David P. Blish, deceased, of Atchison, Kan., was one of that city's foremost citizens and for thirty-seven years was an active participant in its industrial life and progress. He was a native of the Empire State, born at Stamford, Delaware county, New York, Oct. 6, 1836. His early education was obtained in the local schools of Stamford, one of his schoolmates being the late Jay Gould, the noted financier. Their school days together led to a friendship that continued throughout life, and in after years, when a witness who had known the great financier all of his life was needed in settling up the Jay Gould estate, Mr. Blish was summoned to New York City to give the necessary evidence. Mr. Blish spent his boyhood and youth on the farm, where early in life there were inculcated in his mind those principles of thrift and industry so essential to success, and which he employed to a marked degree during his entire business career. As he was reared on a farm, it was natural that he should choose the great basic industry of agriculture as his vocation in life. Therefore, with that idea in view, he left his native state in early manhood and located on a farm near Ripon, Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, but after operating the farm for a time he was induced to accept the position of a traveling salesman for a large agricultural implement house, in Chicago, and it was while thus employed that he conceived the plan of establishing himself in the hardware and implement business. He selected Atchison as the most favorable location and in 1870 organized and established the Blish, Mize & Silliman Hardware Company. His partners were E. A. Mize, a man of exceptional business sagacity, and J. B. Silliman, also well qualified for the business. The firm proved a strong, well balanced one from the start, for each of its members was endowed with that intuitive tact and judgment which are so essential to successful business. On the organization of the company Mr. Blish was chosen president, which position he held for thirty-seven years, or until his death. He was actively devoted to the growth and prosperity of the company until failing health compelled him to retire from active participation in its affairs. Much of this great firm's success and prestige, as well as the principles and policies continued by it since the death of Mr. Blish, were due to him.

Although one of Atchison's most active business men, Mr. Blish was none the less devoted to the work of the church and to the upbuilding of society in general. When still a young man he united with the Episcopal church, and during his long residence in Atchison was a devout member of Trinity Episcopal Church and served as its senior warden several years. He was also prominent in the councils of the Diocese. He was a man of exceptional probity and honor, and so lived that the impress of his life will be felt in the community for years to come. He was always generous in dealing with charity in all of its phases, and no worthy man who needed aid ever appealed to him in vain. Thus, when he was called to his reward, May 14, 1907, the loss of the community was felt and mourned by all, for no man in Atchison was held in higher esteem than was David P. Blish. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lucinda (Silliman) Blish, an estimable Christian woman, now residing in her beautiful home in Atchison.