BLAYDES, John W - Putnam

Like many of the enterprising and successful citizens of Putnam county, John W. Blaydes hails from the Blue Grass state, but he is loyal to his adopted community and has always done what he could in promoting its interests along material and social lines. His birth occurred in Hardin county, Kentucky, August 12, 1846, arid he is the son of John S. and Nancy D. (Cash) Blaydes, an excellent old family, John S. having been born June 12, 1822. He was the son of Frank Blaydes and was born in Virginia. George Blaydes was the father of Frank Blaydes. John S. Blaydes spent his youth in Kentucky and there he worked until 1861, when, upon the death of his wife, he enlisted in Company G, Ninth Regiment, Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry, and was in the service one year, then re-enlisted in a company of mounted infantry, proving to be a good soldier, but he never applied for a pension. 'In later life he came to Indiana and lived with his sons, dying in February, 1905. He was a sterling character and a man whom- all admired who knew John W. Blaydes was reared on a farm in Kentucky, remaining at home until he was seventeen years of age, when he enlisted in the Ninth Cavalry (Company G), in 1862; and he was in 'the service one year, during which time he saw some real war, having been in the battle at Perryville and several other minor engagements. He was one of the pursuers of the intrepid Morgan in his northern raid. After being mustered out he returned to Kentucky and went to School during the winter months. In the spring of 1864 he came to Putnam county, Indiana, his total capital upon landing here being seventy-five dollars. He worked by the day for Jesse P. Hymer and lived on his place' while working for him. Mr. Blaydes Married. Mildred Radford and this union resulted in the birth of one child, Char-les M., who has remained single. Mrs. Blaydes Was called to her rest in 1868:and *Mr. Blaydes married Elizabeth Jeffries, who was born; reared and educated in Putnam county, where her family had long been very favorably known. This union resulted in the birth of nine children; seven .sons" and two daughters, namely: Robert L., Nancy M Oliver B., John H., Dora E., Edgar C., Grover C., Allen G. and Warren T. Mr. Blaydes- prospered from the first and today he is the owner Of a fine farm consisting of one hundred and seventy-three' acres, eighty in the home place and ninety-three in Jackson township, which is well improved and on the first named tract there stands a substantial and comfortable dwelling and good outbuildings. 'He is a breeder of registered draft horses which are -admired by all who 'see them and small part of his competency has been made by successful handling Of shorthorn 'cattle. Mr. Blaydes was among the first to introduce draft horses in Putnam county. Mr. and Mrs. Blaydes are members' of the Church of Christ, he being an elder in the local Congregation-and 'a liberal supporter of the 'same. Politically he is a Democrat, but he does not find time to take much interest in politics, being deeply engrossed in his. individual business affairs; however, he is deeply interested in whatever tends to the betterment of Putnam county. He was trustee Of Franklin township for two years and he has held -several Other local offices '-to the 'satisfaction. of all concerned.