- charitable without ostentation -- firm and yet gentile -- hers was "the meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price."
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelby National Volunteer
March 4, 1875
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Mrs. Jno. Blessing, late consort of our fellow townsman John Blessing, died at her residence in this city on Thursday morning of last week after several weeks illness from typhoid pneumonia and her remains were interred in the city cemetery on Saturday.March 4, 1875
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
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