Family Connections: Gathering The Generations
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Awareness Of Some Things
In October of 2009, I was searching for my family history. I was aware of something for the first time. It was like something new to me. But it's been there all along.
I was doing some research on my father's mother's side. A thought come to me. Here's what I came up with.
My Grandma Jennie BARTLETT ( 1883 -1926) had about 6 half siblings born into slavery. Her father, Elais W. BARTLETT Sr. He was born about 1822. He remarried to his second wife, Harriet HOOPER ( 1849 -1909).
They were married for about 25 year and had about 6 children. Elais had other children with his first wife Rachel. All but one was born into slavery.
I was thinking about my great aunts and great uncles. In 1981, I met my Great Aunt Mary. She was my Grandpa John's sister in law. Great Aunt Mary was born in 1894. She was about 89 when we met.
When we think of Grandparents and Great Aunts and Great Uncles, we can get the thought of them being up in age. I mean the type of mind set of an elderly person. How old is old to be an aunt, an uncle, a parent or a grandparent ?
I know of some people who become grandparents in their 40's and some in their 30's. As for being a great aunt, I've been one since I was about 23.
It's in how we look that things. I didn't know how I didn't see that some of my Grandma Jennie's sibling were slaves. Oh, well. I'm glad that it came to my awareness. What more will I come across?
Staying On The Journey
Awareness Of Some Things
It's good to know.
Have A Good Day!
Blessings,
Susan
I was doing some research on my father's mother's side. A thought come to me. Here's what I came up with.
My Grandma Jennie BARTLETT ( 1883 -1926) had about 6 half siblings born into slavery. Her father, Elais W. BARTLETT Sr. He was born about 1822. He remarried to his second wife, Harriet HOOPER ( 1849 -1909).
They were married for about 25 year and had about 6 children. Elais had other children with his first wife Rachel. All but one was born into slavery.
I was thinking about my great aunts and great uncles. In 1981, I met my Great Aunt Mary. She was my Grandpa John's sister in law. Great Aunt Mary was born in 1894. She was about 89 when we met.
When we think of Grandparents and Great Aunts and Great Uncles, we can get the thought of them being up in age. I mean the type of mind set of an elderly person. How old is old to be an aunt, an uncle, a parent or a grandparent ?
I know of some people who become grandparents in their 40's and some in their 30's. As for being a great aunt, I've been one since I was about 23.
It's in how we look that things. I didn't know how I didn't see that some of my Grandma Jennie's sibling were slaves. Oh, well. I'm glad that it came to my awareness. What more will I come across?
Staying On The Journey
Awareness Of Some Things
It's good to know.
Have A Good Day!
Blessings,
Susan
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Frances Ovington Dade Connection
I've been thinking about some of the family history information that I have found. What can I say about my mother's father's mother's mother, Frances Ovington Dade? After gathering information on her, I think that I can write some things about her.
I came across Frances Dade's name on my Great Grandparents' Charlotta Dade and Lewis ( Robert) Lankford's marriage record dated on Jan 23, 1873. I assume that Frances was my Great Grandma Charlotta's relative. But which one?
It was on July 31, 2008, that the mystery was solved. Who was Frances? Frances was Charlotta's mother. I found that information on Charlotta's death record. That gave me leads to search more.
I've already seen Frances' name on census records. So, I knew where to look. Frances was married to an Isaac Dade. By the way, Isaac's name was on Charlotta's marriage and death records too.
After rechecking census records, I made some new discoveries. I don't know much about Frances' husband Isaac. He was born about 1808 in VA. He was a laborer. He died between 1880 and 1900. His parents were from VA.
On census records Frances, a.k.a Frankie was listed as keeping house. She was listed on the 1900 census as being born in Dec of 1799. Then on the other census records her year of birth was between 1810 to 1813. She and her parents were from in KY.
According to the 1900 census Frances was a widow. She had 14 children. Seven of her children were still living in 1900. I've been trying to figure out who were Francis' children.
I came up with 4 of Frances' children:
1. Mary Ann Dade Madison (1836 - 1921)
2. Louis Newton Dade (1847 - 1937)
3. Isaac Dade (1850 - ca 1880)
4. Charlotta Dade Lankford (1852 -1924)
Where was the connection with Mary Ann Dade Madison?
She was listed with her on the 1900 census as daughter.
She and Isaac listed on Mary's death record.
Where was the connections with Louis Dade?
He was listed with her and Isaac on the 1870 census as son.
He lived near her and Isaac on the 1880 census.
She and Isaac listed on Louis' death record.
Where was the connection with Isaac Dade?
I believe he was one of Frances' son.
Out of 14 children I think that there was an Isaac Jr.
I think there could have been a Francis too.
As for Charlotta Dade Lankford's connection?
Frances was listed on Charlotta's death record.
Frances was listed on Charlotta's marriage record.
I can assume other Dades in Lewis County could have been related.
There was a Francis Dade married on Nov 18, 1871 who married John Williams.
There was Lewis Dade born about 1813 in VA. Parents from VA.
Discoveries While On The Journey
The Frances Ovington Dade Connection
My 2nd Great Grandma Frances
I found a lot about her as I did some re reading.
I think most likely Frances was born into slavery.
She was listed as black on the census records.
She lived to see her freedom from slavery.
So who was Frances Dade Ovington?
She was the mother of Charlotta Dade Lankford.
Charlotta was the mother of Leo Lankford Sr.
Leo was the father of Lula Lankford Blakley
Lula was my mother.
Blessings,
Susan
I came across Frances Dade's name on my Great Grandparents' Charlotta Dade and Lewis ( Robert) Lankford's marriage record dated on Jan 23, 1873. I assume that Frances was my Great Grandma Charlotta's relative. But which one?
It was on July 31, 2008, that the mystery was solved. Who was Frances? Frances was Charlotta's mother. I found that information on Charlotta's death record. That gave me leads to search more.
I've already seen Frances' name on census records. So, I knew where to look. Frances was married to an Isaac Dade. By the way, Isaac's name was on Charlotta's marriage and death records too.
After rechecking census records, I made some new discoveries. I don't know much about Frances' husband Isaac. He was born about 1808 in VA. He was a laborer. He died between 1880 and 1900. His parents were from VA.
On census records Frances, a.k.a Frankie was listed as keeping house. She was listed on the 1900 census as being born in Dec of 1799. Then on the other census records her year of birth was between 1810 to 1813. She and her parents were from in KY.
According to the 1900 census Frances was a widow. She had 14 children. Seven of her children were still living in 1900. I've been trying to figure out who were Francis' children.
I came up with 4 of Frances' children:
1. Mary Ann Dade Madison (1836 - 1921)
2. Louis Newton Dade (1847 - 1937)
3. Isaac Dade (1850 - ca 1880)
4. Charlotta Dade Lankford (1852 -1924)
Where was the connection with Mary Ann Dade Madison?
She was listed with her on the 1900 census as daughter.
She and Isaac listed on Mary's death record.
Where was the connections with Louis Dade?
He was listed with her and Isaac on the 1870 census as son.
He lived near her and Isaac on the 1880 census.
She and Isaac listed on Louis' death record.
Where was the connection with Isaac Dade?
I believe he was one of Frances' son.
Out of 14 children I think that there was an Isaac Jr.
I think there could have been a Francis too.
As for Charlotta Dade Lankford's connection?
Frances was listed on Charlotta's death record.
Frances was listed on Charlotta's marriage record.
I can assume other Dades in Lewis County could have been related.
There was a Francis Dade married on Nov 18, 1871 who married John Williams.
There was Lewis Dade born about 1813 in VA. Parents from VA.
Discoveries While On The Journey
The Frances Ovington Dade Connection
My 2nd Great Grandma Frances
I found a lot about her as I did some re reading.
I think most likely Frances was born into slavery.
She was listed as black on the census records.
She lived to see her freedom from slavery.
So who was Frances Dade Ovington?
She was the mother of Charlotta Dade Lankford.
Charlotta was the mother of Leo Lankford Sr.
Leo was the father of Lula Lankford Blakley
Lula was my mother.
Blessings,
Susan
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Family History: The Surnames
This was written on 15 Nov 2007
"This is the day which the Lord had made; we will be full of joy and delight in it." The Bible In Basic English
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know that I am on this journey of my family history. I want to share a little bit more on my Great Grandpa Isaac BLAKEY. a.k.a. as Private Isaac BLAKER.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I have been sharing some of my family history with you, I have told you that there were name changes through the generations. As I dug deeper into this "quest", I had come across many different spelling of our surname.
In May of 1989 I wrote a letter to a MO library. In June of that year I received a copy of a newspaper clipping that was date on February 25, 1858. I did not know that this existed... A worker at the library found it for me. He was so happy to share it with me.
We all know through American History that slaves were "property". The were bought and sold as merchandise... Well this article was the notice of "Public Sale of Negroes"... the sell of 9 slaves by W.C Harvey. I know that this sounds horrible. It's apart of history.
As I dug a little deeper into my family history, I came across that W.C. Harvey was Francis Blakey's son in law. Frances owned my ancestors. With the HELP from another person on this journey, I found even more information that I did not know.
As I have been re reading some of my old letters from my cousins and others who have came across my path, I am discovering more and more. My mind is wondering...why did not I see that before.
Here is an example... I told you that I thought that our Great Grandpa was John BLAKEY. We found out that his first name was Isaac. Two days ago a revelation hit me. My Great Grandpa had a "full" brother named John. [I believe that they had the same mother and father.]
I knew that my Great Grandpa had a brother named John but I didn't realized something. I thought that John's last name was BLAKEY. His last name was WHITE. That's the other name that is in our family. Our Great Grandpa Isaac was the only known person in his family with the Blakey surname. [His family= parents and siblings]
Here is a bit of our oral history from our family reunion booklets. " The White-Blakey-Blakley Family traces their generations back to the year 1843. After arriving in New Orleans, from Africa on a slave ship, a mother and her three sons and a daughter were sold at a slave auction and given a bill of sale.
Nothing was ever mentioned of the father, but this happened in many slavery cases. The two oldest Isaac 12 and John 10 were sold to a man by the name Blakey and he took them to Forest Green, Mo.
John remained there but Isaac at the age of 16 ran away and joined the Union Army. He fought for three years and nine months until the Civil War ended and the emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln and Slavery was abolished.
Isaac then returned to New Orleans to find the rest of his family who had not been sold with him. He was told that his mother and brothers, Spencer and Dick and his sister, Matt had been sold to a slave holder named White and shipped to Natchez, MS.
He went there and located them easily. He convinced them that Forest Green, MO was a better place to live, so they moved there were where John [Blakey] was still living there...."
I came across more discoveries on this leading. That article that I mention...."Slavery Descendants To Have First Reunion" took place in the early 1970's in Sioux City Iowa. That article confused me some.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cousin Leslie and his mother Willie. Cousin Willie was the oldest and last member of the descendant of Richard White who was my Great Grandpa Isaac's brother. [Willie was one of my 2nd Great Uncle Richard's daughters.]
Both Willie and Leslie are in heaven. I have been re reading some of their letters. They wrote so much about our family history in the letters that they sent me. They were so eagerly wanting to reunite the "family" together with reunions. They had a hunger to learn more about our family history.
The wanted to have a REUNION to JOIN together the Blakeys, the Whites and the Blakleys as one. [Our common ancestors= the father and the mother to the very first generation ---The father and mother from Africa.]
Mrs. Willie was one of the person who had the first reunions in Sioux City Iowa. As I have been re reading her letters. I have been reminded of the "joy" that I had in finding out what I did not know. I believe that God led me to keep searching for more... Others who HELPED me on this journey encouraged me to not give up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What am I thankful for ? I am thankful for the covenant blessings of HELP, STRENGTH, and JOY that God has upon my life. I am thankful that God leads my path when I don't know which way to go.
I am thankful that God brings helpers into our daily lives so that they can "lighten" our loads from our troubles. I am thankful that others are encouraging one another. It's an honor to be honored when honor is due. I thank God for honor.
I am thankful for that God leads me to strength to strength as the joy of the Lord is my strength of all my days. I am thankful for the Help that is there from God in times when I am high, higher than a kite or when I am feeling down, way down "lower than dirt". God is so faithful. He knows what I need more than I do. He brings me through whatever.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever day you are reading is entry, Have An Adventurous Day!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's A New Day Dawning! The quest continues...~Susie~
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Spiritual grit is what we need." Oswald Chambers
Additional information about this story
Description Surname
Date
Location
Attached to Andrew White (1813 - )
Isaac Blakey (1847 - 1917)
"This is the day which the Lord had made; we will be full of joy and delight in it." The Bible In Basic English
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know that I am on this journey of my family history. I want to share a little bit more on my Great Grandpa Isaac BLAKEY. a.k.a. as Private Isaac BLAKER.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I have been sharing some of my family history with you, I have told you that there were name changes through the generations. As I dug deeper into this "quest", I had come across many different spelling of our surname.
In May of 1989 I wrote a letter to a MO library. In June of that year I received a copy of a newspaper clipping that was date on February 25, 1858. I did not know that this existed... A worker at the library found it for me. He was so happy to share it with me.
We all know through American History that slaves were "property". The were bought and sold as merchandise... Well this article was the notice of "Public Sale of Negroes"... the sell of 9 slaves by W.C Harvey. I know that this sounds horrible. It's apart of history.
As I dug a little deeper into my family history, I came across that W.C. Harvey was Francis Blakey's son in law. Frances owned my ancestors. With the HELP from another person on this journey, I found even more information that I did not know.
As I have been re reading some of my old letters from my cousins and others who have came across my path, I am discovering more and more. My mind is wondering...why did not I see that before.
Here is an example... I told you that I thought that our Great Grandpa was John BLAKEY. We found out that his first name was Isaac. Two days ago a revelation hit me. My Great Grandpa had a "full" brother named John. [I believe that they had the same mother and father.]
I knew that my Great Grandpa had a brother named John but I didn't realized something. I thought that John's last name was BLAKEY. His last name was WHITE. That's the other name that is in our family. Our Great Grandpa Isaac was the only known person in his family with the Blakey surname. [His family= parents and siblings]
Here is a bit of our oral history from our family reunion booklets. " The White-Blakey-Blakley Family traces their generations back to the year 1843. After arriving in New Orleans, from Africa on a slave ship, a mother and her three sons and a daughter were sold at a slave auction and given a bill of sale.
Nothing was ever mentioned of the father, but this happened in many slavery cases. The two oldest Isaac 12 and John 10 were sold to a man by the name Blakey and he took them to Forest Green, Mo.
John remained there but Isaac at the age of 16 ran away and joined the Union Army. He fought for three years and nine months until the Civil War ended and the emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln and Slavery was abolished.
Isaac then returned to New Orleans to find the rest of his family who had not been sold with him. He was told that his mother and brothers, Spencer and Dick and his sister, Matt had been sold to a slave holder named White and shipped to Natchez, MS.
He went there and located them easily. He convinced them that Forest Green, MO was a better place to live, so they moved there were where John [Blakey] was still living there...."
I came across more discoveries on this leading. That article that I mention...."Slavery Descendants To Have First Reunion" took place in the early 1970's in Sioux City Iowa. That article confused me some.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cousin Leslie and his mother Willie. Cousin Willie was the oldest and last member of the descendant of Richard White who was my Great Grandpa Isaac's brother. [Willie was one of my 2nd Great Uncle Richard's daughters.]
Both Willie and Leslie are in heaven. I have been re reading some of their letters. They wrote so much about our family history in the letters that they sent me. They were so eagerly wanting to reunite the "family" together with reunions. They had a hunger to learn more about our family history.
The wanted to have a REUNION to JOIN together the Blakeys, the Whites and the Blakleys as one. [Our common ancestors= the father and the mother to the very first generation ---The father and mother from Africa.]
Mrs. Willie was one of the person who had the first reunions in Sioux City Iowa. As I have been re reading her letters. I have been reminded of the "joy" that I had in finding out what I did not know. I believe that God led me to keep searching for more... Others who HELPED me on this journey encouraged me to not give up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What am I thankful for ? I am thankful for the covenant blessings of HELP, STRENGTH, and JOY that God has upon my life. I am thankful that God leads my path when I don't know which way to go.
I am thankful that God brings helpers into our daily lives so that they can "lighten" our loads from our troubles. I am thankful that others are encouraging one another. It's an honor to be honored when honor is due. I thank God for honor.
I am thankful for that God leads me to strength to strength as the joy of the Lord is my strength of all my days. I am thankful for the Help that is there from God in times when I am high, higher than a kite or when I am feeling down, way down "lower than dirt". God is so faithful. He knows what I need more than I do. He brings me through whatever.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever day you are reading is entry, Have An Adventurous Day!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's A New Day Dawning! The quest continues...~Susie~
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Spiritual grit is what we need." Oswald Chambers
Additional information about this story
Description Surname
Date
Location
Attached to Andrew White (1813 - )
Isaac Blakey (1847 - 1917)
Friday, January 1, 2010
It's A New Year
Happy New Year!
My quest for the family history continues. I don't know what I will discover this year. I hope that I will locate my Great Grandma Laura WALTERS and her daughter Mary and step children on the 1900 census.
There is so much out there. I don't know where to look for things. There are some family reunions in the works on my father's side and mother's side this year.
2010 is a census year too. I hope to add more to the family tree. There are so many cousins out there. Long lost relatives.
I have my blog entries set for this year. I hope to add more stories along this journey. Most of what I have are blogs that I've already written. There were some blogs I have updated.
I started this website to combine all of what I have written in one location. I'm recording what I find along the way.
Have A Great 2010!
Happy Searching,
Susan
My quest for the family history continues. I don't know what I will discover this year. I hope that I will locate my Great Grandma Laura WALTERS and her daughter Mary and step children on the 1900 census.
There is so much out there. I don't know where to look for things. There are some family reunions in the works on my father's side and mother's side this year.
2010 is a census year too. I hope to add more to the family tree. There are so many cousins out there. Long lost relatives.
I have my blog entries set for this year. I hope to add more stories along this journey. Most of what I have are blogs that I've already written. There were some blogs I have updated.
I started this website to combine all of what I have written in one location. I'm recording what I find along the way.
Have A Great 2010!
Happy Searching,
Susan
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Looking Back At 2009
As I look back over this year, I feel as I have accomplished a lot through my research on the family tree. It took some time to do. It was nice to find out more things.
I came across three relatives on the Internet. Two of them are searching on ancestry.com. I added more of relatives by using ancestry.com.
It's fun to find out more on the family lineage. I brings some accomplishment on the journey. I have been compiling things as I am on this journey.
I hope that this year was OK for you. Hope that you will have a Wonderful 2010. 2010 is a census year.
May we be counted. Our future generation will be looking back on the records. May they find wonderful finding.
While On The Journey
Looking Back At 2009
Now may we look forward.
There are many good things out there.
May we find them.
Blessings for the New Year.
Susan
I came across three relatives on the Internet. Two of them are searching on ancestry.com. I added more of relatives by using ancestry.com.
It's fun to find out more on the family lineage. I brings some accomplishment on the journey. I have been compiling things as I am on this journey.
I hope that this year was OK for you. Hope that you will have a Wonderful 2010. 2010 is a census year.
May we be counted. Our future generation will be looking back on the records. May they find wonderful finding.
While On The Journey
Looking Back At 2009
Now may we look forward.
There are many good things out there.
May we find them.
Blessings for the New Year.
Susan
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Life Of Isaac Blakey
Written on 9 Aug 2007
Private Isaac BLAKER Civil War U.S.C.H.A. 6th, 5th, and 2nd
* Howard County MO
* Slave owners: Frances (WHITE) BLAKEY John May BLAKEY and (?) others
* Isaac was a slave to the BLAKEY's since he was a small child
* Frances and her son, Y.C. BLAKEY helped raise him up to Isaac being sold and/or ran away 1857 cira -1861
* Civil War Time
* Isaac age 16, 5'3' tall join the MS Union Army on 1 November 1863 as Private Isaac BLAKER
* Served in United States Colored Heavy Artillery Company H. Regiments: 6,5 and 2
* Stationed Natchez MS and Vidalia LA
* Injured in April of 1864 by a bayonet to his left leg
* Honorably discharged on 13 May 1866
* MS Residence
* Married first wife: Martha SCOTT around 1870 cira
* Martha possible died after giving birth to twin sons on 21 June 1871
* Married second wife: Rachel LEFEW/LAFAYETTE (1859-1916)
* MS Natchez and Woodvill MS areas near or on Hew Davis and Woodlong Plantations
* MO Residence
* Chariton County MO around 1880
* Isaac lived in Salisbury area
* By 1890 he was 5'10" tall and was 180 pounds
* According to an Ed WHITE, Isaac was an AFRICAN born in MO
* Isaac was a farmer at age 72
* Died on 23 December 1917 in Salisbury, MO
* Isaac's mother was Julia WHITE
* Isaac's father was Andrew WHITE
* Isaac was buried in Forest Green, MO on Christmas Day 1917
Additional Information on Isaac BLAKEY:
Pensioner: Isaac BLAKEY
Purchased 1983-1984 complete file through the archives.
Solider: Isaac BLAKER
Pension/ Military/ Medical Rank Private
81 pgs 5pgs 1 page
United States
Colored Heavy Artillery Company H 6,5, and 2
Station: Natchez, MS
MS Artillery Mustard out Vidalia, LA 1 November 1863 - 13 may 1866
Information about this story
Description Compiled information on Isaac Blakey, the ex slave from MO.
Date 20 Feb 1993 and 25 March 2000
Location
Attached to Isaac Blakey (1847 - 1917)
Private Isaac BLAKER Civil War U.S.C.H.A. 6th, 5th, and 2nd
* Accepted birth on 30 June 1847 (1845) in Roanoke MO (1845-1849)
* Slave owners: Frances (WHITE) BLAKEY John May BLAKEY and (?) others
* Isaac was a slave to the BLAKEY's since he was a small child
* Frances and her son, Y.C. BLAKEY helped raise him up to Isaac being sold and/or ran away 1857 cira -1861
* Civil War Time
* Isaac age 16, 5'3' tall join the MS Union Army on 1 November 1863 as Private Isaac BLAKER
* Served in United States Colored Heavy Artillery Company H. Regiments: 6,5 and 2
* Stationed Natchez MS and Vidalia LA
* Injured in April of 1864 by a bayonet to his left leg
* Honorably discharged on 13 May 1866
* MS Residence
* Married first wife: Martha SCOTT around 1870 cira
* Martha possible died after giving birth to twin sons on 21 June 1871
* Married second wife: Rachel LEFEW/LAFAYETTE (1859-1916)
* MS Natchez and Woodvill MS areas near or on Hew Davis and Woodlong Plantations
* MO Residence
* Chariton County MO around 1880
* Isaac lived in Salisbury area
* By 1890 he was 5'10" tall and was 180 pounds
* According to an Ed WHITE, Isaac was an AFRICAN born in MO
* Isaac was a farmer at age 72
* Died on 23 December 1917 in Salisbury, MO
* Isaac's mother was Julia WHITE
* Isaac's father was Andrew WHITE
* Isaac was buried in Forest Green, MO on Christmas Day 1917
Additional Information on Isaac BLAKEY:
Pensioner: Isaac BLAKEY
Purchased 1983-1984 complete file through the archives.
Solider: Isaac BLAKER
Pension/ Military/ Medical Rank Private
81 pgs 5pgs 1 page
United States
Colored Heavy Artillery Company H 6,5, and 2
Station: Natchez, MS
MS Artillery Mustard out Vidalia, LA 1 November 1863 - 13 may 1866
Information about this story
Description Compiled information on Isaac Blakey, the ex slave from MO.
Date 20 Feb 1993 and 25 March 2000
Location
Attached to Isaac Blakey (1847 - 1917)
Friday, December 4, 2009
A Photo
This was written on 15 Nov 2007
Family History--Yankton Visit----The Photo
"This is the day The LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it". New Living Translation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Entry September 11, 1985 ...The photo of Great Grandpa and his wife....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[My] Great Aunt [Mary] talked to us for about ten minutes while we were there, we got a chance to see pictures of our ancestors. The one that I [took] special attention to was a black and white picture of my Great Grandpa Isaac and his wife Rachael.
They were standing posting for a picture. The background was fizzy...[there was] a cow at the left of the picture. My Great Grandpa [Isaac] was wearing a hat. He looked like and elderly old man because he had a cane in his right hand.
His, [Great Grandpa's] suit was dark and [he] had a white shirt on. Also his overall appearance he was slightly bent over. [His skin was] dark complexion with high cheekbones.
My Great Grandpa's wife was called Rachael. She was also [had] dark complexion. Her appearance was somewhat over looking then [Great Grandpa] Isaac's.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Entry September 13, 1985
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
She looked like an over worked woman. There was no expression on her face. She was dressed in a long dress [which was] very decorative.
After I [looked] at that photograph for about a minute, I felt that this [photo represented a key to my family's past and showed me a piece of history...this] was my Great Grandpa. Isaac. I could only image what he looked like. I saw proof of my Great Grandparents existent by a photograph. I never thought that I could actually find a picture of any older generation.
These movements that I was in this house of my Great Aunt [Mary] were unbelievable. Everything she told us was new to us. We didn't know very much about our family's past. She filled us in on what she knew.
She told us that our Grandpa John came to Yankton...very sick. She could not recall the year, but it was around 1913 -1915. She recalled that her husband, Spencer helped [Grandpa] John settle down.
About two weeks past she receives a letter from Jennie, John's wife. [Grandpa] John had died up in Yankton, but [Grandma] Jennie couldn't come and live in Yankton. [I believe that Great Aunt Mary already knew Grandpa John had passed. It is my assumption that Grandma Jennie sent this letter in return of what her plans were.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is more of what I wrote on September 30, 1985...some is a repeat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After I had visited my Great Aunt Mary it was time to go [start back] home. What I have learned would be treasured for a lifetime. Great Aunt Mary was a very friendly old woman. When I visited her, and her granddaughter, Mary told me that she, Great Aunt Mary was not feeling to good but she wanted to see us any way.
What I remember most about my ten minutes visit with Great Aunt [Mary] will be the feedback she gave us as we talked to her. She was a very sharp woman for her 89 years. She told us about her Irish father and her full blood American Indian mother. They, her parents seldom talked in front of her about problems. Yet she reflected on this... trying to show [us "young folks"] about her past...
This visit in Yankton is about to end...But A New Beginning In the Midst To Continue. I will stop here and fill you in on some things.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I read over my notes, I noticed a change in how I see "people of age". Now I try not to say "old" man or "elderly" woman nor use a "disability" as a "sign of a cane" for age. I see people with "age" as people who have knowledge and who have wisdom through the years that they have lived. They also experience life on their journey.
As I look back on this visit, in this gathering there were many nationalities represented in the room. Great Aunt Mary's father was Irish, New Guinean and her mother was full blooded American Cherokee Indian... adding with Mary Jane father's bloodline.... African, Spanish, and in her mother's side...French and Sioux / Cherokee American Indian.
We were told that we have some Indian blood through all our Grandparents---Indians Crow, Blackfoot and Cherokee along with African blood and other races in us. We are at least 1/8 Nigerian African from Great Grandpa Isaac. There were at least 9+ races represented in that one visit....I though about a small tribe of God.
I have many other relatives from different nationalities. There are some Mexicans, Whites, and Indian blood relatives in my family. I am not ashame to call them a member of my family.
I would not be surprise if I come across a cousin with blond hair and blue eyes. My mother told me that she heard that her father was born with "sandy color" looking hair and his eyes were somewhat blue. Some of my siblings have hazel eyes.
What am I thankful for ? I thank God for the covenant blessings of HELP, STRENGTH and JOY that God has upon my life. God gives me strength for each day. What joy that I have in the Lord. The joy of the LORD is my strength. I am thankful that I have today.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever day that you are reading this entry, Have A GREAT Day!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Day Dawning! The family history quest continues...~Susie~
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Faith is not belief without proof but trust without reservation." -- D. Elton Trueblood
Additional information about this story
Description Describing a photo
Date 1981
Location
Attached to Isaac Blakey (1847 - 1917)
Family History--Yankton Visit----The Photo
"This is the day The LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it". New Living Translation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Entry September 11, 1985 ...The photo of Great Grandpa and his wife....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[My] Great Aunt [Mary] talked to us for about ten minutes while we were there, we got a chance to see pictures of our ancestors. The one that I [took] special attention to was a black and white picture of my Great Grandpa Isaac and his wife Rachael.
They were standing posting for a picture. The background was fizzy...[there was] a cow at the left of the picture. My Great Grandpa [Isaac] was wearing a hat. He looked like and elderly old man because he had a cane in his right hand.
His, [Great Grandpa's] suit was dark and [he] had a white shirt on. Also his overall appearance he was slightly bent over. [His skin was] dark complexion with high cheekbones.
My Great Grandpa's wife was called Rachael. She was also [had] dark complexion. Her appearance was somewhat over looking then [Great Grandpa] Isaac's.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Entry September 13, 1985
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
She looked like an over worked woman. There was no expression on her face. She was dressed in a long dress [which was] very decorative.
After I [looked] at that photograph for about a minute, I felt that this [photo represented a key to my family's past and showed me a piece of history...this] was my Great Grandpa. Isaac. I could only image what he looked like. I saw proof of my Great Grandparents existent by a photograph. I never thought that I could actually find a picture of any older generation.
These movements that I was in this house of my Great Aunt [Mary] were unbelievable. Everything she told us was new to us. We didn't know very much about our family's past. She filled us in on what she knew.
She told us that our Grandpa John came to Yankton...very sick. She could not recall the year, but it was around 1913 -1915. She recalled that her husband, Spencer helped [Grandpa] John settle down.
About two weeks past she receives a letter from Jennie, John's wife. [Grandpa] John had died up in Yankton, but [Grandma] Jennie couldn't come and live in Yankton. [I believe that Great Aunt Mary already knew Grandpa John had passed. It is my assumption that Grandma Jennie sent this letter in return of what her plans were.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is more of what I wrote on September 30, 1985...some is a repeat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After I had visited my Great Aunt Mary it was time to go [start back] home. What I have learned would be treasured for a lifetime. Great Aunt Mary was a very friendly old woman. When I visited her, and her granddaughter, Mary told me that she, Great Aunt Mary was not feeling to good but she wanted to see us any way.
What I remember most about my ten minutes visit with Great Aunt [Mary] will be the feedback she gave us as we talked to her. She was a very sharp woman for her 89 years. She told us about her Irish father and her full blood American Indian mother. They, her parents seldom talked in front of her about problems. Yet she reflected on this... trying to show [us "young folks"] about her past...
This visit in Yankton is about to end...But A New Beginning In the Midst To Continue. I will stop here and fill you in on some things.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I read over my notes, I noticed a change in how I see "people of age". Now I try not to say "old" man or "elderly" woman nor use a "disability" as a "sign of a cane" for age. I see people with "age" as people who have knowledge and who have wisdom through the years that they have lived. They also experience life on their journey.
As I look back on this visit, in this gathering there were many nationalities represented in the room. Great Aunt Mary's father was Irish, New Guinean and her mother was full blooded American Cherokee Indian... adding with Mary Jane father's bloodline.... African, Spanish, and in her mother's side...French and Sioux / Cherokee American Indian.
We were told that we have some Indian blood through all our Grandparents---Indians Crow, Blackfoot and Cherokee along with African blood and other races in us. We are at least 1/8 Nigerian African from Great Grandpa Isaac. There were at least 9+ races represented in that one visit....I though about a small tribe of God.
I have many other relatives from different nationalities. There are some Mexicans, Whites, and Indian blood relatives in my family. I am not ashame to call them a member of my family.
I would not be surprise if I come across a cousin with blond hair and blue eyes. My mother told me that she heard that her father was born with "sandy color" looking hair and his eyes were somewhat blue. Some of my siblings have hazel eyes.
What am I thankful for ? I thank God for the covenant blessings of HELP, STRENGTH and JOY that God has upon my life. God gives me strength for each day. What joy that I have in the Lord. The joy of the LORD is my strength. I am thankful that I have today.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever day that you are reading this entry, Have A GREAT Day!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Day Dawning! The family history quest continues...~Susie~
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Faith is not belief without proof but trust without reservation." -- D. Elton Trueblood
Additional information about this story
Description Describing a photo
Date 1981
Location
Attached to Isaac Blakey (1847 - 1917)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Prove: What's In A Name
Written on 15 Nov 2007
Prove--What's In A Name
"This is the day that the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." Hebrew Name Version
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's the 50th day of this year. We have a warm up. It a beautiful day. Enjoy the warm weather.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's in a name?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I researched my father's lineage, I came up with different surnames. I was thankful that I had a lot of HELP from some of my cousins and other researchers along the journey.
Last week I was in bed reading my Great Grandpa Isaac Blakey's pension records. He had to prove who he was because he was disable due to what happened to him during the Civil War. [I even found one spellings of Great Grandpa Isaac's name as Blakely as well]
Around 1890 Great Grandpa Isaac applied for disability. On a statement dated May 7, 1894 Isaac explained how he was wounded..." that while drilling at camp at Natchez Mississippi in the year of 1864. In the Spring- date not remembered. He was accidentally wounded in the left leg below the knee by a bayonet in the hand of a comrad, name of comrad now forgotten.
Company was at this time (? --ing) drilled by Capt Kelsa Commanding company that said wound has never healed and is now and ever since there was continued a running sore permanently disabling him..." Isaac had trouble finding witnesses to when he was in the war.
The following are three witness that testified for Great Grandpa Isaac. Witness # 1 knew Isaac all of Isaac's life. Witness # 2 knew Isaac when he was a small child. Witness # 3 knew Isaac when they served in the Civil War together. So here are the witnesses to back up Isaac's claim that he, Isaac Blakey and Alais Isaac "Blaker" were one of the same.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Witness #1 W.C. Harvey, 73 here are his very words dated on February 17, 1899. This statement was handwritten. Who was W.C. Harvey ? The man who advertised Isaac's family up for a sell in 1857 - 1861.
I have known Isaac Blakey all of his life and well just before the Civil War in 1861-1865- that he was sober and orderly and no bad habits that I knew of and so far as I know since he [is] living about 10 miles from me."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Witness # 2...Y.C.Blakey, 63 Here are his very words ....dated February 15, 1899. This statement was handwritten.
...that he was acquainted with Isaac Blakey from the time that he was a small boy, up to the time of the breaking out of the war of rebellion from 1861 -1865 and knowledge of him was on the wise said Isaac Blakey the above name applicant belonged to his father's family and lived with them up to the time above spoken of when he last saw him, he was at his (Y.C. Blakey's) mother's house in Fayette, MO about the years 1857 to 1861 at which place he was staying at that time.
Affiant further states that Isaac Blakey had previously borne a good reputation as a slave he had no bad or vicious habits that he knew of and as far as he knows he still bears a good reputation affiant states what the fore going statements are made from personal knowledge of the facts stated.
Y.C. Blakey statement on November 18, 1899 in his own handwriting
I have know Isaac Blakey the claimant since he was a child. He belonged as a slave to my mother Francis Blakey and was raised in Howard County until he left home about the breaking out of the war in 1861. She sold him and his (? spelling) mother about that time and they went south. I lost sight of him there and did not again meet him until within the last year but I am satisfied he is the some boy His name is Blakey as that was the "family" name.
Another statement that was by Y.C. Blakey that was typed...dated April 7, 1913.
In relation to the above entitled cause; personally came before me a Notary Public in and for the County of Chariton and State of Missouri; Y.C. Blakey, who's post office address is Salisbury Chariton County, Missouri, a person well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who by me being duely sworn declare in relation to the aforesaid cause as follows: what he is 78 years old having been born in the year 1835; that he is well acquainted with Isaac Blakey, that he and his mother raised him; and to the best of his knowledge and belief, the said Isaac Blakey was born in the year 1845, that no records now exist showing the state on which the said Isaac Blakey was born. Witness my hand and Seal this the 7th, day of April 1913. (I could not read the notary of public's name.)
Who was Y.C. Blakey? Y.C. Blakey was W.C. Harvey's brother in law and son of Frances White Blakey and W. C. Harvey was the Guardian of the heirs of John Blakey's estate. I just had a thought...1/8 of the slaves were to be sold in 1857 - 1861 each of the children of Frances were to received 1/8 of the sell. Y.C. never acknowledge that he owned Isaac.
Y.C. stated that he and his mother helped raised Isaac. There were only two slaves to Francis....believed to have been a 55 year old woman and a 12 year old male on the 1860 census for the Blakeys.
On one of Great Grandpa's statement he said..." on April 5, 1913 "that he is unable to furnish either public , church or family record showing the date of his birth; the he was raised by the Blakey's, who's early family record has been destroyed; that his young master( several years his senior) Y.C. Blakey, is still living and that he will furnish an affidavit from him."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Witness # 3 Thomas Napper 53. He is his very own words dated November 8, 1899.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was a member of Co "D" 6th Miss and knew claimant Isaac Blakey in the Army in 1864. We were their in Louisiana under Commander of Col Fair and Maj Reynolds The claimant was known as Isaac Blakey and I never know a man in that regiment know as Isaac Blaker.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a minister of the gospel and have been for (? forty or four years) forty years and travel in the State of MO as an evangelist.
Deposition of Thomas Napper by Elais Shafer wrote on April 6, 1900... [ I liked what this man said... even thought it's not spoken,....I believed that Isaac knew about Jesus. If you can read between the lines of what the other witnesses...what they said and what Isaac Blakey said ...there was more to what they saying.]
I am a minister of the Gospel. I served during the Civil War in Co [Company] D 6 U.S.C.H.A. I enlisted in 1864 and served and was discharged 1865 from hospital. I first met this claimant at Natchez, Miss. after enlistment. He was in another co [company] The whole Regt was there in the Fort. I am not now certain what co [company] he was in.
I knew him will. We played marbles together and wrestled with each other. He is the only man I knew of this name or similar name in the Regt. I met him just after the war in Nov last. I was preaching at Forest Green MO. Some 6 miles from where he lived. I recognized him as quick as I saw him as the man I had know in the Regt.
He attended my meetings. He is one of the Deacons of the church. I was then doing special work. I am not quit certain as of the spelling of his name. I think he went b the name of Blakey in the army. I would not say as a fact whether he spell it as Blakey or Blaker. I know he is the same man.
We talked over our Army experiences the recalled events that occurred then so there can be no possible doubt that he is the man I knew in service. I think then is some difference in the spelling of his name. I think it was Blaker - - Blakey but just how he spells it now or how he spelled it then I would not want to say as a fact. I can be positive that he is the same man.
I made a statement for him in Nov last. That statement was correct as you have read it to me. I am not related or interested ..I have understood the question and my answers have been correctly recorded. The words "and was discharged" (? what the three were are ?) 3 were added before witness signed his statement...written by Elais Shafer, Special Examiner.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been thinking about why Great Grandpa Isaac kept the Blakey name. He even used it while he was serving in the Civil War. The Blakey name must have meant something to him. I could only imagine. Indeed Isaac surname was White. His family knew this. I thought how did this come about ?
Francis Blakey's father was John WHITE who was a wealthy man from VA. He left in his will provision for one of his slaves for the rest of her life. That stated something. Also John White (most likely) gave Francis and her husband JOHN BLAKEY land and slaves for a wedding gift. A researcher thought may be Isaac was owned by the Blakey's. His parents were owned by the Whites. I notice that in 1850 census, Francis had her own slaves as well as her husband John.
John Blakey died 25 August 1844. John's estate was in probate court. The slaves Andrew, Julia(n), Mary, Lydia, Linda, Isaac, Spencer, Andrew, and Ben were to be sold. In 1861 Isaac and his mother were the last to be sold. As a researcher share some information with me.... It was most likely that Isaac and his mother were sold to relatives of the Blakey's family in MS.
I believe that Isaac was too young to have ran away to join the army. He had to have had HELP. Isaac was said to have been 14 or 16 when he ran away. Isaac enlisted in Natchez MS. Union Army as occupation , a farmer at age 18... on Nov 1, 1863, He served until May 13, 1866.
Isaac's name at enlisting was Private Isaac BLAKER. He had to prove that he was the same person. Some how that name reminds a mystery. Isaac declared that his name was Isaac BLAKEY.... Alais Isaac Blaker may have been his freedom name that the army gave him. He was believed to have been much younger at enlistment time... He grew 6 inches in about 3 years. His accepted birth was June 30, 1847.
Isaac's family choose the WHITE surname. I can only suppose that Isaac was raised by the BLAKEYs and he liked them so much that he kept their name. When the slave owner John Blakey died his estate was in the court probate.
Isaac knew who his parents and siblings were. I believe that Isaac knew where they were in MS. That's why he found his family so easily. He knew the area. Isaac convinced his family to move to MO. The brother John White was living.
As for the article "Slavery Descendants To Have First Reunion" in the early 1970's, some of the early history is a mystery. Isaac was born in Roanoak, MO not in Africa. But however on Isaac's death record...the person who gave the information about Isaac had some knowledge of him. Isaac BLAKEY was an African.
I received a revelation on that one day about a month or so before I was saved. I was listening to radio program. The topic was on Black American or African American which is the "label" for who? I thought to myself...my Great Grandpa Isaac was born in American how can he say that he was an African. You might think that this is weird but, I voice came and said that "his parents were African." I never thought about that.
Isaac's father was Andrew WHITE from VA. His mother was unknown---I believe that her name was Julia(n) born in VA. She had at least 12 children. I believe that Isaac's parents' parents were African's making them stating that they were Africans. [ Isaac had a daughter named Julia and a son named Andrew. Isaac had a total of 20 children with two marriages. There were many same name relatives.]
My cousins stated that what they had been told [by one of Isaac's children] that the family came off the coast of Nigeria. As for the mother and her three sons and daughter ...(?) they could have been another generation. Isaac's mother's or father's parents. There are a lot of same name ancestors.
As for my Grandpa John BLAKEY, Alais John BLAKLEY Sr, he changed his name at some point on the journey from MS to Buchanan County MO. He was hard to trace. All I have on what he done was found through city directories, birth and death records and the US census records.
Somehow someone keep in contact with the different name changes over the years. As my cousin Willie said when she was growing up that "Uncle" John BLAKE would come over to their house to talk with her father.
In a December 25, 1984 letter cousin Willie wrote " I stayed up until 3 o'clock Christmas Eve night. I was trying to find out just who John [Blakley's] Blakey's father and mother was. We know that he always came to our house about every week.
We knew that he was our first cousin, but just lately we have been trying to make out just where he lived, and was he ever married and or have any children. We all loved him. When he came to our house, we didn't ask him any questions. We just called him "Uncle John Blake" in those days. We kids just called everyone that was older than we kids, were. We always called them Uncle and Aunt, men or women..."
Someone must have not forgotten "Uncle" John Blake...there was still some connections. It was during the 1970's First Reunion that the Blakey's and the White's first here of us Blakleys. Someone had to had came in contact with someone. Information was told to someone. Someone knew and told someone about what they knew about the Blakleys.
In conclusion I would like to somewhat end my sharing on this journey on my father's side. At one point in my search I had a thought what if I came across one of the slave holders descendants? I thought... that would be something.
Back during the Spring and Summer of 1993, I came across two other researchers on the BLAKEY side. They were not related to us. However they had information on the slave holders that owned my ancestors. To make a long story short. I came across one of the Great Grand daughter of Y.C. Blakey. She lived in the Kansas City, MO area.
Yeah, I found out her address. I wrote her and tried to explain to her who I was. She deny that she was related to Y.C. Blakey. Something inside me did not give up to share with her about her Great Grandpa Y.C. So I copied some of my Great Grandpa Isaac's pension records of Y.C. Blakey's handwriting. I mailed that information to her long with the other researchers that I have come across over the years.
Not too long after I mailed the package, I received a phone call from this woman. Her name was Mary Ann S. She welcome me...stating yes, she is a descendant of Y.C. Blakey. I never knew whatever happened to Mary Ann. I assume that she is in heaven. She was born in the mid 1920's. We corresponded with Christmas Cards for about 5 years.
Through this journey or my quest on my family history, I came to a point about in 1993 or 1994 asking God for forgiveness and mercy for what went on during the time of slavery. I ask God for forgiveness for my ancestors as well as slaveholders forgiveness for the sake of their descendants' forgiveness. I use to pray everyday for my family bloodline a little while after I came to Jesus in 1993. Now I am back at it. "God save my family bloodline."
I know that I did not come across researching my family history and finding out what I did by accident. I believe that God was there all the way. Where were times when I was about to give up when something "new" on my family lineage would emerge.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What am I thankful for ? I thank God for the covenant blessings of HELP and LIFE that he has upon my life and my family's lives. I am thankful that I have a family. I was not born by accident. I thank God that I have a life that He has ordained since the being of the foundation of the world.
I thank God that I have a purpose to live for. God is guiding my steps. I thank God for the connection that He has placed in my life. Jesus is on this journey of life with me. I thank God that I can share some of my life with others. I am still on this journey... this journey called life. I thank God that He has giving my LIFE. Life in Jesus Christ.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's A New Day Dawning! The quest continues...~Susie~
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever day that you're reading this entry, Have A Fun Day!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Obey Him with glad reckless joy." --Oswald Chambers"
Prove--What's In A Name
"This is the day that the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." Hebrew Name Version
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's the 50th day of this year. We have a warm up. It a beautiful day. Enjoy the warm weather.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's in a name?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I researched my father's lineage, I came up with different surnames. I was thankful that I had a lot of HELP from some of my cousins and other researchers along the journey.
Last week I was in bed reading my Great Grandpa Isaac Blakey's pension records. He had to prove who he was because he was disable due to what happened to him during the Civil War. [I even found one spellings of Great Grandpa Isaac's name as Blakely as well]
Around 1890 Great Grandpa Isaac applied for disability. On a statement dated May 7, 1894 Isaac explained how he was wounded..." that while drilling at camp at Natchez Mississippi in the year of 1864. In the Spring- date not remembered. He was accidentally wounded in the left leg below the knee by a bayonet in the hand of a comrad, name of comrad now forgotten.
Company was at this time (? --ing) drilled by Capt Kelsa Commanding company that said wound has never healed and is now and ever since there was continued a running sore permanently disabling him..." Isaac had trouble finding witnesses to when he was in the war.
The following are three witness that testified for Great Grandpa Isaac. Witness # 1 knew Isaac all of Isaac's life. Witness # 2 knew Isaac when he was a small child. Witness # 3 knew Isaac when they served in the Civil War together. So here are the witnesses to back up Isaac's claim that he, Isaac Blakey and Alais Isaac "Blaker" were one of the same.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Witness #1 W.C. Harvey, 73 here are his very words dated on February 17, 1899. This statement was handwritten. Who was W.C. Harvey ? The man who advertised Isaac's family up for a sell in 1857 - 1861.
I have known Isaac Blakey all of his life and well just before the Civil War in 1861-1865- that he was sober and orderly and no bad habits that I knew of and so far as I know since he [is] living about 10 miles from me."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Witness # 2...Y.C.Blakey, 63 Here are his very words ....dated February 15, 1899. This statement was handwritten.
...that he was acquainted with Isaac Blakey from the time that he was a small boy, up to the time of the breaking out of the war of rebellion from 1861 -1865 and knowledge of him was on the wise said Isaac Blakey the above name applicant belonged to his father's family and lived with them up to the time above spoken of when he last saw him, he was at his (Y.C. Blakey's) mother's house in Fayette, MO about the years 1857 to 1861 at which place he was staying at that time.
Affiant further states that Isaac Blakey had previously borne a good reputation as a slave he had no bad or vicious habits that he knew of and as far as he knows he still bears a good reputation affiant states what the fore going statements are made from personal knowledge of the facts stated.
Y.C. Blakey statement on November 18, 1899 in his own handwriting
I have know Isaac Blakey the claimant since he was a child. He belonged as a slave to my mother Francis Blakey and was raised in Howard County until he left home about the breaking out of the war in 1861. She sold him and his (? spelling) mother about that time and they went south. I lost sight of him there and did not again meet him until within the last year but I am satisfied he is the some boy His name is Blakey as that was the "family" name.
Another statement that was by Y.C. Blakey that was typed...dated April 7, 1913.
In relation to the above entitled cause; personally came before me a Notary Public in and for the County of Chariton and State of Missouri; Y.C. Blakey, who's post office address is Salisbury Chariton County, Missouri, a person well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who by me being duely sworn declare in relation to the aforesaid cause as follows: what he is 78 years old having been born in the year 1835; that he is well acquainted with Isaac Blakey, that he and his mother raised him; and to the best of his knowledge and belief, the said Isaac Blakey was born in the year 1845, that no records now exist showing the state on which the said Isaac Blakey was born. Witness my hand and Seal this the 7th, day of April 1913. (I could not read the notary of public's name.)
Who was Y.C. Blakey? Y.C. Blakey was W.C. Harvey's brother in law and son of Frances White Blakey and W. C. Harvey was the Guardian of the heirs of John Blakey's estate. I just had a thought...1/8 of the slaves were to be sold in 1857 - 1861 each of the children of Frances were to received 1/8 of the sell. Y.C. never acknowledge that he owned Isaac.
Y.C. stated that he and his mother helped raised Isaac. There were only two slaves to Francis....believed to have been a 55 year old woman and a 12 year old male on the 1860 census for the Blakeys.
On one of Great Grandpa's statement he said..." on April 5, 1913 "that he is unable to furnish either public , church or family record showing the date of his birth; the he was raised by the Blakey's, who's early family record has been destroyed; that his young master( several years his senior) Y.C. Blakey, is still living and that he will furnish an affidavit from him."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Witness # 3 Thomas Napper 53. He is his very own words dated November 8, 1899.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was a member of Co "D" 6th Miss and knew claimant Isaac Blakey in the Army in 1864. We were their in Louisiana under Commander of Col Fair and Maj Reynolds The claimant was known as Isaac Blakey and I never know a man in that regiment know as Isaac Blaker.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a minister of the gospel and have been for (? forty or four years) forty years and travel in the State of MO as an evangelist.
Deposition of Thomas Napper by Elais Shafer wrote on April 6, 1900... [ I liked what this man said... even thought it's not spoken,....I believed that Isaac knew about Jesus. If you can read between the lines of what the other witnesses...what they said and what Isaac Blakey said ...there was more to what they saying.]
I am a minister of the Gospel. I served during the Civil War in Co [Company] D 6 U.S.C.H.A. I enlisted in 1864 and served and was discharged 1865 from hospital. I first met this claimant at Natchez, Miss. after enlistment. He was in another co [company] The whole Regt was there in the Fort. I am not now certain what co [company] he was in.
I knew him will. We played marbles together and wrestled with each other. He is the only man I knew of this name or similar name in the Regt. I met him just after the war in Nov last. I was preaching at Forest Green MO. Some 6 miles from where he lived. I recognized him as quick as I saw him as the man I had know in the Regt.
He attended my meetings. He is one of the Deacons of the church. I was then doing special work. I am not quit certain as of the spelling of his name. I think he went b the name of Blakey in the army. I would not say as a fact whether he spell it as Blakey or Blaker. I know he is the same man.
We talked over our Army experiences the recalled events that occurred then so there can be no possible doubt that he is the man I knew in service. I think then is some difference in the spelling of his name. I think it was Blaker - - Blakey but just how he spells it now or how he spelled it then I would not want to say as a fact. I can be positive that he is the same man.
I made a statement for him in Nov last. That statement was correct as you have read it to me. I am not related or interested ..I have understood the question and my answers have been correctly recorded. The words "and was discharged" (? what the three were are ?) 3 were added before witness signed his statement...written by Elais Shafer, Special Examiner.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been thinking about why Great Grandpa Isaac kept the Blakey name. He even used it while he was serving in the Civil War. The Blakey name must have meant something to him. I could only imagine. Indeed Isaac surname was White. His family knew this. I thought how did this come about ?
Francis Blakey's father was John WHITE who was a wealthy man from VA. He left in his will provision for one of his slaves for the rest of her life. That stated something. Also John White (most likely) gave Francis and her husband JOHN BLAKEY land and slaves for a wedding gift. A researcher thought may be Isaac was owned by the Blakey's. His parents were owned by the Whites. I notice that in 1850 census, Francis had her own slaves as well as her husband John.
John Blakey died 25 August 1844. John's estate was in probate court. The slaves Andrew, Julia(n), Mary, Lydia, Linda, Isaac, Spencer, Andrew, and Ben were to be sold. In 1861 Isaac and his mother were the last to be sold. As a researcher share some information with me.... It was most likely that Isaac and his mother were sold to relatives of the Blakey's family in MS.
I believe that Isaac was too young to have ran away to join the army. He had to have had HELP. Isaac was said to have been 14 or 16 when he ran away. Isaac enlisted in Natchez MS. Union Army as occupation , a farmer at age 18... on Nov 1, 1863, He served until May 13, 1866.
Isaac's name at enlisting was Private Isaac BLAKER. He had to prove that he was the same person. Some how that name reminds a mystery. Isaac declared that his name was Isaac BLAKEY.... Alais Isaac Blaker may have been his freedom name that the army gave him. He was believed to have been much younger at enlistment time... He grew 6 inches in about 3 years. His accepted birth was June 30, 1847.
Isaac's family choose the WHITE surname. I can only suppose that Isaac was raised by the BLAKEYs and he liked them so much that he kept their name. When the slave owner John Blakey died his estate was in the court probate.
Isaac knew who his parents and siblings were. I believe that Isaac knew where they were in MS. That's why he found his family so easily. He knew the area. Isaac convinced his family to move to MO. The brother John White was living.
As for the article "Slavery Descendants To Have First Reunion" in the early 1970's, some of the early history is a mystery. Isaac was born in Roanoak, MO not in Africa. But however on Isaac's death record...the person who gave the information about Isaac had some knowledge of him. Isaac BLAKEY was an African.
I received a revelation on that one day about a month or so before I was saved. I was listening to radio program. The topic was on Black American or African American which is the "label" for who? I thought to myself...my Great Grandpa Isaac was born in American how can he say that he was an African. You might think that this is weird but, I voice came and said that "his parents were African." I never thought about that.
Isaac's father was Andrew WHITE from VA. His mother was unknown---I believe that her name was Julia(n) born in VA. She had at least 12 children. I believe that Isaac's parents' parents were African's making them stating that they were Africans. [ Isaac had a daughter named Julia and a son named Andrew. Isaac had a total of 20 children with two marriages. There were many same name relatives.]
My cousins stated that what they had been told [by one of Isaac's children] that the family came off the coast of Nigeria. As for the mother and her three sons and daughter ...(?) they could have been another generation. Isaac's mother's or father's parents. There are a lot of same name ancestors.
As for my Grandpa John BLAKEY, Alais John BLAKLEY Sr, he changed his name at some point on the journey from MS to Buchanan County MO. He was hard to trace. All I have on what he done was found through city directories, birth and death records and the US census records.
Somehow someone keep in contact with the different name changes over the years. As my cousin Willie said when she was growing up that "Uncle" John BLAKE would come over to their house to talk with her father.
In a December 25, 1984 letter cousin Willie wrote " I stayed up until 3 o'clock Christmas Eve night. I was trying to find out just who John [Blakley's] Blakey's father and mother was. We know that he always came to our house about every week.
We knew that he was our first cousin, but just lately we have been trying to make out just where he lived, and was he ever married and or have any children. We all loved him. When he came to our house, we didn't ask him any questions. We just called him "Uncle John Blake" in those days. We kids just called everyone that was older than we kids, were. We always called them Uncle and Aunt, men or women..."
Someone must have not forgotten "Uncle" John Blake...there was still some connections. It was during the 1970's First Reunion that the Blakey's and the White's first here of us Blakleys. Someone had to had came in contact with someone. Information was told to someone. Someone knew and told someone about what they knew about the Blakleys.
In conclusion I would like to somewhat end my sharing on this journey on my father's side. At one point in my search I had a thought what if I came across one of the slave holders descendants? I thought... that would be something.
Back during the Spring and Summer of 1993, I came across two other researchers on the BLAKEY side. They were not related to us. However they had information on the slave holders that owned my ancestors. To make a long story short. I came across one of the Great Grand daughter of Y.C. Blakey. She lived in the Kansas City, MO area.
Yeah, I found out her address. I wrote her and tried to explain to her who I was. She deny that she was related to Y.C. Blakey. Something inside me did not give up to share with her about her Great Grandpa Y.C. So I copied some of my Great Grandpa Isaac's pension records of Y.C. Blakey's handwriting. I mailed that information to her long with the other researchers that I have come across over the years.
Not too long after I mailed the package, I received a phone call from this woman. Her name was Mary Ann S. She welcome me...stating yes, she is a descendant of Y.C. Blakey. I never knew whatever happened to Mary Ann. I assume that she is in heaven. She was born in the mid 1920's. We corresponded with Christmas Cards for about 5 years.
Through this journey or my quest on my family history, I came to a point about in 1993 or 1994 asking God for forgiveness and mercy for what went on during the time of slavery. I ask God for forgiveness for my ancestors as well as slaveholders forgiveness for the sake of their descendants' forgiveness. I use to pray everyday for my family bloodline a little while after I came to Jesus in 1993. Now I am back at it. "God save my family bloodline."
I know that I did not come across researching my family history and finding out what I did by accident. I believe that God was there all the way. Where were times when I was about to give up when something "new" on my family lineage would emerge.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What am I thankful for ? I thank God for the covenant blessings of HELP and LIFE that he has upon my life and my family's lives. I am thankful that I have a family. I was not born by accident. I thank God that I have a life that He has ordained since the being of the foundation of the world.
I thank God that I have a purpose to live for. God is guiding my steps. I thank God for the connection that He has placed in my life. Jesus is on this journey of life with me. I thank God that I can share some of my life with others. I am still on this journey... this journey called life. I thank God that He has giving my LIFE. Life in Jesus Christ.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's A New Day Dawning! The quest continues...~Susie~
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever day that you're reading this entry, Have A Fun Day!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Obey Him with glad reckless joy." --Oswald Chambers"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)