Born in Otsego County, NY in 1806, Alanson Blood arrived in Honesdale, PA in 1828 with his brother Nelson and immediately set up in business as a cabinetmaker, making both furniture and coffins. Blood married Chloe Stone, also of Otsego County, and Nelson married her sister. Soon after his arrival in Honesdale, Alanson Blood became active in establishing the Presbyterian church, and in 1840 he petitioned the council to purchase the borough’s first fire engine. In 1829, Alanson built a house on Upper Front (Main) Street, where he lived the rest of his life. Nelson Blood died at sea in 1837 on a voyage from New Orleans to New York. Chloe Blood died in 1882, but until his death in 1885, Alanson imagined that she was simply visiting distant relatives.

The Wayne County Historical Society owns several pieces of Alanson Blood furniture that reveal his artistry in a way no words can convey.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society 810 Main St., Honesdale, open Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., January through April.