----Source: 1881 HISTORY OF NORTHERN WI, Chicago: The Western Historical Company, A. T. Andreas, Proprietor (grammar as is), Pg. 575

Horace J. Blanchard, saloon, Colby, born in Canada, Nov. 18, 1838. He began his travels in 1859, and went first to Pennsylvania, then to Minnesota, working as stone mason, and came to Wisconsin and worked in sawmill at Stevens Point. In 1873, he came to Colby, lumbering and working in mill for Graves. In 74, opened saloon in George Ghoca's old store building. Was appointed Chairman of Board in 78, and elected again in 1879. He here secured a loan which completed the Wausau road to Colby. Then, in 79-80, he took the hotel of G. Ghoca, then bought his present building on Front Street. He was in the 2nd PA V., is S. W. of the I. O. O. F., a member of the Masonic Lodge, and was Justice for four years.