 West Hill Cemetery Sherman, Texas
Sherman Daily Democrat Sunday, August 25, 1920 Funeral of John M. Blaine Held Wednesday Body of Well Known Peace Office Interred in West Hill John M. Blaine is dead. This message, dashed over Sherman shortly before 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, brought with it to hundreds of Sherman people the realization that the life of one of Sherman's' most useful and best regarded citizens had ended. Mr. Blaine's passing was not unexpected. His condition had been critical for several weeks, and those in daily touch with him had realized for some time that it was but a question of a short time until his active life should close. He was stricken with high blood pressure several months ago and had been confined to his home at 308 West Tennessee street since that time, only occasionally being able to be rolled in a chair out into his yard. Mr. Blaine is survived by his wife, Mrs. Dora Blaine, and by the following children: Cliff Blaine of Shawnee, Okla., A.D. Blaine, Sam Blaine of Dallas, Mrs. J.E. Wilson of Lancaster, Mrs. Lee Peeler of Tulsa, Okla., Mrs. F.G. McAdams of Oklahoma City, Leon Blaine and Miss Charlotte Blaine of Sherman. Led an Active Life Veteran of the Civil War at the age of 21, and appointed chief of police of a city of 15,000 at the age of 24, the life span of John Blaine had been filled with active, strenuous living. He served actively in the office of chief of police until the latter part of last year when he was stricken down, and since which time he has been confined to his home. He was a native of Falls County, Texas, being born in January, 1844, one year before Texas was admitted into the Union. He grew to young manhood in Texas. When the war between the States broke out, Mr. Blaine was living in Grayson County, and was then 17 years of age. He enlisted at old Georgetown, near Pottsboro, in October, 1861, in Company A, 11th Texas Cavalry, He saw active service the same year in the battles of Richmond and Perrysville, Ky., and Murfreesboro and Chickamauga, Tenn. Remaining in the cavalry, he went to Greensboro, N.C., having many encounters doing so. Near Rhome, Ga., he had a horse short from under him. Would Not Surrender Mr. Blaine never surrendered to the Federals. When his command laid down their arms at Greensboro, N.C., at the close of the war, he, with fifteen of his comrades escaped, and started to Texas on foot. On his long overland journey back home he had many close experiences, calling for pluck, self reliance and personal bravery. He made his way back successfully. When veterans of the 11th Texas Cavalry met in Sherman for their annual reunion a few weeks ago, they went to the home of their stricken comrade in a body, when it was learned that he would be unable to meet with them. His passing removes another member of this Veterans' association from the regiment roll. Except for a few months spent in Indian Territory, Mr. Blaine lived all of his life in Texas, engaged as a peace officer. He had been a detective in the employee of the Katy, during which time he was stationed at Denison, had been a deputy constable for a time, but the greater portion of his life as a peace officer had been spent as a member of the Police Department of Sherman. For more than twenty years he was Chief of Police of Sherman, and his recent administration in that office is the second one he had held. He was appointed Chief of Police by the City Commission about eighteen months ago, following the resignation of Bart Shipp, and administered the duties of that office actively until his illness a few months ago. He was known as a fearless officer, ever mindful of his responsibilities and duty, and undiscriminating in the enforcement of the law. His chosen field was detective work, in which he had more than passing ability. Funeral services are being held from the family residence at 308 West Tennessee street Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Interment will be made in West Hill Cemetery. Religious services are being conducted by the Rev. Chas. O. Cook, associate pastor of the First Baptist Church, of which Mr. Blaine was a member. The pall bearers are: Frank Reece, Johnes Andrews, O.J.S. Ellingson, Chas. W. Stamps. C.V. McCauley and P. Porter, from the departments of the city government, active; and Captain J.C. Witcher, Dr. J.B. Stinson, John G. Young, Dr. Glasscock, Dick Hopson, Scott Creager, J.P. Wheat, Col. C.L. Stowe, Mayor J.B. Wilson, C.B. Dorchester, Cecil H. Smith, W.H. Lankford, Lon McKown, Capt. C.N. Roberts, R.F. Pool, Sr., Dr. L.P. .Gunby, Judge G.P. Webb, Judge Rice Maxey, Gene Andrews, A. Hanson, C.T. Gribble, George E. Hardwicke, J.P. Leslie, Judge H.O. Head, Judge Silas Hare, Dr. H.L. Hall, Capt. Thos. Forbes, W.C. Eubank, Will L. Ely, Louis Dumas, C.E. Craycroft, W.H. Chisholm, R.B. Birge, N.R. Balthrop, Judge J.Q. Adamson, W.T. Wilson, John S. Kerr, Hamp P. Abney, Rev. J.H. Reynolds and all ex-Confederates in Sherman, honorary. Mr. Blaine was married 55 years ago to Miss Tee Jarvin at Marlin. To this union, eight children were born, six of whom are living. He was married seventeen years ago to Mrs. Dora White Rodgers, to which union one child was born. Mr. Blaine returned to Sherman six years ago, after making his home in Denison, and he was immediately appointed city detective in the police department. He began his service with the police department of Sherman forty years ago succeeding Sam Ball, who was killed, and served as chief of police for more than twenty years. He spent ten years in Denison as a detective in the employ of the Katy, and spent the last six years in Sherman. Confederate Veteran Magazine February 1921 Comrades at Sherman Members of Mildred Lee Camp, No. 90, U.C.V., of Sherman, Texas who died lately: ....J.M. Blain, aged 76.... [J.P. Leslie, Adjutant]  Dallas Morning News August 29, 1920 pg. 5 FRANK REESE NAMED SHERMAN POLICE CHIEF Special to The News Sherman, Texas, August 28 - Frank Reese was today appointd Chief of Police of Sherman to succeed John M. Blaine, who died last week. He has been active chief during Mr. Blaine's illness and before that was city detective.  West Hill Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message |
