Person Page 202

From "Encyclopedia of the Presbyterian Church in the United States ..."

He was a son of the Rev. Samuel Blair, of Fagg's Manor, Chester county, Pennsylvania, and nephew of the Revs. John Blair and Robert Smith, and brother-in-law of Rev. David Rice. He was born at that Fagg's Manor in 1741. He graduated at the College of New Jersey with honor, in 1760, at the age of nineteen. He afterwards served as tutor there for about three years--from 1761 to 1764. He was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of New Castle, in 1764. He was popular as a preacher from his first appearance in the pulpit. His discourses were written out in full, with great care, and his elocution was at once chaste and impressive.

In November, 1766, Mr. Blair was installed pastor of the old South Church in Boston, as a colleague of the Rev. Dr. Sewall. On his way there, after his acceptance of the call, he was shipwrecked in the night, losing his wardrobe and manuscripts, and escaping narrowly with his life. His exposure on this occasion, injured his health and the loss of his sermons, which he had written with great care, depressed his spirits. He resigned his charge October 10, 1769. He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of Pennsylvania, in 1790. After resigning his charge at Boston, he took up his residence at Germantown, now a part of Philadelphia, where he passed the remainder of his life, in retirement and devotion to his books, except that he served two years as Chaplain of the Continental Congress, and preached at other times, occasionally as opportunity offered. Mr. Blair was a man of polished manners, and a superior scholar, a well-read theologian and an eloquent pulpit orator. He published two sermons, one of which was occasioned by the death of his first cousin, the Rev. Dr. John Blair Smith, Philadelphia, 1799.

Obituary -- Santa Cruz Sentinel, Santa Cruz, California; Monday, 22 MAR 1943, p.6 (Newspapers.com):

Garret R. Hopper Dies Here Sunday

Garret R. Hopper, native of California, aged 50 years, passed away at a local hospital at an early hour Sunday morning.

He was born in Santa Maria, and moved to Waterford, many years ago, where he was a farmer for 25 years.

He is survived by his widow, Bonnie, and one son, Marion Hopper, of Waterford. White's Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. The body will be taken to Modesto where funeral services will be held from Shannon Chapel, Wednesday.

NOTE: His daughter Nadine was alive and well in 1943 -- not sure whether her omission was error or estrangement. DLB 2021.

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

Citizen Press

23 Feb 1882

The news of the death of our respected fellow citizen, G.W. Wyscarver, created a profound sensation, as it was not known that he was ill. He died from Typhoid fever. A few weeks ago he was in Caldwell, apparently in good health. His protracted siege of the same disease in 1879 perhaps rendered him less able to resist a subsequent attack. George was an honest man, and will be greatly missed among his many friends, who were greatly attached to him because of his genial good nature and sterling integrity. He leaves a wife and large family of children.