John B. Bliven, son of Horace and Charlotte Clement Bliven, was born June 24, 1854, at Albion, Wis., on the farm where he has lived all his life, and died January 5, 1933.
Surviving his are his wife, Jessie Van Horn Bliven; three daughters - Miss Marjorie, a teacher in Walworth, Wis., schools; Mrs. Marion Onsgard, of Ft. Atkinson, Wis.; Mrs. Doris Saunders, of Albion; and one son, Horace, of Ft. Atkinson; three sisters; three brothers; and three grandchildren.
He became a member of the Albion Church, September, 1915, through evangelistic services conducted by Rev. D. B. Coon and personal efforts of his pastor, Rev. C. S. Sayre. Mr. Bliven was a great lover of his home and family. He always had a pleasant word of greeting and loved to joke and make merry conversation with callers. He had been in failing health for a year and a half, but was an uncomplaining invalid, regretting always that he was making trouble and work. It can be said of him that 'He loved to live by the side of the road and be a friend to man.'
The final services were held from the house Sabbath afternoon, January 7, 1933, in charge of his pastor, Chas. W. Thorngate, assisted by Rev. E. A. Witter of Walworth, and Rev. W. J. Williams, pastor of the Protestant Methodist Church. Two solos were beautifully sung by Rev. C. S. Sayre, accompanied by his son, M. C. Sayre. The host of friends who gathered to show their last respects, and the beautiful floral gifts were an evidence of the esteem in which Mr. Bliven was held.
C. W. T.
