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From: Diana Busby-Knight <>
Subject: [BLOS] Ira Blossom Biography
Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2000 12:27:01 -0700


Posted on: BLOSSOM Biographies
Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/surnames/b/l/BLOSSOM/biographies?read=2

Surname: BUSBY, BLOSSOM, CLOUGH
-------------------------

IRA BLOSSOM

Among the early pioneers of Tulare county who have become successful ranchmen
is Ira Blossom, who was born in 1832 in the state of New York. He grew
to manhood and was educated in the Empire State and in 1852, when he was
twenty years old, sought his fortune in California. For a time he stayed
in San Francisco, and from there he went to Stockton and soon went into
the mines, where he worked a year. After that he lived six years in the
San Joaquin Valley. In 1860 he moved to Tulare county and during the ensuing
six years assisted in the operation of a flour mill near Visalia. Next
we find him located on South Fork River, in a section of Tulare County
in which he has since made his home. His first land purchase was a tract
of eight hundred acres on which he lived for a time, but which eventually
he sold in order to buy land near Three Rivers, where he has lived during
the past decade.

In 1860 Mr. Blossom married Mrs. Julia Clough, and they have four children,
three of whom are living. One of their daughters lives in San Francisco,
the other in Mt. View, Cal., and their son is with his parents on their
family homestead. The latter is filling the office of deputy park ranger,
the duties of which he is performing with much ability and credit.

The present land holdings of Mr. Blossom aggregate one hundred and thirty-five
acres, part of it in fruit and most of the remainder in grain. He has given
part of his time to stock-raising, in which he has achieved considerable
success, and is regarded as one of the old reliable farmers of this district,
being honored by the people of Tulare county as of their few remaining
pioneers. His personal characteristics are of the kind that make men popular
with their fellows and many a man who has had the benefit of his acquaintance
has found in him a valued friend. He never held office or identified himself
with any order, but is public-spirited in support of all worthy interests
of the community.

Transcribed verbatim from a photocopy of "History of Tulare & Kings Counties"
published in 1913

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