My Genealogy Hound

JAMES M. BLAINE, deceased, was for many years one of the most enterprising and respected citizens of Seneca County. A man who was well and favorably known throughout central New York, well educated and well read in current literature and in the news of the day, with deep convictions upon all subjects of public interest, the impress of his mind was felt wherever he was known. Although not so widely known as his celebrated namesake, and while differing with him upon the great political questions of the day, he had the same indomitable courage, combined with that suavity of manner that made him popular with the masses, who trusted him implicitly. He was born in Northumberland, Pa., April 25, 1844, and was the son of Thomas and Margaret (McKnight) Blaine, who were the parents of two children: Jane M., who married William Martin, and is now deceased; and our subject.

While still a youth our subject removed with his parents from Pennsylvania to Seneca County, locating upon a farm in the town of Romulus. Here he grew to manhood, and as opportunity was afforded him he attended the district schools, receiving a fair English education, which was afterwards supplemented by reading, thus making him a well informed man. He began life for himself when but eighteen years of age, taking a part of the home farm and cultivating it on his own account. He made his home, with his mother until his marriage, when he moved to another farm, remaining on the same a number of years. His marriage with Miss Amanda M. Depew occurred November 12, 1839. She was a second cousin of Chauncey M. Depew, so well and favorably known throughout the entire country. Her parents, Peter and Mary (Purden) Depew, were both natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Blaine was born in the town of Romulus in February, 1820, and was one of five children, the others being Mary, who died in 1895; Alvira, the wife of Ira Brown; Celia, deceased; and Rosina, who is now deceased.

To Mr. and Mrs. Blaine eleven children were born: Margaret, John, Charles, George, Amanda, Arthur, Elenora, Don Pedro, Annie, and two who died in infancy. In 1847 our subject removed to the farm of one hundred and ninety acres on which the family now resides, and here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred September 17, 1893. He was a very enterprising man and was very successful in life. In addition to his farming interests, he was for some years connected with the banking business at Ludington, Mich. His political affiliations were with the Democratic party, and though he did not care for office, he yet served his town as Supervisor a period of seven years. His death was not only a loss to his family, but to the community in which he so long resided.