Obit: Hewett, Blanche (1869 - 1941)
Contact:  Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Hewett, Robinson, Longenecker, North, Campman, Roehrborn, Brown, Wittke, Scott

----Sources: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) Thurs., 20 Nov. 1941

Hewett, Blanche (27 Sept. 1869 - 15 Nov. 1941)

Residents of the city of Neillsville were shocked and grieved on Sunday when they were informed that Mrs. Frank Hewett, pioneer resident of Clark County, had passed to her reward during the night, death having taken place at the Luther Hospital, Eau Claire, at 11:30 o’clock Saturday night, Nov. 15.

Born at Weston Rapids, (just north of where the city of Neillsville now stands) on September 27, 1869, Blanche Robinson, was the daughter of David and Emma Robinson, pioneer settlers of this section of the Badger State. She attained her early education in the Neillsville public schools, later attended St. Mary’s college at Milwaukee. Her educational back ground prepared her for teaching and at the age of 16 she accepted a teaching contract in a rural school nears Snow post office, Nasonville, Wis.

On December 19, 1887, at the age of 19, she was united in marriage with Sherman Frank Hewett, and took up housekeeping at the Hewett home in Neillsville, Wis. Which she made her home for 54 years, her entire life having been spent in Clark County, at Weston Rapids, and Neillsville, Wis. To this union one daughter, Helen, was born and now survives her, parents, her father having died Oct. ?, 1935. A sister, Mrs. James O’Neill, also survives.

Mrs. Hewett was a lady of sterling character. Possessed of a keen mind and excellent business ability she was able to carry on the home and farm when her husband joined in the Klodike gold rush and was away for several months. She also was well prepared to continue the management of the Hewett farm after her husband’s death, which occurred six years ago.

A lover of youth, she was admired by children and her home always held a special attraction for them. She was at all times ready to help the unfortunate, active in those organizations, which rendered service to the needy. She was president of the Neillsville community club for 25 years, gaining for herself countless friends and a ? enviable reputations for service. She also was an active member of the American Red Cross activities in Neillsville and southern Clark County for many years. She became a very active member of the Neillsville Order and Eastern Star many years ago, had remained active in this organization throughout her life.

Mrs. Hewett was keenly interested in the progress and welfare of the city of Neillsville and rightfully so, for her husband served for many years as mayor of Neillsville, Wis.

The Hewett farm, located as it is in the City of Neillsville has always been considered on of the finest farms in this section of the state and an excellent herd of Guernsey cattle was to be found there on at all times.

The spacious home has been a community gathering place and guests were warmly received and well treated there.

In the death of this excellent mother, neighbor and friend, Neillsville has truly lost a community leader who will be deeply missed, but the things which she did and the ideals which she stood for will live as a tribute to her for man years to come.

Funeral services were held at the Hewett home on West Fifth Street on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 18, under the auspices of the Eastern Star. The Rev. G. W. Longenecker, a life-long friend of the Hewett family, offered a prayer. Pallbearers, neighbors and friends of many years were: Herman North, William Campman, Harry Roehrborn, Herbert Brown, Henry Wittke, and Jess Scott. Interment took place in the Neillsville Cemetery beside her beloved husband.

A large group of friends fathered to pay final tribute to this pioneer leader who had worked long and well for her community and friends.