A Spot on the Map: Forest Green, Chariton County Missouri #52Ancestors Week 35

During the mid 1970’s, I read an article entitled Slavery Descendants to Have First Reunion. This was the first time I heard of Forest Green, Missouri. It wasn’t untll decades later, when I discovered that the article was published in The Sioux City Journal Sioux City, Iowa on Saturday, August 28, 1971 on page 5. This was the day of the first family reunion.

Oral history states that Isaac Blakey convinced his family, who were living in Mississippi to move to Forest Green, Missouri. He said that it was a better place for them to live. Isaac became a free man, and later served during the Civil War in the Mississippi Union Army from (1863 – 1866) in Natchez.

It’s not known when Isaac came back to Missouri. Oral history states that he returned to New Orleans and found his family easily. His family included his mother, who was Julia, his brothers, Spencer, and Dick, who was Richard and sister Matt who was Martha “Mattie” They carried the White surname. The cropped photo was in the August 28, 1971 news article.

Forest Green, Missouri is a spot on the map. I searched for information about Forest Green, Missouri. And I made some new discoveries. I asked myself some questions.

Forest Green, Missouri is an unincorporated community in Chariton County, Missouri. The first house was built in 1820’s, by the Forest family A pioneer by the name of John Green Forest platted the town in 1873. The town is located approximately eight miles south of Salisbury, Missouri on Route 5.

In 1873, Isaac was livng in Wilkinson County, Mississippi. Where was John, the brother living during the late 1850’s – 1870’s? What was Forest Green called before it was platted by John Green Forest? Forest?

The article mentioned about the enslaved and the enslavers.
“When they arrived they were sold at slave auction like cattle and given a bill of sale. Slaves then took the slavemaster’s name. The two oldest brothers, Isaac 12 and John 10, were sold to a man by the name of Blakey and he took them to Forest Green, Missouri.” (The other enslavers’ name was White.)

If this Isaac was 12, the year would have been 1859. Isaac Blakey was born in Fayette, Missouri or Roanoke Missourii in 1845 or 1847. If this John was 10, that was he was born around 1859 in Missouri.

Who was the Blakey enslaver? He was most likely one of the enslavers’ son or male relative. John May Blakey was the husband of Frances (White) Blakey, both enslavers. John May Blakey passed on August 25, 1844. The other enslaver named White was most likely was related to Frances (White) Blakey.

Where did the Blakey enslavers lived in Missouri. The enslavers lived in Osage County, Missouri in 1835 where a son born in Missouri. They lived in Howard County Missouri in the 1837 – 60’s, most likely in Fayette, Howard County, Missouri. then in 1870’s in Roanoke, Howard Coutnty, Missouri.

Frances (White) Blakey’s father, John White had a plantation home and the family cemtery in Fayette, Missouri. At John White Cemetery: Who was buried there? John White , John May Blakey and Frances (White) Blakey and others.

Where did Isaac lived in Missouri, and where some of his children were born?
Isaac Blakey, also known as Isaac White Blakey and Priviate Isaac Blaker lived in Fayette, Howard County, Missouri, Shannondale, Chariton County, Missouri, Forest Green, Missouri, and Salisbury, Missouri. Some of Isaac’s children were born in Howard Chariton County in Missouri,, Shannondale, Chariton County Missouri, and in Forest Green, Chariton, County, Missouri.

Thanks for reading.
A Spot on the Map: Forest Green, Chariton County Missouri.
Some Blakey WHITE descendants still living in the area of Forest Green, Missouri.

God bless you
S.A. Blakley

Week 35: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026

The theme for Week 35 is “A Spot on the Map.” Knowing an ancestor’s location does more than let us find more records. It can give insight into the life of that ancestor. This week, consider a place that has special meaning for your family. Whether it’s a big city, small town, or out in the middle of nowhere, consider how that location helped shape those who lived there. 

Long Lasting Marriage: William and Lula #52Ancestors Week 34

To Observe 60th Anniversary of Their Wedding was the headline to an article published in the St. Joseph News-Press St. Joseph, Missouri on Sunday, May 27, 1956 on page 7. It was about Mr. and Mrs. William Madison who lived at 106 South 22nd Street.. William and Lula observed their 60th weddding anniversary quietly at their home.

Those who attended the celebration were the Madisons’ two children Charlotte (Madison) Williams and Robert Madison, Lula’s siblings, Anna Alice ( Lankfard )Smith, and James Andrew Lankfard, William’s brother Elwood “Woody” Madison and along with other relatives.

Mr. William Madison came to St. Joseph, from Gallatin , Missouri in 1889. Mrs. Lula ( Lankfar ) Madison came to St. Joseph with her family in 1889. She was born in Canton, Missouri. William and Lula were married on Wednesday, May 27, 1896 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was 28 and she was 20. Both were born in October.

The photo of Lula and William was taken in December of 1952 in St. Joseph. They were at the wedding of Lula’s nephew Addison Edward Lankford who married Miss Alice Smiley. The house was filled with family and friends.

William and Lula had seven children:

Louis Edward Madison (1897 – 1963)
Joshua Randold Maidson (1909 – 1940)
Charlotte Mae Madisons Williams (1911 – 2000)
Robert Lankford Madison (1911 – 1976)
William Emmanuel Madison Jr. (1913 – 1995)
Lula Neal Madiston (1916 – 1913)

Williiam and Lula were married sixty five years until William passed on Wednesday, August 2, 1961. Lula passed on Tuesday, September 26, 1961. May the rest in peace.

Thank you for reading.
Long Lasting Marriage: William and Lula

P.S
I discovered that have a DNA match with one of William’s brother Elwood’s granddaughter.

God bless,
S.A. Blakley
Great niece of Lula and Willam E. Madison Sr.

Week 34: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026. ~ The theme for Week 34 is “Long-lasting.” It could be a marriage, a career, a document, an heirloom – feel free to be creative with the theme!

Multiples: William Washingtons: Which One Was My Relative? #52Ancestors Week 33

While on the journey, I’ve discovered that there were a hand full of William Washingtons living  in St. Joseph, Missouri at the same time. The ones that I was searching for were black. I wondered, which one was my relaitve?

My William Washington was residing on Mulberry Street. And according to the 1880 Missouri census, he was listed as BW or mulatto. His address was Mulberry ne cor 18th, according to the 1882 City directory in St. Joseph.. And in other years that followed, the city directories listed him at 1801 Mulberry Street.

On the 1900 Missouri census, my William Washington was listed as George W. Washington, a white male, born about May 1842 in Missouri. He was a hod carrier. He was living with his wife Mahalah, her daughter Ida / Ella Louis. They were living at 1801 Mulberry Street with two other borders; William Young and Richard McGill.

On the 1902 city directory, William was still living on Mulberry Street. There was no 1903 city directory. So this may have been the last time William and his family lived on Mulberry Street.

On the 1904 city director, there was a William Washington (c) listed as a plumber, lived at 1820 Angelique. and another William Washington (c) listed as a helper at P. L.. Bristol & Bros , lived at 19th and Angelique.

I did compile a list of all the William Washingtons and a Wiley Washington. I compared where they lived. I made note to whom they were married to, where they worked at and so on. I narrowed it down the names of a Wiley Washington and to the one who I believe was my William Washington.

My William’s occupation on the 1920 Missouri census was the clue to who he was. He was working in the industry of plumbing. I continue to search for that plumbing company. I found a Bristol Supply Co or PL. Bristol P & H C. I tracked my William Washington through the city directories. I discovered that he was a laborer, a hod carrier, porter and a janitor.

On the 1920 Census, William was listed as William Washington at age 46. He was born in Missouri about 1846. He was listed as black. He worked in industry: Plumbing Co:

Also, William was living with wife Mahalie who was born about 1847. Mahalie’s daughter Ella Louis who was a widow and was born about 1868. William’s son, John W. Washington who was a widower and born in Missouri about 1859. They lived at 812 N 3rd

Indeed, it was a process to narrow down which William was my William Washington. Out of all of this paper trail, I lost track of William’s track around 1921. His last known address was  812 N 3rd.  And as I continue to search for him, he had about six other addresses after he moved from 1801 Mulberry Street.

William Washington lived at  812 N 3rd, according to the 1921 city directory. The William Washington listed on this city directory was the one that was a labor who was Janitor at Bristol Supply. r 821 N 3rd. The (c) wasn’t listed after his name. Note that colored stood for (c) in the city directors.

Also according on the 1921 city directory ~ Wiley wasn’t listed with an (c) after his name. Wiley Washington lived at 821 S 9th in 1913 – 1919,  to 1938. I still wondered if Wiley was William’s son William Jr.

Oh what a challenge to was to search through the city directories for the William Washingtons! It was worth the task in doing so. I noticed that Wiley Washington ended up living in the same residents where my William once lived. However , they didn’t live there are the same time. That address was 821 S 9th.

The cropped photo is believe to be of William Washington with his first wife Susan (Leach) Washington. There was an elderly lady on the left side of William. She was Susan’s mother, Mrs. Delilah Lewis. Delilah was listed with the Washingtons on the 1880 Missouri census at age 93. Delilah passed in April of 1887.



William most likely passed in St. Joseph, Missouri. He had a son named William Washington Jr.. or John W. Washington. I haven’t found any new info on William’s son either. I believe that William and Wiley were connected. But, how?

There was a time when I wondered if Wiley was William’s son? .
What I discovered about Willey Washington. He was born in 1853 or 1857 in Chillicothe, Missouri and he passed in 1938. Wiley  married to Mary Tate and Libby Holman. He was the father of  five by Mary..
They had a son, named Charles Washington (1883 – 1920). Charles lived at 821 S 9th.

Some other thoughts: Did my William Washington Sr. remarry? On Wednesday, December 17, 1890, William married his second wife, Mrs. Mahala “Mahalie ”Winn, 11 months after his first wife, Susan  passed in Thursday, January 9, 1890. Mahlala passed on Thursday, March 3, 1921. She was living at  812 N 3rd. She was listed as married.

Did William move out of town? Was he in prison; serving time? Or was he in  a nursing home of some sort? Wondering if William kept in contact with his children, if he remarried? He had a daughter Anna. I haven’t found any death notice in the newspaper on William Washington. Sr. Or did he have another first name? John? or George?

I did search for all the George Washingtons and John Washingtons  Missouri death records who died in St. Joseph, Missouri. There was four George Washingtons. I was searching for the ones born in the 1840’s, There was one George Washington who was born in 1841 in New Orleans. He passed on Saturday, February 3, 1923.

There were three John’s. Only one was born in the 1840’s. There was a John Washington who was born in 1841. He passed Thursday, August 9, 1934. ( There was a John Washington who’s birth year and age unknown and passed on Wednesday, July 25, 1945. His was Mattie Washington.)
.
Thanks for reading.
The Name William Washington: Challenge to Find Info was the orignal title for this blog. I edited this blog and changed the name to Multiples: William Washingtons: Which One Was My Relative?

God bles you,
S.A. Blakley
The 2nd Great Granddaughter of William Washington Sr. and his wife Susan.

Week 33: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026
The theme for Week 33 is “Multiples.” There are lots of ways you could interpret this theme: multiple marriages, multiple children, twins (or more), or even someone who shows up in multiple records. Have fun with this prompt!

This blog was re-edited and re written from. The original which was posted on June 18, 2022.

The Name William Washington: Challenge to Find Info
Week 5: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2025
The theme for Week 5 is “Challenge.” Which ancestor has been challenging to research? What ancestor faced an enormous challenge?

What Neighbors and Community Said About Isaac Blakey ~ 1880’s – 1890’s #52Ancestors Week 32

What did some of Isaac Blakey’s neighbors in the community say about him? Here are some of the general affidavits in Isaac Blakey’s pension file (1890 – 1818.) ~ Isaac Blakey (1847 – 1918) also known as Isaac Blaker, a served in the Civil War in the Union Army in Mississippi (1863 – 1866) .



General Affidavit State of Missouri, County of Chariton, SS: In the matter of Original Pension Claim of Isaac Blakey Priv. Co H. 6th Mississippi Regt. No 988.983

On This day 27 January A.D. 1899, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County, and State, duly authorized to administer oath, Ollie Green aged 30 and Joseph Harris aged 32 years (both) a resident of near Forest Green in the County of Chariton and State of Missouri. whose Post Office is Forest Green, Missouri.

“and who, being duly sworn, declares each for himself, in relations to aforesaid case as follows… We have been personally acquainted with Isaac Blakey for the past nineteen years. he moved into the neighborhood in which we live in March of 1880. he had lameness in his left leg that he said was caused by a wound received in the army. he has suffered much of this time with this trouble and each year has been confined to the house with it. he also suffers with rheumatism or neuralgia, kidney trouble and heart disease. We know from personal knowledge that he suffered from disease of the heart and kidney since Oct 1890.”

“Ollie Green States that his means of knowning of these facts is, that he lived in a part of the same house with Blakey in Oct 1890 and has known him intimately ever since.”

“Joseph Harris States that on Oct 1890 he lived about a half mile from said Blakey and has been intimately acquanted with him ever since.”

“We further say that Soldier is disabled from manual labor, fully two thirds of his time. And we further state that the affairs said disabilities of Isaac Blakey, are not due to vicious habits as we know him to be a sober and temperate man in all his habits of life.”

further declares the thing have no interest in said case and they not concerned in its prosecution. Ollie Green, Joseph Harris ~ Affiant’s signatures ~ Seal Date on Pesnion U S Office: Jun 1, 1899

General Affidavit State of Missouri County of Howard SS:
In the matter of pension claim of Isaac Blakey Co H. 6th Reg USC Vol. No 988.783″

“On This 22 day of May A.D. 1899 , personally appeared before me, a notary Public in and for the aforesaid County, and State, duly authorized to administer oaths of Abraham Bentley; aged 57 years and Jack Cason age 53 years (both) a resident of Forest Green in the County of Chariton and State of Missouri. whose Post Office is Forest Green, Missouri

“and who, being duly sworn, declares each for himself, in relations to aforesaid case as follows…that they have resided as neighbors and friends near the residence of Isaac Blakey for the past 15 years and in all that time have seen the claimant frequently and have been in —- of intimate friendship with him. that they have personal knowedge of the fact from Oct 1890 to March 1898 claimant has suffered from disease of the heart and disease of the kidneys- that their knoweldge of this fact is.

derive from what affidavit said and heard in the visiting and associatiing with the claimant, affidavit know that the claimant in the time mention has been confined to his bed and to his house frequently suffering from these diseases that by reason of the heart and kidney.

—- affidavit estimate that the claimant between October 1890 and March of 1898 has been discapacitated from manual labor at least one half – that their means of knowledge and —- such incapacity for much labor is dervied from the time affidavit know claminant has been sick or confined to his house in each year and personal observation of his phycial strenght while up and about. –

further declares the thing have no interest in said case and they not concerned in its prosecution. Abraham Bentley, Jack Cason ~ Affiant’s signatures” Seal Date on Pesnion U S Office:Jun 1, 1899″

NOTE: Isaac went by Isaac White and Isaac White Blakey. And Ollie Green married Mary White Blakey. She was Isaac White Blakey’s daughter. Joseph Harris’ father Abraham Harris married a Mary White. Not sure if related to Isaac.

Ironically, I have met one of Jack Cason’s decendants and did relaized it unto I searching. I met her 50 years ago. We attend the same church for over 30+ years.

Thanks for reading.
What Neighbors and Community Said About Isaac 1880’s – 1890’s .
There were others in the community.

W.C. Harvery aged 73~ lives in Roanoke, Missouri.~ date of general affidavit was on Feb 17, 1899.
“I have known Isaac Blakey all his life and will just before the Civil War in 1861 up to 1865. I know up to the year 1961 that he was sober and orderly and no had habits that I knew of and so far as I know since he living about 10 miles from me.” ~ Pension U S Office date of seal Feb 24, 1899

Who was W.C. Harvey?
Dr. William Crawford Harvery (1832 – 1902). He was the in law to the enslaver France White Blakey. He was person who placed the enslaved advertisement Glasgow, Missouri news paper in 1858. There were nine enslaved people in that advertisement. Isaac was one of them.

God bless.
S.A.Blakley
Great Granddaughter of Prvate Isaac Blakey

Week 32: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026

The theme for Week 32 is “Neighbors and Community.” Our ancestors didn’t live in a vacuum. They were part of neighborhoods, congregations, social groups, and more. (Bonus: Those neighbors might be extended family!) This week, explore an ancestor’s neighbors or a group that they belonged to. What do they reveal about your ancestor?

Cousins Archie Bentley and David Blakey: In The Life #52Ancestors Week 31

This news clip was the first time I came across Archie Bentley and David Blakey mentioned together. There wasn’t much recorded about them in our family history. Most of what I’ve discovered about them came from searching through old news papers and other records..

The news clip was published in The Call Kansas City, Missouri on Friday, July 12, 1935 on page 10. It was located in the Yankton, South Dakota section of the paper. The news columnist was Mrs. Mary Elizabeth ( Fristoe) Blakey.

Who’s who in the news clip?

Mr. Ollie Blakey and Mrs. Margaret (Cason) Blakey, Mr. Richard Bentley and Edna (Blakey) Bentley and son Archie, Mr. Isaac Blakey and Mrs Maggie (Williams) Blakey, and son David , Mr. Henry Blakey and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Fristoe) Blakey. The were called the the farm of Henry Blakey Wednesday night; July 10, 1935. They were all related, and lived in South Dakota.

Archie and David were first cousins. Archie’s mother Edna Mae (Blakey) Bentley was the sister of David’s father Isaac Blakey. David was three years older than Archie. Both became ill about the same year. They both passed way too soon.

I looked for Archie’s and David’s paper trails in the news papers, censuses and other records. I wondered. What more was recorded about their lives?

In the Life of Archie Bentley (1921 – 1936)
He was born on Thursday, January 6, 1921 with the Jackson surname in Yankton, South Dakota. “He cracked the bone in his left arm while playing baseball” the week before in February of 1934. He was on the sick list in 1935. He was about at the age of 13 or 14.

There was no list of sickness that Archie had. His cause of death wasn’t listed in the news paper. He passed on Sunday, March 22, 1936 at the age of 15. Archie’s friends were his pallbearer. His biological father was Mr. Edward “Dab” Jackson.. Archie’s mother was Mrs. Edna Mae (Blakey) Bentley.

In the Life of David Blakey (1918 – 1940)
He was born on Saturday, April 6, 1918 in Yankton, Yankton, South Dakota.. He was on the sick list in 1935, about the age of 17. David broke his ribs, and had to have an operation in Sioux Falls Hosptial in September of 1936. He had to be placed under doctor’s care. David’s health was improving.

From 1937 to 1939
David lived with Mr and Mrs. Harvery Micthell.in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Daivd was there for two years for treatment. He was improving. He continue to be under the doctors care.  

In March of 1939; David entered the Univseal Hospital .St. Paul University Hospital. in Minnesota. About a year later, David passed on Sunday. April 28, 1940 at the age of 22.. According to his obituary, David had been ill for five years. His parents were Mr. Isaac Blakey and Mrs Maggie (Williams) Blakey.

In The Life of Both Cousins:
Archie and David lived the best life they could. Before their sickness, they were on the family farms. I believe that they grew up in Yankton, as normal children, attending school and playing games, etc… They attended church gathierings and visited family and friends. And family and friends visited them as they were ill. ~ I believe that the cousins touch many lives in the short time that they had.

Thanks for reading.
Cousins Archie Bentley and David Blakey: In The Life
They are not forgotten.
.
R.I. P. cousin Archie
R.I P. cousin David

My Grandfather John Blakey Blakley was their Uncle John .
Edna, Isaac and John were siblings. Their father was Private Isaac Blakey

God bless
S.A. Blakley

Week 31: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Week Challenge for 2026.
The theme for Week 31 is “A Day in the Life.” Our ancestors were more than just names and dates. This week, explore an ancestor whose daily life you know something about (or that you wish you knew something about).

Mr. Elias W. Bartlett Sr. ~ Who Was He? #52Ancestors Week 30

What have I discovered about Elias W. Bartlett Sr. ? His name can be found on the 1870 and 1880 Missouri censuses, Missouri death cerificates and Oklahoma death notice, and a few news clips. Here’s what I’ve found about him over the decades.

Information from four of Elias W. Bartlett Sr’s children

From his son Mr. Elias “Eli” Bartlett Jr.‘s 1920 Oklahoma death information;
His father was listed as Elias Bartlett and mother was Harriett Hooper.

From his daughter Mrs. Jennie (Bartlett) Lyles‘ 1926 death certificate;
Her father’s name was Elias Bartlett and mother was unknown.

From his daughter Mrs. Juanita (Bartlett) Armstrong‘s 1929 death cerificate;
Her father’s name was Elisan Bartlett and mother Harriett Hooper.

From his son Mr. Paul Bartlett’s social security infomation;
His father was lisged as Alex Bartlett and mother was unknown.
According to Paul’s 1956 Missouri death certificate;
His father was unknown and mother’s name was Harriett.
Paul’s social security number ending 5307 matches with his 1956 Missouri death certificate.

From a marriage license
Elias Bartley married Miss Harriet Hughes on December 29, 1876 in Carroll, Missouri.

Elias’ first wife, Rachel had children. There is no record of death found for those children.
Harriet’s three children Sallie, Charles and Lucy carried the Bartlett surnames.

I came across this news clip. It was published in The Republican-Record Carrollton, Missouri  on Saturday, February 8, 1879 on page 2. The news clip was about a petition to the honorable mayor and town council of the town of Carrollton, Missouri; Petition For Dram Shop License.

I didn’t know this. I discovered that there was an Alex Bartlett in Carrollton, Missouri.. He passed in May of 1908. I thought Alex was Elias Sr. I wondered if they were related? The William Bartlett in the news clip most likely was the son of Elias Bartlett Sr. .Elais was the father of 11 and 3 stepchildren.

Still searching for infomation on Elias W. Bartlett Sr,. When did he passed? I have not come across his death notice in the Carrollton, Missouri news paper. He was born in Kentucky around 1822. His last child Juanita Bartlett Armstrong was born on July 25, 1891 in Carrollton, Missouri

The name Elias means, “My God is Yawweh” or “The Lord is my God.”

Thanks for reading.
Elias Bartlett: Who Was He?
He was my father, David’s grandfather.
R. I. P. Great Grandfather Elias

God bless you.
S.A. Blakley

Week 30: Amy Johnson Crows’ #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challege for 2026
The theme for Week 30 is “Free Space.” Basically, this is a “choose your own adventure” week. You could write about someone who yearned for free/open spaces, a fan of space/astronomy, or maybe a bingo player. You could also choose someone at random!

Twenty-five years ago and the LORD is still with me. Thank You, JESUS!

Testifying of God’s Love ~ Remembering My First Surgery #Lupus Related

The 1936 Obituary of Mr. Archie Jackson Bentley, Age 15 #52Ancestors Week 29

Mrs. Henry Blakey (also known as Mrs. Elizabeth (Fristoe) Blakey, a columnist for The Call newspaper, shared the obituary of Mr, Archie Jackson Bentley in the Yankton, South Dakota section. of the paper, The obiuary was published in The Call in Kansas City, Missouri on Friday, April 3, 1936.

Mr. Archie Bentley passed on Sunday, March 22, 1936. Yes, the obituary is hard to read. This was what I figured out as I re- read it and searched for some of the names in the obituary. (And I added some information to the obituary.)

“and family Thursday night. The funeral of Archie Bentley, 15 years old son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bentley was held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Second Baptist church on North — Street of which was a member. Rev. J. A. Dickerson, pastor of the A.M.E. church officated. “

(Mrs. Richard Bentley was Mrs. Edna Mae (Blakey) Bentley. Archie was Edna’s son from a previous marriage. Archie was born Archie Jackson on Thursday, January 6, 1921 in Yankton, South Dakota. Archie carried his stepfather Mr. Richard Bentley’s surname. )

“The pallbearers were young friends of the Donald Smith, Glen Smith, Harry Holliday, Henry Williams, Thomas McCrea, and Robert Marion.”

“Out-of-town relatives who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Hunter, Miss Georgia Hayes, Edward Hayes, Edward Jackson, friends were Miss Georgie Huston, Mrs. L Birch, and Mrs. Texella Spence of Sioux City Iowa.”

(Mr. Harry “Busie” Monroe Hunter and Mrs. Earldean “Flossy” (Hayes) Hunter. Miss Gerogia “Georgie” Hayes. and Earldean Hunter were the daughters of Ernest Hayes and Martha (Blakey) Hayes, Martha (Blakey) Hayes and Lillie (Blakey) Hayes were Archie’s aunt.)

Edward Hayes was the brother of Ernest Hayes and Edward the husband of Lillie (Blakey) Hayes. Edward “Dab”Jackson was the father of Archie Jackson Bentley. Mrs. Texella (Holliday) Spence was the future wife of Edward Hayes.

“The A.M.E. choir sang with Miss Leta Mae Thomas, a pianist. He leaves a mother , father, and two borthers and a host of other relatives to mourn his loss. Burial was in Yankton, Cemetery. ” (in South Daktoa. Archie’s’ two brothers were Mr. Edward “Eddie” / “Clem” Jackson and Mr. Emerson Thomas Jackson. )

Thanks for reading.
The 1936 Obituary of Mr. Archie Jackson Bentley, Age 15
I went a little deeper to find this obituary. And this was what I discovered. At first, I couldn’t make out what it said. Then I kept at it. And this obituary made sense.

Archie’s mother Edna was the sister of my Grandfather John Blakey Blakley.
Rest In Peace cousin Archie.

God bless,
S.A. Blakley

I didn’t write about the theme for this week.
Week 29: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2026.
The theme for Week 29 is “A Source I Want to Understand Better.” Some sources that we use are fairly straightforward. Others… not so much. This week, explore a source that you don’t quite understand and the ancestor that it pertains to.

Leisure Time: Mr. Louis Newton “Lew” Dade, His Grape Vine #52Ancestors Week 28

Mr. Louis “Lew” Dade was a very talented man. He lived in Lewis County, Missouri. God blessed him with good friends. Some of his friends cared so much for him that they secured him a spot in the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, Illinois. His friends knew that Louis did “fine” work and they wanted to show their support.

Louis made a profit at the World’s Fair. And after he returned home in Canton, Missouri, he purchased property located at the corner of Bland and Eleventh Streets.. He became a homeowner and mortgage free.

The portion of this news clip was published on page 4 in The Canton Press-News Canton, Missouri on Thursday, November 13, 1930.

Louis’s view of his front gate must have been a sight to see. The grape vine was a hedge entirely surrounding his lot. The outstretched branches covered with the earth! We could only imagine what the inside looked.

Louis had to keep up the grape vine through the years.What a project!. Not for sure how long Louis lived at the corner of Bland and Eleventh Street. His wife Mary passed in 1915. According to the 1920 census , he was living with his daughter Margaret Dade and his granddaughter Julia. at 1013 Grant Street in Canton, Missouri.

Who was Louis Newton “Lew” Dade?
Louis was a house servant while he was enslaved in Missouri. And after the emancipation, and his freedom, he moved to Canton, Missouri where he would work at whatever he could find to do In a period of leisure when he was “just projectin”, he discovered “a method of cleaning bones and of carving them.

Louis was well known to the people of Canton, Lewis County Missouri areas. They called him “Lew”, “Uncle Lew” and “Old Bone” Dade. Louis said that the people of Canton had been good to him. Oh, the stories that the people of Canton must have heard. There was a time when he would meet the trains daily with his chest of his “articles”.

Louis was very skilled with his hands. He was famed as a carver of horn goods. He make household articles and items from varieties of medias. He would use bones, horns, shells, wood, etc. and would “make domestic utilities unique in design.”

In a 1930 news article, Louis was speaking of his life. “He says, he wants to live only so long as he can take care of himself. He says he hopes that the good Lord will not let him be a burden to anyone. ” I don’t think Louis wasn’t’ a burden to anyone. He was an expression of God’s gift to the people who he encountered in his lifetime.

Louis was the last child of Isaac Dade Sr. and Frances (Ovington) Dade to passed. He departed this life was in Canton, Missouri on Thursday, February 18, 1937 at the age of 89 years 4 months and 2 days old, due to the flu, pneumonia.

Louis was one of 14 children, the husband of Mary Ann (Venoy) Dade, the father of eleven, a business man, a novelty worker, and an artist. Louis had been working with his business since the 1880’s.

The original blog was posted on March 25, 2025 by Susan Ann Blakley. It was entitled “The Property Of Louis Newton Dade ~ Home Sweet Home.” And I edited this blog during the July 12, 2026 week..It’s title ” Leisure Time: Mr. Louis “Lew” Dade, His Grape Vine.”

Who was Lew Dade to me?
Louis “Lew” was the brother of my Great Grandmother Charlotta Dade Lankford / Lankfard.

Thanks for reading.
Leisure Time: Mr. Louis “Lew” Dade, His Grape Vine
Rest In Peace 2nd Great Uncle “Lew”

God bless you.
S.A. Blakley

Week 28: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2026
The theme for Week 28 is “Leisure Time.” Sure, our ancestors were hardworking people, but they also would enjoy themselves from time to time. What is a leisure activity that an ancestor did? Have any of those been passed down to you?

My Anniversary On WordPress.com Thank You Readers!

I joined Word Press on Monday, July 8th, 2013. I couldn’t remember when I joined. My first post was on July 9, 2013. I had to look it up. I can’t believe it has been that long. It took me a while to join. I wasn’t for sure what to use this site for or  how long I would stay.

At first, I didn’t have much to say.I didn’t know what to journal about. I had to learn about this site. I’ve found some friends here. And  through the years, I’ve been sharing some things.

I like to journal. There are times I have a writer’s block. Then there are times, I can journal up a storm. I hope to continue to use this site.Thankful that I’m still here.

May we celebrate our accomplishments from time to time.
May the LORD grant us wisdom what to share.
AMEN!

Thanks for reading.
My Anniversary On WordPress.com Thank You Readers!

God bless you.
S.A. Blakley

Here’s what Word Press said “Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com . 13 years ago. Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.”

Thank you, WordPress/com!