Charles B. Blish

As printed in 1910

CHARLES B. BLISH.

Of no one could it be said more truly than of Charles B. Blish, deceased, that "to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Although a citizen of Kewanee for a number of years, his birthplace was in Wethersfield and the date of his birth February 25, 1871. His father, Matthew B. Blish, was also a native of Wethersfield. who engaged in agriculture and dealt in thoroughbred cattle until his removal to Kewanee. The mother, before her marriage, Martha F. Morrill, came originally from Missouri. This worthy couple now reside in Citronelle, Alabama, the husband being sixty-one years of age and the wife sixty.

The education of Charles B. Blish was obtained in the public schools of Wethersfield and the high school of Kewanee. He subsequently returned to his father's farm, where he lent valuable assistance in the cattle business for the space of four years. In 1891 he resumed to Kewanee and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, which he abandoned in a very short while. A very responsible position in the Western Tube Company was offered him and in this capacity he gave efficient service for a number of years. He and his father then formed a partnership in the bakery business and in this Mr. Blish continued for three years or until his death, March 16, 1905.

The subject of the sketch, who enjoyed an ideal home life, was married May 18, 1892, in Chicago, to Miss Sarah A. Jones, a daughter of Thomas Jones, of the Western Tube Company of Kewanee. Since the death of his wife, Alice Crow (Morrill) Jones, which took place in Kewanee, January 27, 1909, at the age of fifty-eight years, Mr. Jones has made his home with his widowed daughter. Mr. Blish left one child, a daughter, Florence E., now sixteen years of age, who attends the high school.

Mr. Bliss was a loyal republican and, exceptionally well versed as he was in public matters, took an active part in local politics. He belonged to the Masonic body, holding membership in the Knights Templars, in which he held office at the time of his demise. He was further identified with the Elks, the Mystic Workers and the Maccabees. He was also a consistent member of the Baptist church of Kewanee. Well known, Mr. Blish was everywhere held in sincere affection, being one of those rare characters of whom it could be truly said that he had not a known enemy in the world. In anything pertaining to the good of the community Mr. Blish could always be counted upon to give his support.

As printed in History of Henry County, Illinois (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.