Remembering Yankton October 31, 1981

I've been thinking about my journey to Yankton, South Dakota.  I can't forget it. I've learned more about my family connections over the years.

It's been 34 years since I met my Great Auntie Mary "Lovie" (KINNEY) BLAKEY. She was my Grandpa John BLAKEY / BLAKLEY's sister in law. Great Auntie Mary was my only Great Auntie that I remember meeting in person. That was the only time we've met.

On Saturday, October 31, 1981, I met some other relatives in Yankton. Some of Mary's grandchildren, Mary Jane and her husband James LIGHTNER and Mary Jane's sister Doris and some of their children.

It was a long journey getting there. I was glad, I made it. It was on this day that discovered who my Great Grandpa was. I thought his name was John Blakey. But his name was Isaac Blakey. Mary Jane had a photo of our Great Grandpa Isaac with his wife Rachel. I was amazed to see that photo. I wished I took a picture of it. Below is a photo of my Great Grandpa Isaac.

Private Isaac Blakey
(1845- 1917)

I was fascinated by all the things Great Aunt Mary and cousin, Mary Jane had been sharing with me through our corresponds over the years. As I look back, I'm thankful that I kept the letters that Mary Jane wrote me. I've been re reading them. There are some things I forgot about.

I've been searching more of the clues that Mary Jane spoke of in her letters. At that time, I didn't know what cousin Mary was speaking about. But, as I'm coming across more information, there are some things that are making some sense.

I thank God for all that I've encountered on my journey quest to know more about my family connections. I have come across a lot of relatives in the process. I hope to connect with more. If not in person, by internet. That's how I have been finding family connections.

Thanks for reading.
S. A. Blakley

1983 Letter From Mary Jane (Blakey) Lightner : On Her Blakey Grandparents

In Loving Memory Of Mary Jane (Blakey) Ligthner And Lucinda Mary (Kinney) Blakey

This photo of Mary Jane (Blakey) Lightner was taken in July of 1985 in her home in Yankton, South Dakota.
She was  the daughter of Leroy Everette Blakey and Thelma Jane Trudell. Mary was married James Zell Lightner.  

Mary Jane Lightner passed on September 15, 2003. She was one of my South Dakota cousin. I first got in contact with her during the Summer of 1981. We corresponded with one another through the mail.

 I was searching for my Blakey Family Connections. Mary Jane and her Grandmother, Lucinda Mary (Kinney) Blakey were helping me on my search. Through our correspondence, Mary Jane in visited me to come to Yankton. I met Mary and some of her family on Saturday, October 31, 1981 in Yankton.

I'm so thankful that my cousin, Mary and my Great Aunt Mary took the time to help me on my family quest. They shared with me what they knew about the Blakey family history. I heard some things I didn't know about my Great Grandfather, Isaac Blakey. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to travel to South Dakota to met them in 1981.

 As I look back on that day, I have come across more info on my Blakey Family Connections. I don't think I could have made it this far in my journey without the help of my cousin Mary and Great Mary. I learned a lot on that visit.

I thank God for the people he has placed in my life to assist me on my family history journey. There were some who help me so dearly. They gave my inspiration to continue on my search.

Cousin, Mary Jane and Great Aunt Mary are missed. But not forgotton.  I believe that we will see one another again. Thank God for family reunions.

Thanks for reading.
Susan