Source: North Manchester Journal, October 12, 1893

Death of a Well Known Citizen.

John Blickenstaff, one of the early settlers in this county and its best known residents, died at his home near town on last Friday, October 6, at the ripe old age of over eighty-four years. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, March 15, 1809, but when he was only two years of age his parents moved to Miami county, Ohio, where he grew up to manhood and where he was married to Miss Hannah Karn in 1833. In 1853 they moved to this county and settle on the same piece of land on which he died. Eleven children were born to them, eight of whom are living and all, with one exception, were present at the funeral. In early years, and in fact until within a few years ago, he was a familiar figure in this community. About two years ago he sustained a stroke of paralysis from which he never fully recovered and has since had several similar attacks which have taken him from active public life. Some two weeks ago he sustained a fourth stroke which was the immediate cause of his death. In former years Mr. Blickenstaff was a very strong and vigorous man and accomplished a great deal of hard work in clearing up many acres of land, having accumulated quite a fortune by his industry and economy. He was for sixty years an active and conscientious member of the Dunkard church and for thirty years a deacon, and was always recognized as a man of very high christian character, whose counsels were always wise and just. There were few better men ever lived in the community than Mr. Blickenstaff. The funeral occurred at the church west of town on Sunday last and the congregation present was one of the largest ever known there. The services were conducted by Elder David Neff, of Roann, assisted by Elder Isaac Miller. Mr. Blickenstaff had eight brothers and sisters, all of whom are dead except one sister, Mrs. Coppock, of Miami county, Ohio, who is now seventy-two years of age. Mrs. Blickenstaff, who is now a lady of eighty-two years, is still living and is a stout and hearty woman for her age, both she and her husband coming from a strong race of people.