Hall County NEGenWeb
Biographies
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WILLIAM I. BLAIN.-The development of some lines of business in Nebraska has been the natural result of climate, demand and opportunity, and this applies particularly to the horse, mule and cattle industry, which represents heavy capital investment and the enlistment of shrewd, astute business men to conduct affairs. This has become a source of great wealth to Hall County, and probably no section in the state can show more substantial results. One of the men largely interested and of wide experience, is William I. Blain, organizer and general manager of the Blaine (sic) Horse, Mule & Cattle Company of Grand Island.

William I. Blain was born in Pella, Marion County, Iowa, June 1, 1874, the fifth in a family of eleven children, nine of whom are living. His parents were William C. and Susan Elizabeth (Hays) Blain, natives of West Virginia. They were brought to Iowa in childhood, grew up and married there, coming to Custer County, Nebraska, in 1887. Both died in this state. They belonged to that great body of good people who lived quiet, simple, useful lives, worthy of emulation in their sincerity and unselfishness.

After completing his public school course at Mason City, Nebraska, William I. Blain assisted on his father's farm, an occupation he followed intil 1897, when he went into the horse business at Staplehurst, Nebraska, later at Schuyler and still later was active in the business in Denver. In 1911 he came to Grand Island and became identified with the Grand Island Horse & Mule Market where he has been auctioneer since its start. In October, 1915, Mr. Blain founded the Blain Horse & Mule company, which has also handled cattle since 1917 and now operates as the Blaine Horse, Mule & Cattle Company, with a capial of $15,000. N. L. Troelstrup is president of the company, W. W. Wimberly is secretary and treasurer, and Mr. Blain is general manager. A general commission business is done and the future looks favorable for a still greater volume than ever before.

Mr. Blain married March 24, 1894, Miss Jennie M. Crouse, who was born in Seward County, Nebraska, and is a daughter of D. W. Crouse, who was one of the earliest settlers in that section, locating permanently in Seward County long before any railroads had been constructed. Mr. and Mrs. Blain have five children: Otto I., Frank K., Velma, Harry and Ethel, the latter dying in infancy. Mrs. Blain is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church in Grand Island. Mr. Blain gives his political support to the Republican party but in matters of general importance in seasons of national stress, he holds a liberal mind and works for the general good. For many years he has belonged to the Masonic fraternity.

Transcribed by Kaylynn

History of Hall County
by Buechler, Barr, & Stough (Published 1920)
Transcribed by Larry Coates