Williams County History (May 9, 1896): John Boman, founder of the village of Blakeslee, died. In reporting his death, the Montpelier Enterprise newspaper said: “Mr. Boman was the son of George and Christine Hackenberg Boman; was born in Wayne County, Ohio, March 28, 1836, and was united in marriage with Jennie Baxter June 20th, 1884, by J. Burke at Edon, Ohio. His father was a shoemaker but occasionally worked at farming; he came to Williams County in 1853, settling on the place now owned by our subject. John Boman’s early life was passed on a farm, yet he acquired a fair education. In September 1861, he became enrolled in Company H, Third Ohio Cavalry, continuing in the military service for three years and three months and taking part in the battles of Perrysburg, Stone River, Chickamauga, Snow Hill, Woodsonville, Bradston and others. He was under General Thomas during his Georgia campaign, and was discharged at Nashville December 30th, 1864, since which time he has been employed in farming. It was largely due to Mr. Boman’s influence that the town of Blakeslee can trace its origin, he having donated about four and onehalf acres to the Wabash, St. Louis Railroad Company for depot and grounds; he also caused a survey and platting of the town, which was done November [8], 1880. At that time, the only improvements were one log house and a grocery, built for the railroad company. Since then, Blakeslee has grown rapidly, Mr. Boman having erected a building now used as the Fullmer hotel as well as disposing of about 29 acres of land in town lots and for depot grounds. He was a member of the K. of P. order of this place and was a Free and Accepted Mason. He leaves a wife and two daughters to mourn his loss, besides a large number of relatives and friends.” Boman died of heart disease at his Blakeslee home on May 9, 1896. This vintage “Greetings from Blakeslee, Ohio” image is from the Kevin Maynard collection.
