A Moment Of Courage: a Hunter, His Dogs and a Mountain Lion #52Ancestors Week 40

Hunting season must have been an adventure for Isaac Blakey and his hound dogs. He was a known big game hunter and trapper in South Dakota. He could track the trails of coyotes, raccoons, wildcats, lynx, minks, deers etc… Hunting was his favorite sport.

A Moment of Courage
Isaac and his hounds encountered a young moutain loin. There’s an article that was published in The Tabor Independent in Tabor, South Dakota on Thursday, February 19, 1920 on page 2. It shed some light on what happened. This was what was printed.

“Yankton, S. D. Feb 16 — Isaac Blakely, raccoon hunter, went out the other night to indulge in his favorite sport, taking along his three trained hounds.

Two ‘coons were killed and then the hounds ran down a young mountain lion, who gave such a fight he beat off the dogs and their master and got away into the brush after a two- hour fight. Blakely did not happen to have a rifle with him.

The combat took place within 20 miles of Yankton. This is not supposed to be a big game country any more, but two years ago Blakely killed a very large Canadian lynx 20 miles west of Yankton. “



The photo is of Isaac Blakey, holding a raccoon. The words above the photo reads, Isaac Blakey Jr., farmer, dog catcher, hunter. The year of photo is unknown.

According to Theodore Rpbert “Ted” Blakey, Isaac’s nephew, Isaac “was a salesman extra-ordinary, raised dogs, and was a coon hunter, manufactured molasses from cane sugar he raised, was a butcher, and a church leader– lay preacher and singer.”

The earliest news article that I discovered about Isaac hunting was published in The Sioux Falls Press in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Wednesday, December 10, 1913 on page 3.

Isaac was with other hunters looking for ‘coons. He killed a very large wildcat west of Yankton County. The cat took up a fight that lasted three hours.

What were some of the animals that Isaac came in contact with? Raccoons, moutain lions, lioness and cubs, timber wolves, coyotes, large Canadian lynx, wildcats, large wolf, minks, deers, large prairie wolf which was 5′ ll’ in length and it was not a coyote. There were coyotes that resembles a silver wolf. There were an animal crossed between a timber wolf and a coyote.

There’s a news clip that was published in St. Paul Recorder in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday, October 9, 1959. It reads “Oh, Isaac Blakey at 82, has a new truck and lookin tops. He’s hunting coons like crazy.” This news clip appeared in the Sioux Falls City, South Dakota column.

Isaac Bakey was born on Wednesday, July 2, 1873. in Natchez, Mississippi. He was the son of veteran Private Isaac Blakey and Rachel (Jackson / Lephridge) Blakey. He was one of 18 children.

Isaac was the husband of Maggie (Williams) Blakey. They were the parents of eleven sons and five daughters. He passed on Thursday, April 1, 1971 in Yankton, South Dakota. He would have been 98 on Saturday. July 3, 1971.
R.I. P. Great Uncle Isaac

Thanks for reading
A Moment Of Courage a Hunter, His Dogs and a Mountain Lion
Isaac had wolf hounds and ‘coon hounds. Wondered what their names were?

God bless
S.A. Blakley

Week 40: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026
The theme for Week 40 is “A Moment of Courage.” Mark Twain said, ““Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” Think about something an ancestor faced with courage, whether it was something heroic, or the quiet courage of everyday life.

What Wasn’t Written Down on Unknown Postcard #52Ancestors Week 39

The photo is front the other side of a photocard. I wish something written on it. I can’t recall where I got this postcard. Perhaps, it was found in my Grandma Mary Anna’s house during the mid 1970’s. The orginal photo is in black and white.

Still, I keep wondering. Who are they? I searched for other photos on Ancestry.com and other sources. I was trying to match up faces. And, I think that I may have found some clues to who they are.

This man in the unknown postcard photo. could he have been the younger version of Ezekiel W, Nickerson? The young lady in the postcard photo, could she have been Isabelle (Lanford) Nickerson, his wife?

This photo is of Ezekiel W Nickerson (1895 – 1942). The name E. W. Nickerson is written below the photo. The photo was colorized and repaired by MyHertiage tool. The orginal photo is in black and white.

Isabella V. Lankford (1899 – 1938) lived in Denver, Colorado. She had relative living there.. She was listed living in St. Joseph, Missouri on the 1920 census. However, Isabella later married Ezekiel Watson Nickerson on Monday, August 16, 1920 in Denver. Isabella was 20 and Ezekiel was 24. They lived in Denver until they passed.

They were the parents of eight children: They carried the Nickerson surname. Their first and middle names were Nathan Welcom, Vivian Virginia, Lankford James, Betina “Betty” Q, Robert Eugene, Doris Laverne, twins, Freddie and his twin, name unknown.

I’ve seen some other photos of Ezekiel and Isabella. Thankful for those who share photos.
R.I.P. Great Uncle Ezekiel and Great Aunt Isabella

Thanks for reading.
What Wasn’t Written Down on Unknown Postcard

God bless
S.A. Blakley

“The theme for Week 39 is “What Wasn’t Written Down.” We deal with a lot of written records, but we can also learn from things like photos and the spoken word. What is something you’ve learned about an ancestor in a different way? (Or what do you wish had been written down, but wasn’t?)” ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026.

A Document With Personality: Read Between The Lines #52Ancestors Week 38

I can only imagine how my Great Grandparent Robert’s personality came across as he was speaking to a news reporter. What he said was published in The Kansas Democrat Hiawatha, Kansas on Thursday, February 28, 1918 on page 3. Here was some of what was printed. ( I added some information. )

“R. L. Langfard of St. Joseph, came to Hiawatha, Kansas Thursday, to see his son Charles, who is in the county jail, facing charges with assault with intent to kill.” ( Otis Washington, who was well known baber in town.)

(The unnamed news reporter mentioned that) “The Senior Langkfard has the appearance of a fine old gentelman and gave it flat out to Sheriff Biddle that he could not help his son get out on bond. The bond was fixed at $2,500.” ( Then Robert continued to speak….)

(Robert went on and to say that ) “Charley had a chance to get along in St. Joe, as he had lots of work and recently he secured a place in the mail service.”

(Robert said that he didn’t) “know anythng about the trouble between his son and (Charlie’s) wife. When we went over to Mrs. Hughes’, today to get the baby to take it over to the jail, Charle’s wife was nursing Washington, the man Charley shot.” (Not sure who was with Robert to take the baby to see Charlie. They cared enough to take the baby and go see Charile in jail. )

Wondering HowThings Ended Up? Charles pleaded guilty to the charges, and was sentenced to the Kansas State Penitentiary; for not less than one or more than five years. Otis Washington survived the bullet wounds.

Charles and Meta were divorced in 1919. Meta passed in 1931, Charles passed in 1937. Robert L. Lankfard passed in November of 1919.

Robert was well known during his time. People respected him. He was the husband of Charlotta (Dade) Lankford / Lankfard. They were the parents of 11 children. ~ R.I.P. Great Grandfather Robert

Thanks for reading.
A Document With Personality: Read Between The Lines

Read Between the Lines: Story has it that Charles and his wife Meta were separated for about five months. Meta moved in with her Grandmother Mrs Hughes. Otis Washington had a room at Meta’s grandmother’s house. On the day of the shooting, Charles was in Hiawatha, Kansas to reconcile with Meta. However, Charles met up with Otis, and ended up wanting to kill him. Charles personality came across in this drama story.

After Charles shot Otis twice, Charlie wanted to turned himself in. However, nobody was at the Sherriff’s office. So, he had to go to find someone to arrest him. Well, that’s another story: It Didn’t Go As Planned For Charley : Should Be a Movie.

God bless
S.A. Blakley

Week 38: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026

The theme for Week 38 is “A Document with Personality.” Let’s be honest – some records we work with can be a bit dry. But others are oozing with personality. It could be a will with an interesting clause; an obituary that paints a picture of the person’s life; and don’t forget photos and tombstones! What is something you’ve found that has personality?

A Small Detail I Love: Jordan Blakey’s Mark #52Ancestors Week 37

I have come across records of relatives who could not sign their names. They made their mark, and someone had to witness their mark. Imagine, what type of mark they would choose?

Jordan Blakey choose his mark. I don’t know how many documents he did. However, when I saw his mark for the first time, I thought of the sign on the CROSS; yes, a cross. I came across three documents like that. Who would have imagine doing this? He didn’t choose the X.

One of three of Jordan’s marks was on his U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. It was dated September 12, 1918. His second wife was Flora (Lawrence) Bentley Blakey was the nearest relative.

When Jordan married Rubenian Holt on Wednesday, November 14, 1934, he made his mark that appeared a big cross; Mr Jordan ( t ) Blakey . On Jordan Blakey’s U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, dated Sunday, April 27, 1947. His mark wasn’t a small t. See cropped photo.

Thank you for reading.
A Small Detail I Love: Jordan Blakey’s Mark
Jordan’s mark was the sign of the cross.

R.I.P. Great Uncle Jordan. (1878 – 1964)

God bless you.
S.A. Blakley

Week 37: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2026

The theme for Week 37 is “A Small Detail I Love.” Breaking through a brick wall is awesome, but finding a small detail can bring its own kind of joy. (For some reason, it made me smile when I discovered that my great-grandfather had a tattoo.) What is a detail that seems insignificant, but makes you smile when you think of it? 

More Than A Name ~ Hattie McDaniel #52Ancestors Week 36

I can’t recall when I heard of the name Hattie McDaniel. I was told that she was an actress. She was the household maid in 1935 a short film. And she played Buckwheat’s mother, Mandy in the orginal Our Gang ( Little Rascals.)

Hattie made history when she won an Oscar in the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as “Mammy” in the film “Gone With The Wind” in 1939. She was the first African American to win an Oscar.

In July of 2010, my sister and I visited our Aunt Josephine. Our Aunt “Josie” was sharing with us what she read about Hattie in the JET Magazine. What caught Aunt Josie’s attention was one of Hattie’s husbands.

Aunt Josie came across the name Nym Lankford. And she said WHAT?? She didn’t know that her Uncle Nym was married to Hattie. I was surprised myself!

This marriage must have been a well kept family secret. My mother only mentioned to me that they called him Uncle Nym because his name was Nymadula. It was hard to pronounce.

Finding information about Nym was a challenge. But, through the years of searching, I began to discover more about him, his wives. He had a daughter and a son.

Hattie and Nym
Nym was listed on the 1920 census in Caspter Wyoming, as a laborer along with his first wife, Hattie, singer, entertainer. Her name was marked over on that census. The indexer wrote her name as Hannie Langford. Nym Langford was listed as her husband.

According to the 1923 Denver, Colorado City directory, they were listed as “Nym Lankford (Hattie) ~ r 2928 Downing”. According to the 1925 City directory in Caspter, Wyoming, they were listed as “Nymadulis L. Langford and Hattie Langford , jan Frantz Shop r rear 228 N Beech.”

There were a few news articles that mentioned their names. The cropped news clip was publihed in the New Journal and Guide Norfolk, Virginia on Saturday, June 22, 1940 on page 17. Hattie McDaniel was sharing some thiings about her life, her marriages etc…

Another one of my blogs on Hattie McDaniel’s Second Husband Nym Langford:/ Lankfard
Posted on August 13, 2025 by Susan Ann Blakley

Thanks for reading
More Than A Name ~ Hattie McDaniel
Hattie McDaniel carried the Lankfard / Lankford surname, and is on my family tree,.

God bless you.
S.A. Blakley

Idea from Week 36: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2026.
The theme for Week 36 is “More Than a Name.” I’ve said for ages that our ancestors are more than names on a chart. They were real people with real lives. What is something you’ve found about an ancestor that really made them come alive for you?e of

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).