After a brief illness, William J. Bleakley died at 3 o'clock Sunday morning, Sept. 27th, at his home, 1148 Elk street, aged 59 years. On the previous Monday he had arrived home from a business trip to Chicago. During Tuesday he was engaged in his varied affairs with his usual activity. That evening, while alone in his office he was prostrated by an apoplectic seizure, attended with paralysis, which affected his entire left side. Within a short time his son, entering the room, found him on the floor, and at once had the sufferer conveyed home. The utmost that could be done by skill, both regular and special was unsuccessfully afforded the patient.
William James Bleakley, eldest son and third child of James and Elizabeth (Dubbs) Bleakley, was born in Franklin July 6, 1849. He was educated in the local public schools, followed by terms in the Waterford Academy and Oberlin (O.) College, At an early age he began the business career that was destined to be constant and strenuous. For a time he was teller in the First National Bank, of which his father was cashier. On the death of his father, in 1883, he succeeded to the presidency of the bank, and under his management the International continued its career of substantial prosperity. He remained in that position until 1902, when the bank became the Franklin Trust Company. He then retired in order that he might give his time to other matters of importance, particularly to the extensive and varied interest of the Bleakley estate, of which he was chief executor. At the same time, while managing also his personal business, he entered largely upon public enterprises. He was president of the Venango Water Company for several years, an organizer and president of the Franklin Electric Company, and helped to organize the Franklin Steel Foundries Company, of which he was treasurer. He was also the moving spirit of the Franklin Silica Sand Company, and was identified with the Marvin Manufacturing Company and several minor industries. For a number of years he had been a trustee of the state Institution at Polk and his counsel was highly valued by the other members of the board and others connected with the institution.
As a business man he was a prodigious worker, yet doing things without noise of ostentation. His impulse toward the practical benefit of others was evinced in his management of the Bleakley estate. It was he who began on a large scale the scheme of building homes for people of limited means, to be acquired on easy payments. Many homes on Bleakley Hill and Oak Hill attest the beneficence of the system.
Added to the multifarious and exacting demands of private business, Mr. Bleakley was also much in quest in public affairs. Politically a Republican, he served five terms in the City Council and elected Mayor of the city in 1887 and 1889. While holding these positions he succeeded in reducing the debt of the city and establishing a sinking fund for the redemption of the bonds. Some ten years ago he was elected a member of the school Board, and at the time of his death he was serving his third term as president of the Board, In him the public schools and the pupils had a active friend. He felt the necessity of lifting the mind out of the levels of mere trade and traffic; and so while over weighted with the cares of other business that he could not avoid, he still found time to five his services most effective to every detail of dyt that pertained to his office as School Director. He was largely instrumental in the erection of the present magnificent High School building. In this he had to content with some opposition, but as in the case of many other of his enterprises, the results have vindicated his judgment. And in this manner it has largely come to pass, in his case, that abuse has become praise, and foes have become friends.
It could not reasonably and logically be otherwise, for William J. Bleakley, measured up to the fall stature of a true, food man. In all his doings, large or small, public or private, he exemplified the old-fashioned, rock-ribbed virtues of honesty, square dealing and brotherly kindness. He was faithful to every trust, competent and reliable in every duty that devolved upon him.
Necessarily, Mr. Bleakley's time was fully taken up with business both personal and official, so that he could devote but limited attention to social and domestic enjoyment. His strong personality, clear mind and square methods commanded the respect of the many men with whom he came into contact, and secured their confidence and friendship. But successful as he was in his relations with the outside world, he was at his best in his own home. He loved it, and spent with his family all the time he could spare from the unceasing demands of business. In that well-ordered h0ome, the haunt of comfort and hospitality, he found the rest, refuge and content that his nature craved. He was a cordial host, the center of cheer among his guests and family.
On May 17, 1876, Mr. Bleakley married Mary S., daughter of John and Anna (May) Lamb, of near Pleasantville, this county. Their family consists of five sons and three daughters, namely: Anna M., wife of George B Woodburn; Orrin L., Frederick J., Margaret M., Evelyn E., William Jay, Donald and Kenneth, all of Franklin.
Mr. Bleakley's death is the second to occur in the James Bleakley family, his elder sister, Elizabeth, wife of T. W. Brigham, having died in October, 1907. The surviving brothers and sisters are: Clara, wife of Major Alexander McDowell, Sharon, PA; Effie, wife of Dr. E. W. Moore, Fraklin; Orrin D., Franklin; Harry, Valparaiso, Neb., and Edmund, Franklin. The mother, who survives at a venerable age, was the subject of a filial devotion on William's part that was beautiful and constant. Almost every day of his busy life he went to the old home to see "mother" and render any service that she might desire.
Mr. Bleakley was an adherent of the First Presbyterian church, a member of its Board of Trustees, always giving the benefit of his counsel and the generous support to the building up of its temporal interest. He was a charter member of Lockard Lodge, No, 1534, K. of J., and also a member of Franklin Circle, No., 20, P. H. C.
Public services will be held from his late residence on Tuesdays afternoon at 4 0'clock. Between the hours of 12 and 3 o'clock the home will be open to all who many desire to view the body. The interment will follow the services and will private.
William James Bleakley, eldest son and third child of James and Elizabeth (Dubbs) Bleakley, was born in Franklin July 6, 1849. He was educated in the local public schools, followed by terms in the Waterford Academy and Oberlin (O.) College, At an early age he began the business career that was destined to be constant and strenuous. For a time he was teller in the First National Bank, of which his father was cashier. On the death of his father, in 1883, he succeeded to the presidency of the bank, and under his management the International continued its career of substantial prosperity. He remained in that position until 1902, when the bank became the Franklin Trust Company. He then retired in order that he might give his time to other matters of importance, particularly to the extensive and varied interest of the Bleakley estate, of which he was chief executor. At the same time, while managing also his personal business, he entered largely upon public enterprises. He was president of the Venango Water Company for several years, an organizer and president of the Franklin Electric Company, and helped to organize the Franklin Steel Foundries Company, of which he was treasurer. He was also the moving spirit of the Franklin Silica Sand Company, and was identified with the Marvin Manufacturing Company and several minor industries. For a number of years he had been a trustee of the state Institution at Polk and his counsel was highly valued by the other members of the board and others connected with the institution.
As a business man he was a prodigious worker, yet doing things without noise of ostentation. His impulse toward the practical benefit of others was evinced in his management of the Bleakley estate. It was he who began on a large scale the scheme of building homes for people of limited means, to be acquired on easy payments. Many homes on Bleakley Hill and Oak Hill attest the beneficence of the system.
Added to the multifarious and exacting demands of private business, Mr. Bleakley was also much in quest in public affairs. Politically a Republican, he served five terms in the City Council and elected Mayor of the city in 1887 and 1889. While holding these positions he succeeded in reducing the debt of the city and establishing a sinking fund for the redemption of the bonds. Some ten years ago he was elected a member of the school Board, and at the time of his death he was serving his third term as president of the Board, In him the public schools and the pupils had a active friend. He felt the necessity of lifting the mind out of the levels of mere trade and traffic; and so while over weighted with the cares of other business that he could not avoid, he still found time to five his services most effective to every detail of dyt that pertained to his office as School Director. He was largely instrumental in the erection of the present magnificent High School building. In this he had to content with some opposition, but as in the case of many other of his enterprises, the results have vindicated his judgment. And in this manner it has largely come to pass, in his case, that abuse has become praise, and foes have become friends.
It could not reasonably and logically be otherwise, for William J. Bleakley, measured up to the fall stature of a true, food man. In all his doings, large or small, public or private, he exemplified the old-fashioned, rock-ribbed virtues of honesty, square dealing and brotherly kindness. He was faithful to every trust, competent and reliable in every duty that devolved upon him.
Necessarily, Mr. Bleakley's time was fully taken up with business both personal and official, so that he could devote but limited attention to social and domestic enjoyment. His strong personality, clear mind and square methods commanded the respect of the many men with whom he came into contact, and secured their confidence and friendship. But successful as he was in his relations with the outside world, he was at his best in his own home. He loved it, and spent with his family all the time he could spare from the unceasing demands of business. In that well-ordered h0ome, the haunt of comfort and hospitality, he found the rest, refuge and content that his nature craved. He was a cordial host, the center of cheer among his guests and family.
On May 17, 1876, Mr. Bleakley married Mary S., daughter of John and Anna (May) Lamb, of near Pleasantville, this county. Their family consists of five sons and three daughters, namely: Anna M., wife of George B Woodburn; Orrin L., Frederick J., Margaret M., Evelyn E., William Jay, Donald and Kenneth, all of Franklin.
Mr. Bleakley's death is the second to occur in the James Bleakley family, his elder sister, Elizabeth, wife of T. W. Brigham, having died in October, 1907. The surviving brothers and sisters are: Clara, wife of Major Alexander McDowell, Sharon, PA; Effie, wife of Dr. E. W. Moore, Fraklin; Orrin D., Franklin; Harry, Valparaiso, Neb., and Edmund, Franklin. The mother, who survives at a venerable age, was the subject of a filial devotion on William's part that was beautiful and constant. Almost every day of his busy life he went to the old home to see "mother" and render any service that she might desire.
Mr. Bleakley was an adherent of the First Presbyterian church, a member of its Board of Trustees, always giving the benefit of his counsel and the generous support to the building up of its temporal interest. He was a charter member of Lockard Lodge, No, 1534, K. of J., and also a member of Franklin Circle, No., 20, P. H. C.
Public services will be held from his late residence on Tuesdays afternoon at 4 0'clock. Between the hours of 12 and 3 o'clock the home will be open to all who many desire to view the body. The interment will follow the services and will private.
After a brief illness, William J. Bleakley died at 3 o'clock Sunday morning, Sept. 27th, at his home, 1148 Elk street, aged 59 years. On the previous Monday he had arrived home from a business trip to Chicago. During Tuesday he was engaged in his varied affairs with his usual activity. That evening, while alone in his office he was prostrated by an apoplectic seizure, attended with paralysis, which affected his entire left side. Within a short time his son, entering the room, found him on the floor, and at once had the sufferer conveyed home. The utmost that could be done by skill, both regular and special was unsuccessfully afforded the patient.
William James Bleakley, eldest son and third child of James and Elizabeth (Dubbs) Bleakley, was born in Franklin July 6, 1849. He was educated in the local public schools, followed by terms in the Waterford Academy and Oberlin (O.) College, At an early age he began the business career that was destined to be constant and strenuous. For a time he was teller in the First National Bank, of which his father was cashier. On the death of his father, in 1883, he succeeded to the presidency of the bank, and under his management the International continued its career of substantial prosperity. He remained in that position until 1902, when the bank became the Franklin Trust Company. He then retired in order that he might give his time to other matters of importance, particularly to the extensive and varied interest of the Bleakley estate, of which he was chief executor. At the same time, while managing also his personal business, he entered largely upon public enterprises. He was president of the Venango Water Company for several years, an organizer and president of the Franklin Electric Company, and helped to organize the Franklin Steel Foundries Company, of which he was treasurer. He was also the moving spirit of the Franklin Silica Sand Company, and was identified with the Marvin Manufacturing Company and several minor industries. For a number of years he had been a trustee of the state Institution at Polk and his counsel was highly valued by the other members of the board and others connected with the institution.
As a business man he was a prodigious worker, yet doing things without noise of ostentation. His impulse toward the practical benefit of others was evinced in his management of the Bleakley estate. It was he who began on a large scale the scheme of building homes for people of limited means, to be acquired on easy payments. Many homes on Bleakley Hill and Oak Hill attest the beneficence of the system.
Added to the multifarious and exacting demands of private business, Mr. Bleakley was also much in quest in public affairs. Politically a Republican, he served five terms in the City Council and elected Mayor of the city in 1887 and 1889. While holding these positions he succeeded in reducing the debt of the city and establishing a sinking fund for the redemption of the bonds. Some ten years ago he was elected a member of the school Board, and at the time of his death he was serving his third term as president of the Board, In him the public schools and the pupils had a active friend. He felt the necessity of lifting the mind out of the levels of mere trade and traffic; and so while over weighted with the cares of other business that he could not avoid, he still found time to five his services most effective to every detail of dyt that pertained to his office as School Director. He was largely instrumental in the erection of the present magnificent High School building. In this he had to content with some opposition, but as in the case of many other of his enterprises, the results have vindicated his judgment. And in this manner it has largely come to pass, in his case, that abuse has become praise, and foes have become friends.
It could not reasonably and logically be otherwise, for William J. Bleakley, measured up to the fall stature of a true, food man. In all his doings, large or small, public or private, he exemplified the old-fashioned, rock-ribbed virtues of honesty, square dealing and brotherly kindness. He was faithful to every trust, competent and reliable in every duty that devolved upon him.
Necessarily, Mr. Bleakley's time was fully taken up with business both personal and official, so that he could devote but limited attention to social and domestic enjoyment. His strong personality, clear mind and square methods commanded the respect of the many men with whom he came into contact, and secured their confidence and friendship. But successful as he was in his relations with the outside world, he was at his best in his own home. He loved it, and spent with his family all the time he could spare from the unceasing demands of business. In that well-ordered h0ome, the haunt of comfort and hospitality, he found the rest, refuge and content that his nature craved. He was a cordial host, the center of cheer among his guests and family.
On May 17, 1876, Mr. Bleakley married Mary S., daughter of John and Anna (May) Lamb, of near Pleasantville, this county. Their family consists of five sons and three daughters, namely: Anna M., wife of George B Woodburn; Orrin L., Frederick J., Margaret M., Evelyn E., William Jay, Donald and Kenneth, all of Franklin.
Mr. Bleakley's death is the second to occur in the James Bleakley family, his elder sister, Elizabeth, wife of T. W. Brigham, having died in October, 1907. The surviving brothers and sisters are: Clara, wife of Major Alexander McDowell, Sharon, PA; Effie, wife of Dr. E. W. Moore, Fraklin; Orrin D., Franklin; Harry, Valparaiso, Neb., and Edmund, Franklin. The mother, who survives at a venerable age, was the subject of a filial devotion on William's part that was beautiful and constant. Almost every day of his busy life he went to the old home to see "mother" and render any service that she might desire.
Mr. Bleakley was an adherent of the First Presbyterian church, a member of its Board of Trustees, always giving the benefit of his counsel and the generous support to the building up of its temporal interest. He was a charter member of Lockard Lodge, No, 1534, K. of J., and also a member of Franklin Circle, No., 20, P. H. C.
Public services will be held from his late residence on Tuesdays afternoon at 4 0'clock. Between the hours of 12 and 3 o'clock the home will be open to all who many desire to view the body. The interment will follow the services and will private.
William James Bleakley, eldest son and third child of James and Elizabeth (Dubbs) Bleakley, was born in Franklin July 6, 1849. He was educated in the local public schools, followed by terms in the Waterford Academy and Oberlin (O.) College, At an early age he began the business career that was destined to be constant and strenuous. For a time he was teller in the First National Bank, of which his father was cashier. On the death of his father, in 1883, he succeeded to the presidency of the bank, and under his management the International continued its career of substantial prosperity. He remained in that position until 1902, when the bank became the Franklin Trust Company. He then retired in order that he might give his time to other matters of importance, particularly to the extensive and varied interest of the Bleakley estate, of which he was chief executor. At the same time, while managing also his personal business, he entered largely upon public enterprises. He was president of the Venango Water Company for several years, an organizer and president of the Franklin Electric Company, and helped to organize the Franklin Steel Foundries Company, of which he was treasurer. He was also the moving spirit of the Franklin Silica Sand Company, and was identified with the Marvin Manufacturing Company and several minor industries. For a number of years he had been a trustee of the state Institution at Polk and his counsel was highly valued by the other members of the board and others connected with the institution.
As a business man he was a prodigious worker, yet doing things without noise of ostentation. His impulse toward the practical benefit of others was evinced in his management of the Bleakley estate. It was he who began on a large scale the scheme of building homes for people of limited means, to be acquired on easy payments. Many homes on Bleakley Hill and Oak Hill attest the beneficence of the system.
Added to the multifarious and exacting demands of private business, Mr. Bleakley was also much in quest in public affairs. Politically a Republican, he served five terms in the City Council and elected Mayor of the city in 1887 and 1889. While holding these positions he succeeded in reducing the debt of the city and establishing a sinking fund for the redemption of the bonds. Some ten years ago he was elected a member of the school Board, and at the time of his death he was serving his third term as president of the Board, In him the public schools and the pupils had a active friend. He felt the necessity of lifting the mind out of the levels of mere trade and traffic; and so while over weighted with the cares of other business that he could not avoid, he still found time to five his services most effective to every detail of dyt that pertained to his office as School Director. He was largely instrumental in the erection of the present magnificent High School building. In this he had to content with some opposition, but as in the case of many other of his enterprises, the results have vindicated his judgment. And in this manner it has largely come to pass, in his case, that abuse has become praise, and foes have become friends.
It could not reasonably and logically be otherwise, for William J. Bleakley, measured up to the fall stature of a true, food man. In all his doings, large or small, public or private, he exemplified the old-fashioned, rock-ribbed virtues of honesty, square dealing and brotherly kindness. He was faithful to every trust, competent and reliable in every duty that devolved upon him.
Necessarily, Mr. Bleakley's time was fully taken up with business both personal and official, so that he could devote but limited attention to social and domestic enjoyment. His strong personality, clear mind and square methods commanded the respect of the many men with whom he came into contact, and secured their confidence and friendship. But successful as he was in his relations with the outside world, he was at his best in his own home. He loved it, and spent with his family all the time he could spare from the unceasing demands of business. In that well-ordered h0ome, the haunt of comfort and hospitality, he found the rest, refuge and content that his nature craved. He was a cordial host, the center of cheer among his guests and family.
On May 17, 1876, Mr. Bleakley married Mary S., daughter of John and Anna (May) Lamb, of near Pleasantville, this county. Their family consists of five sons and three daughters, namely: Anna M., wife of George B Woodburn; Orrin L., Frederick J., Margaret M., Evelyn E., William Jay, Donald and Kenneth, all of Franklin.
Mr. Bleakley's death is the second to occur in the James Bleakley family, his elder sister, Elizabeth, wife of T. W. Brigham, having died in October, 1907. The surviving brothers and sisters are: Clara, wife of Major Alexander McDowell, Sharon, PA; Effie, wife of Dr. E. W. Moore, Fraklin; Orrin D., Franklin; Harry, Valparaiso, Neb., and Edmund, Franklin. The mother, who survives at a venerable age, was the subject of a filial devotion on William's part that was beautiful and constant. Almost every day of his busy life he went to the old home to see "mother" and render any service that she might desire.
Mr. Bleakley was an adherent of the First Presbyterian church, a member of its Board of Trustees, always giving the benefit of his counsel and the generous support to the building up of its temporal interest. He was a charter member of Lockard Lodge, No, 1534, K. of J., and also a member of Franklin Circle, No., 20, P. H. C.
Public services will be held from his late residence on Tuesdays afternoon at 4 0'clock. Between the hours of 12 and 3 o'clock the home will be open to all who many desire to view the body. The interment will follow the services and will private.
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