Burdine Blake Sr. and Mazey Ann (Simpkins) Blake are buried in Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg, Blair Co., PA. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.

   

Barbara Mary/Margaret/Elizabeth (Weir/Wyre) (Stiffler) Blake and Michael Stiffler are buried in Claysburg Reformed Cemetery, Claysburg, Blair Co., PA. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making these images available.

Burdine Blake Will Documents as a PDF.

Barbara (Weir) (Stiffler) Blake Will Documents as a PDF.

Lucinda (Regger) Stiffler Death Certificate.

Jane "Jennie" (Stiffler) Guyer Death Certificate.

Henry W. Stiffler Death Certificate.

William W. Stiffler Death Certificate.

WILL: John STIFFLER, 1851, 1908, Juniata Township, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Romayne Shay McMahon

Copyright 2008.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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1851 Blair County Will Book, Volume A, pages 276- 278.

Last Will and Testament of John Stiffler

The Last Will and Testament of John Stiffler of Juniata Township, Blair County and State of Pennsylvania, I, John Stiffler, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs and thereby be the better prepared to leave this world when it should please God to call me hence and being of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Eve Stiffler two milk cows, two beds and bedding, one stove, one bureau, two chest, one table and kitchen and household furniture sufficient for her house with all her clothing and her saddle and also my clock and the interest coming to me on the Article of Agreement between George Harker and me during her natural life, and after the decease of me and my loving wife, Eave one year, I give and bequeath to my daughter Catherine intermarried to Henry Conrad one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year afterwards give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth intermarried unto Jacob Clapper one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above payment give and bequeath to my daughter Mary intermarried with William Hughes one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above payment give and bequeath unto my son Jacob Stiffler one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above payment give and bequeath unto my son Michael Stiffler one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above payment give and bequeath unto my daughter Susannah intermarried to Philip Beight one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above payment give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah intermarried to Jacob Burket one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above payment give and bequeath unto my daughter Barbara intermarried with Peter Miller one hundred and  seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above payment give and bequeath unto my daughter Margaret intermarried with Daniel Burket one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above payment give and bequeath unto my daughter Rachel intermarried to George Harker one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents.

And, whereas my son John Stiffler is now deceased and has left one son named David Stiffler now in the State of Ohio, I therefore give and bequeath unto my said grandson David Stiffler one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, his father's legacy in my estate to be paid out of the last payment of my real property sold to George Harker it is now by meaning and will in these my bequeaths to my children.

As the first payment commences one year after the decease of me and my loving wife Eve, to my oldest child and there continues on from year to year according as they are named, which corresponds with the article of agreement between me and George Harker whom I sold my real property to and his payments corresponds with my bequeaths to my children - and lastly I direct my executor shall sell all the residue of my personal property after my decease and divide the same equal share and share alike amongst my children.  I also hereby authorise and empower my executor and his executor or administrator to make and execute a clear Deed of conveyance to George Harker for the Real Property I sold to him when the same is paid up agreeable to the article of agreement between me and him and lastly, I hereby appoint my son Michael Stiffler sole executor of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In Witness Whereof, I have here unto set my hand and seal this thirteenth day of December A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.

Signed  John (his mark) Stiffler

In re: WILL of John Stiffler, husband of Eve Sipes, there is an Addendum: written on the right margin of the first page:  NOW, November 4, 1908 See the Decree of the Orphan's Court of Blair County, dated November 2, 1908 and recorded this day in the Recorder's Office of Blair County aforesaid in Deed Book Volume 184, Page 480, satisfying, extinguishing, releasing and discharging the legacies in this will bequeathed to Barbara Miller and David Stiffler respectively.

Claude Jones, Register

Ogle Co. Portrait and Biographical Album, by Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL, 1886

William S. Blake, a farmer of the Township of Mt. Morris, came to Ogle County in 1869. He was born in Blair Co., Pa., April 25, 1821. Burdine Blake, his father, was a farmer, a native of Washington Co., Md., and was of German extraction. His ancestors, who were farmers, came to this country prior to the period of the Revolution, and settled in the same county which has been named as the native place of the father of Mr. Blake. Burdine Blake learned the trade of a moulder, and was occupied in that business in Washington Co., Md. He operated as mechanic until he married. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Mary Simpkins, Dec. 15, 1818. She was a native of Washington Co., in the State of Maryland, and was of American parentage. Her ancestors were Scotch. After their marriage they removed to the part of Pennsylvania which is now included in Blair County, and where their nine children, seven sons and two daughters, were born. One of the latter is deceased. Mr. Blake is next to the eldest of the first family of children, his father having married after the death of the first wife, which occurred April 1, 1867. Mrs. Barbara Stiffler became his second wife Nov. 3, 1867. She is now deceased. She had been married, and by her first husband was the mother of several children, but none by the second marriage. The father was a local preacher in the interests of the Methodist Church, and lived in Blair county until his death, which transpired Aug. 26, 1874. He was born in 1800.

Mr. Blake was educated in the common schools, and was married in the county in which he was born, May 18, 1843. Miss Catherine Gearhart became his wife. She was born in Washington Co., Md., Oct. 28, 1824. Her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Mong) Gearhart, were both natives of the same county, and of unmixed German descent. Her father was a mechanic. The lives of both were passed from first to last wholly within their native county. They were members of the German Lutheran Church. Of seven children, of which Mr. and Mrs. Blake have been the parents, only three survive. Laura is married to Scott Kennedy, of Mt. Morris. He is a mechanic and an Elder in the Christian Church. Millard F. married Miss Jennie Angell, and they live at Mt. Morris; he is a carpenter by trade and is also an Elder in the Christian Church. Franklin is living in Iowa and is a telegraph operator.

Mr. and Mrs. Blake resided in Pennsylvania until 1853, when they went to Washington Co., Md., and Mr. Blake operated there as a farmer until 1869, when he removed to Ogle County. In 1870 he purchased a farm which contained 120 acres, and has since been its owner and occupant. The dwelling occupied by the family is a fine brick structure, and the barns on the farm are of a suitable character, and in keeping with the other buildings on the place.

Mr. Blake is a Republican of decided principles, and has served in several local offices, being now a School Trustee. He and his wife are active workers in the interests of the Christian Church, in which he is a Deacon.

The Altoona Mirror, Altoona, PA, Friday, September 9, 1932

MAN FOUND DEAD ALONG HIGHWAY

William Stiffler, Aged 74, Dies Suddenly While En Route to Physician’s Office In Juniata.

William Stiffler, aged 74, who resided with his daughter, Mrs. Catherine Martz, at Twelfth avenue and Hill street, Juniata, was found dead along the Hill street highway in the vicinity of Tenth avenue this morning about 9 o’clock. The man’s body was lying off the highway near a fence when discovered by R. M. Lowmather of 218 Sixth avenue, Juniata. Mr. Stiffler left his daughter’s home about 8 o’clock this morning to go to the home of his physician, Dr. J. L. Brubaker, who has been attending the man in recent weeks for physical disability. He had walked but a short distance from his daughter’s home when he was fatally stricken, presumably from a cerebral hemorrhage. Dr. Brubaker was called to the scene and upon examination the body found life extinct. Deputy Coroner Guy S. Kline was notified of the man’s death and also went to where the body had been found. After learning the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, he announced that no inquest would be held. Mr. Stiffler was born at East Freedom on July 30, 1858, and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stiffler, both deceased. He was the last member of his immediate family. His wife, Mrs. Amanda E. Stiffler, died on Nov. 17, 1917. He is survived by the following children: Mrs. Mary Smith of Canoe Creek, Mrs. Clara Yon of Wehnwood, Mrs. Bessie Vanaman of Brownsville, Pa., S.R. Stiffler of Juniata gap, M. I. Stiffler of Juniata gap and Mrs. Catherine Martz of Wehnwood. He also leaves twenty-five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Stiffler spent most of his life engaged in farming. He was a member of the Mardorf Methodist church in Juniata gap. The body was given in charge of Funeral Directors Mauk & Yates to be prepared for burial and will be removed to the home of the daughter, Mrs. Martz, where funeral services, in charge of Rev. C. W. Karns will be conducted at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon. Interment will follow in Grandview cemetery.

History of the Ironton City Schools

The Schools from the Beginning

The first school in Ironton was taught during the winter of 1849-50, in a house built by Berdine Blake on Front Street. The little brick house was next to Dempsey’s flour mill. The town had only been named six months when the school started.

Dr. J. J. Wood was the first teacher and established his school with thirty scholars. Fees were charged by those able to pay. The nearest school was taught by S. P. Calvin, near Kelly’s cemetery, which is now part of the Ironton incorporation lines.

During mid-winter, a meeting of citizens was called at the Blake home for the purpose of building a schoolhouse. John Campbell presided, with S. R. Bush, secretary. Others in attendance were P. Murphy, D. W. Voglesong, M. Gillen, Berdine Blake, John Haney, James Smith and perhaps others. Resolutions to build a school were adopted.

HANGING ROCK IRON REGION

THE METHODISTS ORGANIZE

The Methodists organized a class in 1850, the year following the founding of the Town of Ironton. This gradually developed into the Spencer Methodist Church. In 1872 forty members withdrew from the parent organization to join the charge known as Wesley Chapel, and in June, 1913, the Spencer and Wesley churches were united as the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Ironton.

Rev. John C. Maddy, junior preacher of the Hanging Rock circuit, delivered the first sermon and conducted services for the assembled Methodists, in February, 1850, at a residence on Fourth Street between Center and Railroad. Two weeks later Rev. T. T. Holliday, considered the first local preacher, organized a class of seven members at the same place; they were Ebenezer Corwin and wife, Shepard and Sarah Gillen, Burdine and Mary Blake and Mary Murray. Shortly afterward the class met at a brick house on Front Street below the Sheridan House and later held services in the new schoolhouse on Fourth Street. There they continued to worship until 1851, when old Spencer Chapel was erected.

SPENCER CHAPEL

In the fall of 1851 subscriptions for the erection of a church had been raised amounting to over two thousand dollars. The site was selected by John Peters and donated by the Ohio Iron and Coal Company, and the basement of the chapel was occupied before cold weather set in. When Rev. W.C. Hand, the first pastor of Spencer Chapel, assumed charge he found ninety members awaiting him. The charge assumed its name from R. O. Spencer, then the presiding elder. Besides Mr. Hand there were Daniel Young, local elder; Thomas Murdock, local preacher, and Burdine Blake, exhorter. In the summer of 1852 the audience room was completed and dedicated.

THE NEW CHURCH

Spencer Chapel was repeatedly repaired to meet the demands of a growing congregation and was the home of an earnest body of worshipers for more than forty-one years. The new Spencer M. E. Church, corner of Fifth and Center streets, was dedicated May 7, 1893.

History of Greenbrier County

J. R. Cole

Lewisburg, WV 1917

p. 341-343

WILLIAM B. BLAKE, JR.

William B. Blake, Jr., was born at Dayton, Rockingham county, Virginia, August 14, 1883. He is a grandson of the late Burdine Blake, of London, Madison county, Ohio, who was a gunsmith by trade and who served in the Civil war in the 154th Ohio Infantry on the Federal side. For many years following the war he was a resident of London, Ohio, but died about eight years ago at Mountain Grove, Mo., at the age of 84 years. His wife was Miss Mary Ellen Murray, who bore him three sons: James F., William B. and Daniel F. 

William B. Blake, Sr., was born January 21, 1852, in London, Ohio; went to Virginia in the early 1870s and became connected with the music publishing house of the Ruebush-Kieffer Company, and remaining with this firm until 1889, when he moved to Ronceverte. He married Miss Alice Mary Home, of Augusta county, Virginia, a daughter of Strother P. and Sarah Home. (Strother P. Home was a Confederate soldier throughout the Civil war.) To this union were born seven children: Charles Stanley Blake, Bessie Mabel, William B,. Jr., Henry St. John, Robert Russell, Mary Ellen and Edward Lester. At Ronceverte, Mr. Blake, Sr., associated himself in partnership with J. W. Hess in the publication of the Ronceverte News, a newly-established paper in the new lumber town, buying out the interest of Richard Burke, who had been a prominent figure in West Virginia journalism for a number of years. Burke had been the publisher of a vigorous newspaper at Union, Monroe county. About the year 1891, Mr. Blake bought out the interest of Mr. Hess and became the sole proprietor of the enterprise, changing the name of the paper to the Valley Messenger and News. This publication continued until April 21, 1901. Several years prior to this, in December, 1897, The West Virginia News had been established with Mr. Blake as publisher, and from one newspaper plant two newspapers were issued until April 21, 1901, when the latter publication, which covered a more extensive field, absorbed the Valley Messenger. This consolidation brought to the newer paper the good will of the older and the growth of the West Virginia News has been steady and continuous to this day. At the present time and for a number of years the News has enjoyed a larger circulation than any other weekly newspaper published in the State. 

The connection of William B. Blake, Jr., with the publication business established by his father began in early youth, he being active in its affairs from the age of fourteen. On January 1, 1905, the joint partnership of William B. Blake & Son was formed for the ownership, editorial and business management of the paper. This firm continues. The News has its home in its own building, a modern three-story brick and stone structure, virtually fire-proof, erected in 1909, and its plant equipment is modern in every way. 

On November 16, 1909, Mr. Blake, Jr., married Miss Lena Lee Edwards. then of St. Louis, Mo., but a native of Belton, Tex., and a daughter of Joseph F. Edwards, of Texas. To this union came three children: William III, Norman Bradbury and Marjorie Alice.

(4) Burdine Blake and (5) Mazey Ann Simpkins.  

Burdine Blake was born Jan. 13, 1800 in Lancaster Co. , PA and died Aug. 26, 1874 in Martinsburg, PA. Mazey Ann Simpkins was born in February of 1794 in Washington Co., MD and died April 1, 1867 in Martinsburg, PA. They were married in Washington Co. Dec. 14, 1818 by the Rev. Mr. Keedy of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

There are no records to tell us of the exact place of Burdine's birth. His father, James, as a founderer went from place to place in the course of his occupation, and no doubt went to the furnaces in the Blue Ridge Mts. of Maryland from those in Lancaster Co. PA. It must have been there that he met Burdine's mother, Ann, after his first wife's death. A man with five small children would not remain long unmarried. It was natural that Burdine would become a moulder under his father's supervision. The Simpkins family who lived between Beaver Creek and Boonsboro were probably neighbors.

Mazey Ann Simpkins (5) was the seventh child in a family of ten children: seven girls and three boys. She was six years older than Burdine at the time of their marriage and twenty four years old. She was probably considered an "old maid", but her picture taken years later reveals her as a gentle, sweet person, poised, and no doubt capable. That she was sensitive about the difference in their ages is revealed by the fact that in all Federal Census reports she gives her age the same as her husband's, but the truth is revealed on her tombstone.

In 1820 shortly after the birth of their first child, James, they joined the flow of settlers leaving Maryland for Morrison's Cove in Bedford (now Blair) Co., PA. James Senior and Junior were already at the furnaces in Huntington Co., PA. Morrison's Cove was a broad, fertile valley in the heart of the Appalachian Mts. which were known to the early settlers as the Endless Mountains. Burdine took up land, as did his brothers, Simon and James, and became primarily a farmer, but it was by no means his sole interest.

Morrison's Cove in Blair and Bedford counties of western Pennsylvania is a long narrow valley extending from the town of New Enterprise on the south, then northward for 35 miles to the Juniata River at Williamsburg. The width of the valley varies from 10 to 15 miles. The valley extends from the Tussey Mountains on the east, westward to the Dunning, Loop, and Lock Mountains. The valley is bounded on the northwest by the Bald Eagle Mountains. Entirely surrounded by mountains, the only openings are at Loysburg Gap in the south, McKee Gap in the west, and Williamsburg to the north. The towns of The Cove are Roaring Spring, Martinsburg, Wiliamsburg, and Woodbury. Although on the other side of the mountain, Claysburg is included in this list because of the shared culture and customs of the area.

It is probable that Burdine was influenced in his decision to become a preacher by the Rev. Jacob Gruber who was a dynamic and unconventional evangelist of that time and area. Ella Snowberger writes of him in "Bygone Days in the Cove" as follows:

Rev. Burdine Blake, pioneer farmer, at one time owned several hundred acres of land in and toward the north and west of Martinsburg. . . Sensing the need of missionary work among the forgemen working at the Peter Schoenberger iron banks at Rebecca Furnace, Henrietta Ore Hill, Maria Furnace, Neff's Mill and Royer, he entered the ministry. Daniel Bloom, a tanner, answering the call, associated himself with Rev. Blake. The two of them, the farmer preacher and the tanner preacher, established mission points in the school houses at these various places and spread the gospel under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Physically a powerful man and blessed with a stentorian voice, Burdine Blake preached with fist and tongue. As proficient at quelling a riot as at exhorting, the iron‑workers, hard‑boiled lot as many of them were, regarded him with profound respect... In instances when some unruly spirit was moved to unseemly outburst during divine service, it was nothing unusual for Burdine Blake to jump down from the pulpit and lay corrective hands on the recalcitrant. However after the stalwart preacher's reputation for physical prowess became, established, disorder in and around the mission points became beautifully rare. Perhaps "Buck and Berry", as they were known, were at their best at camp meetings in the grove which stood formerly along the Bloomfield road south of Martinsburg between the State Highway and the River Brethren church. . . The old exhorter left an imprint on the religious life of this section which the exigencies of time cannot blot out."  

He was ordained an elder, and his name appeared in the Minutes of the Central Pennsylvania Annual Conference as such until 1870. By terms of his will his house and the lot on which it stood became the property of the Martinsburg Church as long as it was used as a parsonage.

The children of Burdine and Mazey Ann Blake were:

James b. Sept. 18, 1819, Washington Co., Md.: d. July 6, 1896, Martinsburg, PA. m. Margaret Ellen Brown, March 14, 1844. Their children were John W., James, Ulysses Grant, William Packer, Millard Fillmore, Charlotte, Burdine, Mary and Alice.

William Simpkins b. April 25, 1821; d. June 8, 1899 in Ogle County, IL; m. Catherine Gearhart, May 18, 1843. Their children were Albert McClay, Charles E., Wilbur, Laura, Millard Fillmore, William and Franklin G.

Burdine 1823 ‑ 1907. M. Mary Ellen Murray. Their children were James F., William Burdine and Daniel F.

Mazey Ann b. Feb. 3, 1825; d. Aug. 24, 1870. M. 1) Henry Brenneman, Aug. 11, 1844 by whom she had five sons, Martin, Albert L., Anthony, Alexander, Marion and Henry Burdine; m. 2) Waldron Drew, 1855 by whom she had Josephiae Blanch, Samuel Wesley, Hubert Lee, Cordelia, Caroline and Elmer Ellsworth.

Rebecca Jane b. _____ d. 1906/7 in Wisconsin; m. Jacob Hamilton. Their children were John, William Byrdine and Laura.

Simon S. (2)

Thomas M. b. Aug. 23, 1831. Children: Fannie and Orren

Charles W.T. b. 24 June, 1834; d. Nov. 24, 1905. M. Sarah C. Taylor. Children: Belle Saloma, Mazey E., Hattie D., Harlan Burdine, Etta, James T., Dr. Charles W.

In the 1850s sons Simon, Charles and Thomas went to Wisconsin. William spent a few years in Washington Co., MD before moving on to Ogle County, IL. Burdine, Jr. went west then returned to Ohio before settling in West Virginia. The husbands of Mazy Ann and Rebecca Jane moved their families to Richland Co., WI and settled near Simon. Charles and Thomas eventually established themselves in Iowa. James alone remained in Martinsburg.

Seven months after the death of Mazey Ann Blake in 1867 Burdine married Mrs. Barbara Stiffler, a widow with grown children: At the time she was a Catholic but joined the Methodist Church in 1871. By terms of his will, Burdine was to be buried by the side of Mazey Ann in the Martinsburg cemetery.

ID: I29873

Name: Barbara (STIFFLER)

Sex: F

Birth: 31 AUG 1823 ¹

Death: 22 NOV 1879 ²

Burial: Claysburg Reformed Cemetery, Claysburg, Greenfield Twp. Blair Co. PA

Marriage 1 Michael STIFFLER b: 16 OCT 1811

Children:

1. Henry STIFFLER  b: 4 MAR 1845

2. William STIFFLER b: 30 JUL 1858 in East Freedom, Freedom Twp. Blair Co. PA

Sources:

1. Title: Claysburg Reformed Cemetery, Claysburg, Greenfield Twp. Blair Co. PA
   Page: tombstone inscription
   Text: [birth date reckoned from age at death, 56y 2m 22d]

2. Title: Claysburg Reformed Cemetery, Claysburg, Greenfield Twp. Blair Co. PA
   Page: tombstone inscription

From: Michael S. Caldwell's website

ID: I29857

Name: Michael STIFFLER

Sex: M

Birth: 16 OCT 1811

Death: 10 APR 1865 ¹

Burial: Claysburg Reformed Cemetery, Claysburg, Greenfield Twp. Blair Co. PA

Note:

Was Michael Stiffler married more than once? His wife was "Margaret" (1850), "Eliza" (1860), and/or "Barbara" (tombstone]. Also, the death certificate of Michael's son Henry Stiffler, d. 30 July 1931, lists Henry's mother as "Mary Wyre".
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1850 PA Census: Blair Co. Juniata Twp. p. 196a, lines 1-3
Series M432, roll 755, dwelling 301, family 310, 27 November 1850

Michael STIFLER, 36, Farmer, $1,200 Real Estate, b. Pa.
Margaret, 27, b. Pa., cannot read or write
Henry, 5
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1860 PA Census: Blair Co. Freedom Twp. P.O. East Freedom, p. 200, lines 37-40 & p. 201, lines 1-2
Series M653, roll 1078, dwelling 412, family 410, 22 June 1860

Michl. STIFFLER, 50, Farmer, $2,400 Real Estate / $900 Personal Estate, b. Pa.
Eliza, 36, b. Pa.
Henry, 15, at school; Mary, 7, at school; Hetty, 4; William, 1
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Claysburg Reformed Cemetery, Claysburg, Greenfield Twp. Blair Co. PA

MICHAEL STIFFLER / DIED / April 10, 1865 / AGED / 53* Yrs. 5 M's. / [remainder unclear]

BARBARA / Wife of / MICHAEL STIFFLER / DIED / Nov. 22, 1879, / AGED / 56 Yrs. 2 Mos. 22 Ds.
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Father: John STIFFLER b: ABT 1775
Mother: Eve SIPES b: ABT 1785

Marriage 1 Barbara (STIFFLER) b: 31 AUG 1823

Children