There are perhaps few of Blanshard's old settlers who at the outset of their career had a more chequered life than Mr. James Dinsmore, the subject of the following sketch.   He was of sanguine temperament, restless and energetic in his disposition.   He had great independence of character, and considered himself equal to any man, no matter what his social position may have been. He was untiring in industry, and zealous in the prosecution of any scheme, either for his own or the public good.   He was a confiding and openhearted friend, but persevering and implacable in the denunciation of his opponents.   He was somewhat deficient in tact, and his political efforts were carried to success, not by an adroit exercise of those qualities that raise politicians to power, but by the strength of his representations and an honest, manly advocacy of those principles which he conceived to be just and right.   Such are a few of the most prominent points in the character of this man who for many years wielded great influence in Blanshard, and to some extent divided the representative honors with Mr. Cathcart, his great opponent.

James Dinsmore was born in the parish of Drumholm, County of Donegal, Ireland, on the 21st day of March, 1821 - over 78 years ago. Like almost all the old settlers of Blanshard, he was the son of a farmer, and on the farm he spent his boyhood, attending school in the town of Donegal until he was able by his labor to contribute to his own support. His father had been actively engaged during the troubles in Ireland at the latter part of the eighteenth century on the side of the Government. The tales of that momentous period in the history of his native country, and of the terrible trials and dangers to those who espoused the cause of the ruling power, had often been told by his parents as they sat around the turf fire in the long winter nights. These old stories made a great impression on his young mind, so much so that they to some extent influenced his manner of thought during his life. Although his politics were practically democratic, he was most loyal to the flag of old Britain. He felt a pride in the fact that he was born a subject of a great and most glorious throne that is yet destined to sway the destinies of the world.

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