From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages  223-224.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


J. W. BLATCHLEY

J. W. Blatchley, of Wheeling, well-known as a furniture dealer, and 
valued as a citizen, established himself in business in this city in 
1888, having had many years, of previous experience elsewhere.  Mr. 
Blatchley is a native of Greene county, Penn., born November 11, 
1846.  After receiving his education in the schools of his native 
county, he left home at the age of twenty-one years, and went to 
Louisiana, Pike county, Mo., where he learned the trade of carpentry, 
as well as attended high school and learned book-keeping.  A year 
later he returned to Pennsylvania, and for seven years followed his 
trade, also engaging in contracting.  He then learned the trade of 
cabinet-making at Waynesburgh, Penn., and subsequently engaged in the 
furniture business at that place.  From Waynesburgh he went to 
Jefferson, Penn., in the spring of 1876, and after working at his 
trade for about a year and a half, purchased the furniture of his 
employer.  Subsequently he removed to Cameron, W. Va., and re-entered 
the furniture business, at which he was engaged there successfully 
until his removal to Wheeling.  At the latter city he succeeded 
William Zink, purchasing the establishment of the latter, and has 
maintained a large trade in the goods usually found in a well-
equipped furniture establishment, besides conducting an undertaking 
department, which is perfectly equipped.  Mr. Blatchley was married 
in Greene county, January 1, 1860, to Barbara A. Zimmers, and twelve 
children have been born to them, of whom eleven survive.  Mr. 
Blatchley is a member of Cameron lodge, I.O.O.F., and of council No. 
1, Junior Order of American Mechanics, of Wheeling; also a member of 
the Shield of Honor. 


(Linda Fluharty)