Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1893. p. 982. JUDGE DEAN BLANCHARD There are few names better or more favorably known along the lower Columbia river than that which heads this sketch. He has been a resident of Oregon since 1854, and of Rainier many years. His political career and work in many other channels during his residence here has made him known to many who would perhaps never have learned of him otherwise, and being a gentleman of most kindly, sympathetic and pleasing manner, it is but natural that he should have many friends throughout the State. Judge Blanchard was born in Madison, Maine, December 20, 1832, of a good American family, which was established in New England in colonial days, the great-grandfather taking part in the Revolutionary war, where he was a captain, and his grandfather Weston settled in Maine in 1786, but his father, Merril Blanchard was born in Massachusetts. The mother of Judge Blanchard was named Eunice Weston Blanchard, was a native of Maine and died in 1842, her husband surviving until 1887. Our subject was the second in a family of eight children, and his early life was that of a farmer and clerk, but later he learned the carpenter trade. He came to Oregon via Nicaragua, in the old steamer, Northern Light. He engaged in clerking at St. Helen for a time, and then joined a Government expedition to Boise City, Idaho, being assistant wagon-master. He has followed his trade for several years at different points, and has engaged in clerking at Portland, Vancouver and other points. In 1857 he was made Auditor of Columbia county, and in 1858 was made County Clerk, being the first incumbent in office. The year 1863 found our subject at Rainier, engaged in the sawmill business, and he still owns this plant and also a wood flume, which supplies the river boats when in port with fuel and fills large contracts outside. The Judge is a large land owner, possessing 1,000 acres of timber, besides tide lands and city property at Astoria. In 1874 he was elected County Judge, and has been re-elected several terms since then. He was made Postmaster at Rainier in 1864, and has held that office constantly ever since. In 1863 he established a mercantile store at this place, which he still conducts. His political views are Republican, and he has always been active in political life. He affiliates socially with A. F. & A. M., with A. O. U. W. and K. of P. and has passed the chairs in the first named order and belongs to St. John's Chapter of Astoria, and also is a member of the State Pioneer Association. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2008 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.