James Blake Sr.
 Home Up John W. Blake Burdine Blake Charlotte Jennie Blake James Blake Jr. Millard Fillmore Blake William Packer Blake Mary Ellen Blake Ulysses Simpson Grant Blake Adaline J. Blake

James Blake Sr. was born September 14, 1819, in Washington Co., MD, and died July 9, 1896, in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA, at age 76. He was the son of Burdine Blake Sr. and Mazey Ann Simpkins.

Margaret Ellen "Mary" Brown was born about 1827 in Indiana and died September 4, 1910, in Martinsburg, Blair Co., PA, at age 83. She was the daughter of Unknown parents of Maryland.

James Blake Sr. and Margaret Ellen Brown were married March 14, 1844, in Duncansville, Blair Co., PA.

James Blake Sr. and Margaret Ellen (Brown) Blake had ten children:

  1. John W. Blake: Born May 8, 1848, in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA; Died March 5, 1936, in Martinsburg, Bedford (Blair) County, PA (age 87). Married June 24, 1874, in Pennsylvania to Nancy Jane Longenecker: Born October 27, 1843, in Woodbury, Bedford Co., PA; Died November 29, 1926, at the family residence, 1502 Crawford Avenue, Altoona, Blair Co., PA (age 83).
  2. Burdine Blake: Born March 15, 1850, in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA; Died March 14, 1915 (age 64). Never married.
  3. Charlotte Jennie Blake: Born January 14, 1852, in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA; Died August 1, 1906, in Duncansville, Blair Co., PA (age 54). Married about 1870 in Duncansville, Blair Co., PA, to Andrew McCready: Born September 24, 1844, in Ireland; Died January 15, 1897, in Martinsburg, Blair Co., PA (age 52). Both are buried in Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg, Blair Co., PA.
  4. James Blake Jr.: Born about 1854 in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA; Died 1915 in Unknown (about age 61). Married about 1883 in Eufaula, Indian Territory (Oklahoma), to Ida Gertrude Lowe: Born March 1, 1868, in Lathrop, MO; Died May 12, 1929, in Houston, TX (age 61).
  5. Millard Fillmore Blake: Born January 15, 1856 in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA; Died May 8, 1906 in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA (age 50). Married August 20, 1875, in Pennsylvania to Mary Alice Fluke: Born August 5, 1852, in Pennsylvania; Died May 9, 1929, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John A. Markley, 1400 N. Second St., Harrisburg, PA (age 76).
  6. William Packer Blake: Born November 4, 1857 in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA; Died April 4, 1946 in Hyattsville, MD (age 88). Married July 26, 1881, in Unknown to Loula Sophia Gangwer: Born April 3, 1860, in Linville Township, Rockingham Co., VA; Died January 8, 1945, in Unknown (age 84).
  7. Warren Blake: Born March 1859 in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA; Died before 1870 in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA (age Unknown).
  8. Mary Ellen Blake: Born March 12, 1861, in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA; Died December 26, 1938, at her home in Martinsburg, Blair Co., PA (age 77). Married 1897 in Youngstown, Luzerne Co., PA, to Ralph N. Ridenour: Born May 1867 in Ohio; Died after 1930 in Unknown. Divorced about 1899.
  9. Ulysses Simpson Grant Blake: Born May 14, 1866 in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA; Died November 21, 1942 in Burrton, KS (age 76). Married (1) May 22, 1886/7 in Fredonia, Wilson Co., KS, to Lola Irma Benell: Born May 25, 1871, in Fredonia, Wilson Co., KS; Died December 1, 1897, in Herrington, Dickinson Co., KS (age 26). Married (2) about 1899 in Kansas to Lizzie J. Unknown: Born April 1866 in Pennsylvania; Died Unknown. Married (3) about 1909 in Kansas to Isadore Unknown: Born about 1874 in Indiana; Died after 1930 in Unknown.
  10. Adaline J. "Alice" Blake: Born December 1868 in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA; Died died January 29, 1938, in Martinsburg, Bedford (Blair) County, PA (age 69). Married about 1897 in Pennsylvania to Howard Wogan: Born October 1872 in Porter Twp., Huntingdon Co., PA; Died November 13, 1940, in Altoona, Blair Co., PA (age 68).

TIMELINE

James Blake, Sr. was born September 14, 1819, in Washington Co., MD.

James Blake, Sr. removed from Maryland to Martinsburg with his parents in 1820.

Margaret Ellen Brown was born about 1827 in Indiana.

James and Ellen were married March 14, 1844 in Duncansville, Blair Co., PA.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on August 28, 1850 shows James Blake (age 28) born in Pennsylvania is a blacksmith living in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife Margrett Blake (age 23) born in Pennsylvania. Also living there are: John W. P. Blake (age 2) born in Pennsylvania; and Burdine Blake (age 5/12) born in Pennsylvania. Also in the household are: Simon Blake (age 20) born in Pennsylvania, a Blacksmith; and William Blake (age 26) born in Pennsylvania, a  Blacksmith.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on June 1, 1860 shows James Blake (age 40) born in Maryland is a Blacksmith with real estate worth $300 and personal estate worth $200 living in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife Margaret Blake (age 30) born in Pennsylvania. Also living there are their children, all born in Pennsylvania: John Blake (age 11); Burdine Blake (age 8); Sharlot Blake (age 7); James Blake (age 6); Fillmore Blake age 5); Packer Blake (age 3); and Warren Blake (age 8/12).

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 1, 1870 shows James Blake (age 52) born in Pennsylvania is a Blacksmith with real estate worth $1,600 and personal estate worth $200 living in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife Ellen Blake (age 40) born in Pennsylvania. Also living there are their children, all born in Pennsylvania: John Blake (age 22) a School Teacher; Birdine Blake (age 20) a Blacksmith; Jennie Blake (age 18); James Blake (age 16); Philmore Blake age 14); Packer Blake (age 13); Mary Blake (age 9); Grant Blake (age 4); and Adda Blake (age 2).

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 3, 1880 shows James Blake (age 59) born in Maryland  to Maryland-born parents is a blacksmith living in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife Ellen Blake (age 52) born in Indiana to Maryland-born parents. Also living there are his children: Burdine Blake (age 29) born in Maryland, who is a blacksmith; Mary Blake (age 19) born in Pennsylvania; Grant Blake (age 12) born in Pennsylvania; and Adaline Blake (age 11) born in Pennsylvania.

James Blake Sr. died July 9, 1896, in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA, at age 76. He was buried in Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg, Blair Co., PA.

The Altoona Mirror, Altoona, PA, July 10, 1896

JAMES BLAKE, SR.

The oldest resident of Martinsburg died of pleuro pneumonia, the result of a cold contracted during the semi-centennial, at his home in that place, at 2:35 o'clock yesterday morning. The deceased was born in Maryland, September 18, 1819, and removed to Martinsburg with his parents in 1820. He was a blacksmith and ran a shop of his own until too old to attend to the business. He served in Company H, Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania volunteers, during the war, and was a member of Peter Schuman Post No. 574, G.A.R. He was also a member of Roaring Spring lodge No. 445, I.O.O.F., and the Hollidaysburg lodge of Masons. On March 14, 1844, he married Miss Margaret E. Brown in Duncansville. She survives him, as do the following sons and daughters: John W., of Altoona; James, Jr., and U. G. of Sawpit, Col.; W. Packer, of Emahaka, I. T.; M. F., of Martinsburg; Mrs. Charlotte J. McCready, of Duncansville; Burdine, Misses Mary and Alice J., at home. Rev. Packer W. Blake has been a missionary among the Indians in the far west for some twelve years. He together with his wife and four children, arrived at home on Tuesday evening. Mr. Blake was a member of the Church of God until a few years ago, when he became a Methodist. The funeral will take place at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning; services to be conducted in the Methodist church.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 2, 1900 shows Margaret Blake (age 39) born March 1861 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is divorced head of household and living in North Woodbury Twp., Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA whose only child born to her is still living. Living with him is her unmarried brother Burdine Blake (age 50) born March 1850 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who is a Blacksmith. Also living there is her uncle William Brown (age 75) born October 1824 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents who is a Blacksmith; and her son James Ridenour (age 2) born March 1898 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents.

The Altoona Mirror, Altoona, PA, Thursday, May 10, 1906

MILLARD F. BLAKE, A prominent resident of Blair county and a brother of John W. Blake of this city, died at his home in Martinsburg at 6:15 o'clock Tuesday evening. His death primarily resulted from a sunstroke he received several years ago, which terminated in nervous prostration. Mr. Blake was a mechanic of reputation and of an inventive turn of mind, having been the patentee of improvements in dumping cars, truss rods, etc, and the inventor of the car, the patent of which is in litigation in our courts with the Pennsylvania railroad company. He was born on January 15, 1856, being a son of James (deceased) and Margaret Ellen Blake. His entire life was spent in Martinsburg and he died in the house in which he was born. He is survived by his wife and the following sons and daughter: Roland, who is a soldier in the United States army,, now serving in the Philippines; Walter, in the government service, and at present located at Denver, Col.; Colonel James, at home, and Edith and Myra, both of whom are married. He is also survived by the following brothers and sisters: John W. of Altoona, Rev. William P. Blake of Indian Territory, U. S. Grant Blake of Emporia, Kan., James of Montana, Mrs. Dr. McCready and Mrs. Alice Wegan of Duncansville, Mary and Burdine Blake of Martinsburg. Funeral services were conducted at the late residence this afternoon at 2 o'clock by Rev. E. H. Smith.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 28, 1910 shows Margaret E. Blake (age 83) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a widowed head of household with her own income living on North Market Street, Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA with 7 of the 15 children born to her still alive. Living with her is her unmarried son Burdine Blake (age 60) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents who is an invalid; her married daughter Mary E. Ridenour (age 49) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents who works as a house keeper for another family, who has been married for 13 years and her only child is still living; and her grandson James B. Ridenour (age 12) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents.

Margaret Ellen (Brown) Blake died September 4, 1910, in Martinsburg, Blair Co., PA, at age 83.

 

 

 

The father of below is Samuel Blake, b. about 1810 in PA.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on October 26, 1850 shows Samuel Blake (age 40) born in Pennsylvania is a Spinner living in Allegheny Twp., Blair Co., PA. Living with him is Margaret Blake (age 34) born in Pennsylvania. Others in the household, all born in Pennsylvania, are: Emily Blake (age 23); Sarah Blake (age 17); Harriet A. Blake (age 12); Josephine Blake (age 9); Wilber B. Blake (age 7); Bascom Blake (age 5); Samuel B. Blake (age 3); and Charles E. Blake (age 6/12).

 

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on June 9, 1860 shows Sam'l. Blake (age 50) born in Pennsylvania with personal estate worth $150 is a Car Builder living in North Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is Margaret Blake (age 44) born in Pennsylvania. Others in the household, all born in Pennsylvania, are: Weler B. Blake (age 17) a Car Builder's Apprentice; Bascom Blake (age 15); Sam'l. Blake (age 13); Charles E. Blake (age 6/12); and Howard Blake (age 4).

 

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 17, 1870 shows Bascom Blake (age 24) born in Pennsylvania is a Carpenter with real estate worth $1,200 living in City of Altoona, 4th Ward, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is Jennie Blake (age 24) born in Pennsylvania, who is Keeping House. Also living there are two children, both born in Pennsylvania: Harry Blake (age 3); and William Blake (age 1).

 

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 8, 1880 shows Baskom M. Blake (age 35) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a Carpenter living at 1302 5th Avenue, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife Margaret J. Blake (age 33) born in Pennsylvania to Ireland and Pennsylvania-born parents, who is Keeping House. Also living there are their children, all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents: Harry Blake (age 12); William Blake (age 10); Jennie Blake (age 9); Ellie Blake (age 7); Baskom Blake (age 5); and Samuel Blake (age 3).

 

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 5, 1900 shows Bascom M. Blake (age 54) born November 1845 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a Contractor and Builder renting his home at 1300 5th Avenue, 4th Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife of 32 years, Margaret J. Blake (age 54) born September 1845 in Pennsylvania to Irish and Pennsylvania-born parents, with all 8 of the children born to her still living. Also living there are their unmarried children, all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents: Minnie E. Blake (age 27) born September 1872; Anna L. Blake (age 17) born May 1883; and Laticia Blake (age 12) born July 1887. Also living there is his unmarried cousin, Margaret K. Brown (age 35) born August 1864 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who is a Stenographer for a Lawyer. Harry E. Blake lives next door.

 

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 5, 1900 shows Angeline Thompson (age 69) born August 1830 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a widow renting her home at 1302 5th Avenue, 4th Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with her is her unmarried son Milton S. Thompson (age 41) born December 1858 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who is a Machine Shop Laborer. Also living there are her son-in-law, Harry E. Blake (age 31) born November 1868 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who is a Machinist. Also her daughter who has been married 1 year with the only child born to her living, Mary E. Blake (age 26) born September 1875 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents. Also her granddaughter, Edna M. Blake (age 2/12) born April 1900 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents. A boarder also lives in the house.

 

 

Altoona Mirror, Altoona, PA, Saturday, July 23, 1904

 

Bascom Blake, Jr., of this city, while hitching up a horse yesterday afternoon, had his eye blackened. When reaching down in front of the animal to pick up some object, the horse raised up one of his fore feet, its knee striking him in the eye.

 

 

Bedford Gazette, Bedford, PA, Friday, January 27, 1905

 

George W. Putt, of Puttstown, died on Thursday of last week, aged 66 years, three months and 25 days. Mr. Putt was a carpenter by occupation. During his lifetime he filled a number of public offices, namely, election officer, census enumerator, tax collector and justice of the peace. For 28 years he was a member of the Church of God. His wife and the following children survive him: Henry, of Sharon; Miles, A. E., David and Andrew, Mrs. Mary Blake and Mrs. Lizzie E. Hollingshead, of Saxton. The funeral service was held on Saturday, Rev. F. W. McGuire officiating. Interment in the Feckler cemetery.

 

 

The Bedford Gazette, Bedford, PA, Friday, January 19, 1917

 

Deeds Recorded

 

Geo. W. Enyeart et al to Mary A. Blake, lot in Saxton Borough; $300.

 

The Altoona Mirror, Altoona, PA, Saturday, December 21, 1918

MARTINSBURG.

An announcement of the marriage of Captain Roland G. Blake to Miss Edna Mildred Stansbury, December 12, at Jamaica, N. Y., was received by the groom's aunt, Mrs. Mary Ridenour. Mr. Blake was a former Martinsburg boy. He is now attached to the air service aeronautics, U. S. A.

 

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 5, 1920 shows Bascomb M. Blake (age 44) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a Contractor Own Home who owns his home free of a mortgage at 1306 5th Avenue, 4th Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife, Mary M. Blake (age 44) born in Pennsylvania to German and Pennsylvania-born parents. Also living there are his unmarried children, all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents: Josephine E. Blake (age 21); a Wholesale Broker Stenographer; Collins R. Blake (age 16), a Shoe Store Clerk; Charles E. Blake (age 14), a Shoe Store Delivery Boy; Audrey N. Blake (age 10); and Margaret R. Blake (age 7).

 

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 5, 1920 shows Margaret J. Blake (age 74) born in Pennsylvania to Unknown and Pennsylvania-born parents is a widow who owns his home free of a mortgage at 1300 5th Avenue, 4th Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with her is her unmarried daughter, Minnie E. Blake (age 47) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents. Margaret's unmarried cousin also lives there: Kate M. Brown (age 65) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents who is a Notary Public at her Own Office.

 

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 5, 1920 shows Harry E. Blake (age 51) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a Machinist at the Pennsylvania Railroad Automatic Shop who rents his home at 1302 5th Avenue, 4th Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with her is his wife, Mazie E. Blake (age 41) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents. Also living there are his unmarried children, all all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents: Edna M. Blake (age 19); Margaretta E. Blake (age 13); and Harry E. Blake (age 9).