Newton Co., In Biography HARRY CLAY BLANEY, JR., 76, died November 11, 1999 at Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas Texas. He was born February 23, 1923, at the Home Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana to Harry Clay, Sr and Freida (Kennedy) Blaney of Morocco, Indiana. His grandparents were William and Kathleen (Kelly) Blaney of Athlone, Ireland and John and Sarah Ann (English) Kennedy of Morocco. Clay or "Mud," as he was affectionately known, was a lifetime resident of Morocco, and in later life wintered in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Morocco High School in 1941 and was a member of the History Club, from which a lifelong interest in history developed, especially the history of his beloved, Morocco. He attended Indiana State College at Terra Haute. He married Martha Virginia Spradling on October 20, 1944, at Morocco. She was the daughter of William and Virginia (Kessler) Spradling. She attended Indiana University. Her parents owned Spradlings, a popular dry goods store on Morocco's State Street. Clay worked as a brakeman and conductor for the New York Central Railroad for five years and was very proud of his railroad experience. His article on the New York Central Rail Road tells of a very important period in the town's history. In 1946 Clay went to work at Spradlings store, which eventually he and Martha owned. He worked there until his retirement in 1984. He also owned and managed a Men's Shop next door to Spradlings, and kept it open, displaying some of his favorite antiques from his days on the railroad and at Spradlings store. He was a familiar fixture on State Street in Morocco, always willing to share his experiences of the good times and the bad. He and his wife belonged to the First United Methodist Church in Morocco and were tireless workers in its projects. He was a charter member of the Lion's Club, was a member of the Morocco Knights of Pythian, Morocco Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Indianapolis. He was also a lifetime member and the oldest standing member of Hazelden County Club, Brook. Clay was a member of the Newton County Historical Society. He served as a high school referee for several years and was a polio survivor. Clay was an avid fan of Indiana basketball and enjoyed golfing and bridge. He was very generous person, making friends with many. To this union two children were born, Daniel Clay Blaney on July 11, 1945, at the Jasper County Hospital, and Mary Susan Blaney on August 5, 1952, at Rensselaer, Indiana. Both survive, Dan is a lawyer in Morocco and Mary Sue the wife of Dr. James Blakely, Dallas Texas. There are five grandchildren and a great grandchild. Mr. Blaney was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William K. Blaney. Funeral services were a 11 a.m., Monday, at the First United Methodist Church in Morocco, with Rev. Tim Powers officiating. Burial was at Oaklawn Cemetery in Morocco. In Memorium. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted By Gerald Born Email - Wizzofozl0@aol.com