Among the prominent inhabitants of Prairie du Rocher who are natives of the locality is Mr. W. A. Blow. He was born September 9, 1860, on a farm near the town. He finished the public school and then became the right-hand man of his father, a place which he occupied for twenty-seven years. Finally, in 1887, he rented his own farm. This land became his property in the short space of six years, in 1893, and included 70 acres, but was not large enough to satisfy the ambitious owner, who in the course of time more than doubled it. At the present time he is the proprietor of 155 acres of splendid farm land, situated on the bottom, on Rural Route #4. His parents are now dead, his father having died in April 1912 and his mother in April 1914.
On May 15, 1889, Mr. Blow was married to Miss Lucy Gressinger, a daughter of the widely-known farmer John Gressinger. She was born on August 5, 1868, near Prairie du Rocher, and lived at home until her marriage. Her most prominent characteristic is her activity in behalf of the Church. The children are Perry W., Edgar G., Augusta E., and Rosa A. Blow. Mr. Blow has lately become interested in stock raising, which is beginning to supplant general farming on his grounds, and spends his leisure time in his automobile. He is a familiar personage for many miles about his home. The Church has often had occasion to show him gratitude for his faithfulness.
Mr. Joseph Blow was an emigrant to America, although he came to our country at a very early age. His first place of settlement was the city of St. Louis, Missouri. Here he lived until his marriage and then removed to the vicinity of Prairie du Rocher, becoming a farmer. He is remembered as a very successful farmer. In fact, anything which he undertook prospered. He died February 12, 1912. His wife (nee Lala Dapron) followed him in death on April 8, 1914.
