Harlan Burdine Blake




Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake was born November 2, 1865, in the Borough of Bloody Run, Bedford Co., PA, and died June 30, 1940, in Glendale, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 74. Buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, Los Angeles Co., CA. He is the son of Charles Wesley Typper Blake of Morrison's Cove, Bedford (now Blair) Co., PA, and Sarah Ann Taylor of Hopewell Twp., Bedford Co., PA.

Cora Unknown was born June, 1867, in Ohio, and died May 21, 1944, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, at age 76. Buried in Lincoln Memorial Park, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR. She is the adopted daughter of Henry H. Jones of Ohio, and Arminda A. Ford of Warren Twp., Clinton Co., IN. Cora's natural parents were born in Pennsylvania.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Cora Unknown/Jones were married May 21, 1887, in Logan, Harrison Co., IA.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Cora (Unknown/Jones) Blake had no children.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Cora (Unknown/Jones) Blake were divorced May 21, 1902, their fifteenth wedding anniversary.

Cora (Unknown/Jones) Blake then married John Samuel Shook.

John Samuel Shook was born February 29, 1841, in Salt Creek Twp., Davis Co., IA, and died November 23, 1929, in Klamath Falls, Klamath Co., OR, at age 88. Buried in Linkville Pioneer Cemetery, Klamath Falls, Klamath Co., OR. He is the son of Amon Shook of Dearborn Co., IN, and Katherine Yost of Indiana.

John Samuel Shook and Cora (Unknown/Jones) Blake were married April 20, 1904, in Klamath Co., OR.

John Samuel Shook and Cora (Unknown/Jones) (Blake) Shook had no children.

John Samuel Shook and Cora (Unknown/Jones) (Blake) Shook were divorced about 1913 in Klamath Co., OR.

Cora (Unknown/Jones) (Blake) Shook then married Telesphore Brouillette.

Telesphore Brouillette was born December 10, 1841, in the Parish of St. Cyprian, near Montreal, Lower Canada, and died January 21, 1936, at Seattle, King Co., WA, at age 94. Buried in Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR. He is the son of Unknown.

Ida May Raymond was born February, 1858, in New Brunswick, Canada, and died February 24, 1927, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, 69. Buried in Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR.

Telesphore Brouillette and Ida May Raymond were married August 14, 1874, in New Brunswick, Canada.

Telesphore Brouillette and Ida May (Raymond) Brouillette had thirteen children:

  1. Wendell Raymond Brouillette: Born September 7, 1875, in Valcartier, Quebec, Canada; Died January 11, 1882, in Chehalis, Lewis Co., WA (age 6).
  2. Millicent B. "Millie" Brouillette: Born November, 1878, in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada; Died October 10, 1917, in Morrow, OR (age 38). Married (1) May 11, 1898, in Marion, OR, to Walter Horace Whitten: Born February 10, 1871, in Nebraska City, Otoe Co., NE; Died November 8, 1913, at the La Veta Mine near Trinidad, CO (age 32): Married (2) April 13, 1914, in Seattle, King Co., WA, to James Edward Berwick: Born 1868 in Farnham West, Quebec, Canada; Died January 29, 1931, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (age 62).
  3. Laura Brouillette: Born 1878 in New Brunswick, Canada; Died about 1891, in Unknown.
  4. Annie Brouillette: Born Unknown, in Canada; Died before 1927, in Unknown.
  5. Emilie Laura Brouillette: Born 1881 in Unknown; Died 1919, in Unknown (about age 38). Married to Walter H. Whitten: Born Unknown; Died Unknown.
  6. Jessie Lousia Brouillette: Born July 1, 1882, in Washington; Died February 14, 1961, in Newberg, Yamhill Co., OR (age 78). Married November 23, 1870, in Canada, to J. Wesley Boyes: Born November 23, 1870, in Ontario, Canada; Died December 21, 1944, in Yamhill Co., OR (age 74).
  7. Sadie Esther Brouillette: Born December 24, 1885, in Washington; Died January 29, 1962, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (age 76). Married (1) to Charles Edward Lapp: Born February 17, 1881, in Fayette Co., PA; Died August 29, 1933, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (age 52). Married (2) November 27, 1943, in Vancouver, Clark Co., WA, to William H. Clark: Born about 1879 in Unknown; Died January 9, 1962, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (about age 82).
  8. Selina Maud Brouillette: Born December 8, 1886, in Washington; Died February 16, 1963, in Newberg, Yamhill Co., OR (age 76). Married to Thomas Lewis Cummings: Born September 28, 1885, in Newton, Harvey Co., KS; Died June 27, 1958, in Newberg, Yamhill Co., OR (age 72).
  9. Minerva Brouillette: Born April 14, 1889, in Washington; Died November 20, 1944, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (age 55). Married (1) August 15, 1906, in Yamhill Co., OR, to Lewel Edgar Brown: Born March 14, 1884, in Indiana; Died March 23, 1939, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (age 55). Married (2) May 1, 1934, in King Co., WA, to James Judson Crossley: Born August 31, 1869, in Crawford, Madison Co., IA; Died October 25, 1957, in Vancouver, Clark Co., WA (age 88).
  10. Caroline Madeline "Carrie" Brouillette: Born June 25, 1891, in Washington; Died June 29, 1974, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (age 83). Married June 6, 1916, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, to Thomas John Blake: Born June 22, 1879, in Huron Centre, Grey Co., Ontario, Canada; Died April 27, 1941, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (age 61).
  11. Susan Colden "Susie" Brouillette: Born March 1, 1893, in Washington; Died March 26, 1980, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (age 87). Married (1) October 26, 1910, in Yamhill Co., OR, to Carl Algernon Buckley: Born May 18, 1890, in Puyallup, Pierce Co., WA; Died November 19, 1946, in Clackamas Co., OR (age 56). Divorced. Married (2) December 23, 1923, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, to Charles McAffee: Born September 5, 1883, in Lincoln, Logan Co., IL; Died October 10, 1972, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (age 89).
  12. Rex Telesphore Brouillette: Born July 12, 1895, in Myrtle Point, Coos Co., OR; Died October 10, 1973, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (age 78). Married April 12, 1924, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, to Dorothy Mae Mueller: Born March 7, 1902, in Washington; Died February 25, 1983, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR (age 80).
  13. Cleo Brouillette: Born September 21, 1897, in Gervais, Marion Co., OR; Died October 25, 1897, in Gervais, Marion Co., OR (age Infant).

Telesphore Brouillette and Cora (Unknown/Jones) (Blake) Shook were married August 13, 1928, in Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA.

Telesphore Brouillette and Cora (Unknown/Jones) (Blake) (Shook) Brouillette had no children.

Telesphore Brouillette and Cora (Unknown/Jones) (Blake) (Shook) Brouillette were separated about October, 1930.

Anna Elaine "Nancy" Allison was born July 11, 1865, in Dayton, Webster Co., IA, and died April 29, 1930, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 64. Buried in Tacoma Cemetery, Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA. Death was due to Pneumonia. She is the daughter of Benjamin Franklin Allison of Muskingum Co., OH, and Sarah Dowd of Hocking Co., OH. Benjamin died June, 1889, in Bellingham, Whatcom Co., WA. Sarah died April 12, 1906, in Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA. Benjamin then married Clara Maude Roberts March 10, 1908, in Pierce  Co., WA.

Anna Elaine Allison was first married to John W. Griffith.

John W. Griffith was born about 1830 in Unknown, and died Unknown. He is the son of Unknown Griffith.

John W. Griffith and Anna Elaine Allison were married July 18, 1888, in Chicago, Cook Co., IL.

John W. Griffith and Anna Elaine (Allison) Griffith had no children.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Anna Elaine (Allison) Griffith were married March 4, 1903, in Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA, in the presence of William H. Parker and B. F. Allison. B. F. is Anna's brother. Benjamin F. Allison was born March 6,  1862, in Iowa, and died November 15, 1924, in Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA, and the son of Benjamin Franklin Allison and Sarah Dowd, and the husband of Mrs. Clara M. Allison.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Anna Elaine "Nancy" (Allison) (Griffith) Blake had no children.

Harlin Burdine "Bert" Blake and Anna Elaine (Allison) (Griffith) Blake were granted an interlocutory divorce Wednesday, June 22, 1920, in San Luis Obispo Co., CA.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Anna Elaine (Allison) (Griffith) Blake were granted a final divorce Friday, June 24, 1921, in San Luis Obispo Co., CA.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake then married Helen B. "Nellie" Russell.

Helen B. "Nellie" Russell was born April 15, 1870, in the Town of Jefferson, Greene Co., IA, and died September 2, 1950, in Glendale, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 80. Buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, Los Angeles Co., CA. She is the daughter of John J. Russell of Franklin Co., MA, and Mary C. McDuffie of New York. The parents were married October, 1868.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Helen B. "Nellie" Russell were married April 4, 1923, in Los Angeles Co., CA.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Helen B. "Nellie" (Russell) Blake had no children.

After Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake died, Helen B. "Nellie" (Russell) Blake married Dean Royal Walker.

Dean Royal Walker was born November 24, 1894, Burlington, Des Moines Co., IA, and died February 24, 1945, at California Hospital, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 50. Buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, Los Angeles Co., CA. He had lung cancer. He is the son of Frank Walker of Unknown, and Adaline "Addie" Williams of Unknown.

Phyllis Alma Burrus was born October 15, 1893, in Saint Louis, MO, and died July 26, 1957, in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, LA, at age 63. Buried in Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Des Moines Co., IA. She is the daughter of Robert R. Burrus of Iowa, and Alma K. Unknown of Missouri.

Dean Royal Walker and Phyllis Alma Burrus were married April 21, 1920, in Burlington, Des Moines Co., IA.

Dean Royal Walker and Phyllis Alma (Burrus ) Walker had one child:

  1. Constance Alma "Connie" Walker: Born November 5, 1922, in Burlington, Des Moines Co., IA; Died February 24, 1998, in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Co., FL (age 75). Buried in Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Des Moines Co., IA. Married (1) April 2, 1959, in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN, to Simon Kahn: Born December 20, 1896, in Russia; Died February 25, 1975, in Miami, Miami-Dade Co., FL (age 77). Divorced. Married (2) May 5, 1996, in Palm Beach, Palm Beach Co., FL, to David Aloysius Tynan III: Born February 28, 1928, in Philadelphia, PA; Died May 4, 2009, in Newberry, Alachua Co., FL (age 81).

Dean Royal Walker and Phyllis Alma (Burrus) Walker were divorced before 1940.

Dean Royal Walker and Helen B. "Nellie" (Russell) Blake were married about 1943 in California.

Dean Royal Walker and Helen B. "Nellie" (Russell) (Blake) Walker had no children.




TIMELINE


Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake is buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, Los Angeles Co., CA. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.


John J. Russell and Mary C. (McDuffie) Russell are buried in Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson, Grant Twp., Greene Co., IA. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.


   

John J. Russell and Mary C. (McDuffie) Russell are buried in Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson, Grant Twp., Greene Co., IA. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making these images available.


Dean Royal Walker is buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, Los Angeles Co., CA.. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making these images available.


Anna Elaine (Allison) (Griffith) Blake is buried in Tacoma Cemetery, Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.


Mary E. (Beeman) Scannon, her son, Sidney H. Scammon, and Cora (Jones) (Blake) (Shook) Brouillette are buried in Lincoln Memorial Park, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR. Sidney had been married to Cora's sister, Iva B. (Jones) Stranahan. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.


Telesphore Brouillette and Ida May (Raymond) Brouillette are buried in Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.


John Samuel Shook was born February 29, 1841, in Salt Creek Twp., Davis Co., IA.

Telesphore Brouillette was born December 10, 1841, in the Parish of St. Cyprian, near Montreal, Lower Canada, and died January 21, 1936, at Seattle, King Co., WA, at age 94. Buried in Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 16, 1860 shows Charles T. Blake (age 25) born in Pennsylvania is a Tinner living at Bloody Run, West Providence Twp., Bedford Co., PA. He has Real Estate worth $150 and Personal Estate worth $250. Living with him is Sarah A. Blake (age 28) born in Pennsylvania with Real Estate worth $300. Also living there are Salome B. Blake (age 4); and Mazey E. Blake (age 8/12); both born in Pennsylvania.

Anna Elaine "Nancy" Allison was born July 11, 1865, in Dayton, Webster Co., IA.

Harlin Burdine Blake was born November 2, 1865, in the Borough of Bloody Run, Bedford Co., PA.

Cora Unknown was born June, 1867, in Ohio.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on June 15, 1870 shows John J. Russle (age 31) born in Massachusetts, and with real estate of $1,500 and personal estate of $1,000 is a Layer, and is living in Jefferson, Greene Co., IA. Living with him are: Mary Russle (age 23) born in New York, who is Keeping House; Adda Young (age 16) born in New York, a Domestic; and Eva Russell (age 2/12) born in Iowa.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on June 11, 1870 shows Charles T. Blake (age 35) born in Pennsylvania with real estate of $5,000 and personal estate of $300 is a Hotel Keeper living in Jefferson, Greene Co., IA. Living with him is his wife, Sarah A. Blake (age 37) born in Pennsylvania. Also living with them are their children, all born in Pennsylvania: Mazy Blake (age 12); Salome Blake (age 11); Harriet Blake (age 9); Berdine Blake (age 7); and Loretta Blake (age 5).

Helen B. "Nellie" Russell was born April 15, 1870, in the Town of Jefferson, Greene Co., IA.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 8, 1880 shows Charles T. Blake (age 45) born in Pennsylvania of Maryland-born parents is a Hotel Keeper lining in Jefferson, Greene Co., IA. Living with him is his wife Sarah A. Blake (age 47) who is a Landlady born in Pennsylvania of Pennsylvania-born parents. Their unmarried children are also there: Birtie H. Blake (age 14) born in Pennsylvania; Ettie Blake (age 12) born in Pennsylvania; James Blake (age 9) born in Iowa; and Charles Blake (age 7) born in Iowa. Also living there is their married daughter; Hattie Mahaney (age 18) born in Pennsylvania and her husband, Hilary Mahanay (age 26) a blacksmith born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents. Two servants and one boarder also live there.

The 1885 Iowa State Census shows Charles Blake (age 60) born in Pennsylvania is a married Hotel Keeper and is living at Main and Vine Streets, Jefferson, Greene Co., IA. Also living there are: Sarah A. Blake (age 53) born in Pennsylvania, who does Housekeeping; Burdin Blake (age 19) born in Pennsylvania, an unmarried Harness Maker; Etta Blake (age 17) born in Pennsylvania, an unmarried Housekeeping Worker; James Blake (age 14) born in Greene Co., IA; and Charles Blake Jr. (age 11) born in Greene Co., IA.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Cora Unknown/Jones were married May 21, 1887, in Logan, Harrison Co., IA.


Harlin Burdine "Bert" Blake and Cora Unknown/Jones Marriage Record.


John W. Griffith and Anna Elaine Allison were married July 18, 1888, in Chicago, Cook Co., IL.

Dean Royal Walker was born November 24, 1894, Burlington, Des Moines Co., IA.


The Tacoma Daily News, Tacoma, WA, February 19, 1895

H. B. Blake, of Little Falls, Neb., is registered at the Hotel Chilberg.


The Tacoma Daily News, Tacoma, WA, November 26, 1895

THE CITY IN BRIEF

H. B. Blake, of Chehalis, is in Tacoma.


In 1898, Helen B. "Nellie" Russell applied for a U. S. Passport. The age she reported was one year younger than actual.


Helen B. "Nellie" Russell's 1898 U. S. Passport Application.


   

Charles Wesley Typper "Charley" Blake family, about 1900, Jefferson, Greene Co., IA.

Back Row (L to R): Unknown Blake, Harlin Burdine "Bert" Blake, Unknown Blake, James Henry "Jim" Blake, and Mazie Elizabeth Winona "Maggie" Blake;

Front Row (L to R): Unknown Blake, Charles Wesley Typper "Charley" Blake, Sarah Ann (Taylor) Blake, and Charles Wesley "Charlie" Blake.


The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 4, 1900 shows H. B. Blake (age 34) born November, 1865, in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, is a Merchant owning his own home free of a mortgage and living on Market Street, City of Chehalis, Chehalis East Precinct, Lewis Co., WA. Living with him is his childless wife of 14 years, Cora Blake (age 32) born June, 1867, in Ohio to Ohio-born parents, who is a Milliner. Also living there is his unmarried brother-in-law, Charles Jones (age 27) born February 1873 in Illinois to Ohio-born parents, who is a Merchant. An unmarried Servant Housekeeper also lives in the household.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 1, 1900 shows Anna E. Griffith (age 34) born July, 1865, in Iowa to Ohio-born parents and having been married for 11 years with no children being born to her is married and is living in the Edward C. Worth household, 123 E. Fourth Street, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Twp., Los Angeles Co., CA.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 7, 1900 shows Benjamin F. Allison (age 38) born March, 1862, in Iowa to Iowa-born parents, is a married Furniture Businessman who rents his home, and is living at 1348 Unknown, 4th Ward, City of Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA. Living with him are: his wife of 8 years, Ethel Allison (age 19) born July, 1880, in Iowa to Iowa and Ohio-born parents, with 1 of the 2 children born to her still alive; his son, Joseph Allison (age 10) born August, 1881, in Iowa to Iowa-born parents; and his unmarried sister-in-law, Mabel Black (age 10) born March, 1890, in Washington to Iowa-born parents.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Cora (Unknown/Jones) Blake were divorced May 21, 1902, their fifteenth wedding anniversary.


The Chehalis Bee, Chehalis, Lewis Co., WA, December 26, 1902

Blake Divorce Case.

Most of our readers will remember Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Blake. They lived in Little Falls for a time and were later in business in Chehalis for several years. After leaving here Mrs. Blake went to Portland and Mr. Blake to Tacoma. Last Spring Mr. Blake started a suit against his wife for a divorce. After service of summons she began a cross complaint and the case ended by Blake allowing Mrs. Blake to secure a divorce. The court granted her $300 cash alimony, and $500 to be paid in installments of $100 each year until paid. Lately Blake has married again, his new wife being one Annie E. Griffiths. It is said of old that when a man marries his troubles begin. So with Blake. Mrs. Blake No. 1 of Portland has discovered, she claims, coincident with his newest marriage, that at the time she and Blake were divorced he had $25,000 in money concealed around in various Tacoma banks. She has just begun an action to have the money allowance that was made her when the divorce was granted set aside and to compel him to divvy up the $25,000. All the banks which are thought to be his depositories on this vast sum have been brought into the action. Mrs. Blake has some of the best legal talent in Tacoma looking after her interests and the outcome will be watched with interest.


Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Anna Elaine (Allison) Griffith were married March 4, 1903, in Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA, in the presence of William H. Parker and B. F. Allison. B. F. is Anna's brother.


Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Anna Elaine (Allison) Griffith Marriage Record.


The Daily Ledger, Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA, Sunday, March 8, 1903

An unusually pretty wedding was solemnized Wednesday afternoon at 314 North Eleventh street, the beautiful new home of the bride and groom, Miss Anna E. Griffith and Mr. Harlan Birdine Blake. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. A. L. Hutchinson in the presence of relative of the young couple, and an elaborate dinner of ten covers was served by a competent caterer. The house was artistically decorated throughout with cut flowers and greens. The parlors had pink roses and smilax, the dining-rooms masses of white and turquoise Hyacinths and the reception room was in white and green. The groom is a well-known real estate man of Tacoma. Mr. and Mrs. Bake will be at home after March 15.


John Samuel Shook and Cora (Jones) Blake were married April 20, 1904, in Klamath Co., OR.


The Medford Mail, Medford, OR, Friday, April 29, 1904

Caught at Last.

John S. Shook, the well-known Klamath county stockman, who was supposed to be proof against the wiles of the fair sex, surprised his friends on Wednesday of last week by wedding Mrs. Cora Blake, of Portland. The couple will make their home in Klamath county.


The Morning Olympian, Olympia, WA, October 6, 1904

H. B. Blake, of Tacoma, was a visitor in Olympia yesterday.


Bert Blake's logging camp was in North Rosedale, Washington, not far from Tacoma. Bert Blake appears twice in the 1910 census. That was fairly common with local loggers in 1910. Bert owned the logging camp and was the superintendent, but was probably not a logger. He was primarily a real estate investor at that time. His second wife owned somewhat less than 80 acres in North Rosedale, but the vast amount of acreage logged by the Blake camp was owned by others. Blake bought timber leases from them. The picture below shows Bert with his small logging crew in 1905. The photo was locked away in the back room of the Harbor History Museum for 30 years or so until Greg Spadoni of Olalla, WA, positively identified him (back row, white shirt, dark vest) and his foreman (back row, second from left). He was a peripheral character in a story Greg Spadoni put together on a local logging railroad in the 1910 era. Bert Blake ran a very small logging camp...about sixteen men. It operated for about five years. 


Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake's logging camp crew on the steps of the logging camp mess hall, North Rosedale, WA, not far from Tacoma, 1905. The Bert Blake crew appeared quite satisfied with the meal they just had. Harry Rowley, Camp Foreman, is the 2nd from the left on the porch with the tall boots. Source: Richard Rowley. Picture courtesy of the Haebor History Museum.


Sidney H. Scammon, a Steam Boat Captain, (Born in Eau Claire, WI) and Iva B. (Jones) Stranahan (Born in Indiana) were married February 26, 1906, in Vancouver, Clarke Co., WA. He is the son of Curtis Scammon and Mary E. Beeman, and she is the daughter of Henry H. Jones and Amanda Ford.


Sidney H. Scammon and Iva B. (Jones) Stranahan Marriage Record.


In 1907, Helen B. "Nellie" Russell and her widowed mother, Mary C. Russell, applied for U. S. Passports. They were living at the Hotel Hollywood.


   

Helen B. "Nellie" Russell and her widowed mother, Mary C. Russell's 1907 U. S. Passport Applications.


The Morning Olympian, Olympia, WA, Wednesday, March 11, 1908

H. B. Blake left yesterday for his home in Tacoma after a business trip to this city.


The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 20, 1910, shows Harlin B. Blake (age 44) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents and in his second marriage of 8 years is a Logger renting his farm in Purdy Precinct, Pierce Co., WA. He appears to be running a small logging camp.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 20, 1910, shows Harlin B. Blake (age 43) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents and in his second marriage is the Owner of a Lumber Camp owning his home at 314 11th Street, 1st Ward, City of Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA. Living with him is his childless wife of 7 years, Anna Blake (age 43) born in Iowa to Ohio-born parents and in her second marriage. Also living there: his unmarried brother-in-law, Joseph M. Allison (age 49) born in Iowa to Ohio-born parents, a Gold and Silver Miner; and Alice A. Owen (age 53) an unmarried Servant.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 23, 1910, shows B. J. Allison (age 47) born in Iowa to Ohio and Indiana-born parents, and in his second marriage, is a married Foreman at a Log Company, and who owns his home free of a mortgage, and is living on Collins Road, Midland Pct., Pierce Co., WA. Living with him are: his wife of 5 years, Clara M. Allison (age 23) born in Washington to English Canadian and Oregon-born parents, and in her first marriage; his unmarried brother-in-law, Judson Roberts (age 20) born in Washington to English Canadian and Oregon-born parents, a Farm Laborer; his unmarried brother-in-law, Henry Roberts (age 21) born in Washington to English Canadian and Oregon-born parents, a Donkey Engine Engineer; and his unmarried son, Jos. A. Allison (age 20) born in Iowa to Iowa and New York-born parents, a Marine Engineer.


The Tacoma Times, Tacoma, WA, Wednesday, December 28, 1910

Mrs. Harlin B. Blake expects to leave today for Southern California. She is to be accompanied by Mrs. J. A. Vance, her sister.


The 1912 California Voter Index shows Harlin B. Blake is a Republican Farmer and is living in Adelaide, Las Tablas Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA. Living with him is Anne E. Blake, a Republican Housewife.


The Daily Telegram, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Co., CA, Saturday, June 29, 1912

Big Mortgage Recorded -

The big rancho west of Paso Robles known as the Ed Smith ranch, has been mortgaged by its owners for $25,000. The rancho was purchased last December by Mr. and Mrs. Harlin B. Blake. The acreage involved is more than 1600. The property is very valuable. It is in the heart of the most production portion of the state.


The Evening Herald, Klamath Falls, Klamath Co., OR, Monday, April 14, 1913

ASKS TO HAVE DEED ANNULLED

JOHN SHOOK COMMENCES INJUNCTION SUIT AGAINST HIS WIFE - TEMPORARY ORDER MADE TODAY BY BENSON

Alleging that he made a mistake and deeded her his homestead, worth $10,000, instead of property valued at $5,000, John Shook, an old resident of this county, today commenced suit against his wife, Cora Shook, to restrain her from executing the deed, or trading the property for a Portland rooming house. A temporary order was issued by Circuit Judge Benson this afternoon. In his complaint, Shook states that his wife, who lives in Portland, wrote him that she could trade a portion of the Shook holdings near Dairy for an apartment house in Portland, and asked him to execute a deed in blank for the property. Shook says that in complying with the request, he made a mistake in the description, and instead, executed a deed in blank for the Shook homestead near Dairy, on which he has lived for the past thirty years, and which is easily worth $10,000. This deen, he says, he forwarded to her. After learning the mistake, the plaintiff says he wrote to Mrs. Shook, telling her of the mistake, and asking her not to make the trade. He says she has refused to return the deed, and threatens to make the trade with the wrong property.


The Evening Herald, Klamath Falls, Klamath Co., OR, Friday, April 25, 1913

ASKS $1,000 FOR TRIAL FEE AND $100 A MONTH

MRS SHOOK FILES MOTION IN DIVORCE SUIT

Wife of Prominent Klamath County Rancher Asks $100 a Month During the Pendency of Separation Proceedings, and $1,000 for Trial Money, to enable Her to Bring Witnesses From Portland.

Through her attorneys, Woernadie & Haas of Portland, Mrs. Cora Shook today filed a motion in the divorce suit commenced by her husband. In this she asks for $100 a month for her support during the pendency of the trial, and $1,000 trial money. The motion, which was filed today, asks the circuit court to issue an order citing the plaintiff in the action, John S. Shook, to appear and show cause why he should not pay the money demanded by the defendant. Circuit Judge Benson is not in Klamath Falls at present, so no action has been taken as yet on the motion. Shook, who owns ranch lands in the vicinity of Dairy, is a pioneer resident of Klamath county. He married several years ago while a member of the legislature from this section. In his divorce complaint Shook alleges that his wife is avaricious, selfish and overbearing. He seeks full title to all his property, estimated to be worth $25,000. Mrs. Shook has been living in Portland for several months.


The 1918 California Voter Index shows Harlin B. Blake is a Republican Farmer and is living in Paso Robles, Las Tablas Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA. Living with him is Anne E. Blake, a Republican Housewife.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 26, 1920, shows Arnold Blake (age 55) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a General Farm Farmer owning his farm free of a mortgage and is living in Las Tablas Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA. Living with him is wife, Nancy Blake (age 54) born in Iowa to Ohio-born parents. Two married Servants also live in the home.

The 1920 California Voter Index shows Harlin B. Blake is a Republican Rancher and is living in Paso Robles, Las Tablas Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 6, 1920, shows Benjamin Franklin Allison (age 57) born in Iowa to Ohio-born parents, is married with no occupation, and who rents his home, and is living at 540 G Avenue, Coronado City, San Diego Twp., San Diego Co., CA. Living with him are: his wife, Clara Maude Allison (age 31) born in Washington to English Canadian and Oregon-born parents; his daughter, Adabelle Allison (age 9) born in Washington to Iowa and Washington-born parents; and his son, Bert Franklin Allison (age 7) born in Washington to Iowa and Washington-born parents.


The Daily Telegram, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Co., CA, Monday, February 2, 1920

Suit is Filed -

Anne E. Blake, today filed suit through her attorney, I. S. Genter against Harlin B. Blake.


Dean Royal Walker and Phyllis Alma Burrus were married April 21, 1920, in Burlington, Des Moines Co., IA.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Anna Elaine (Allison) (Griffith) Blake were granted an interlocutory divorce Wednesday, June 22, 1920, in San Luis Obispo Co., CA.


The Daily Telegram, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Co., CA, Wednesday, June 23, 1920

Wife Objected to Husband Being Called "Daddy" by Other Women

Because her husband was known to other women as "daddy" and was even called "papa" with other endearing terms, along with the fact that his frequent business trips away from home - sometimes for days and weeks at a time - caused her much mental anguish, Mrs. Anna E. Blake was granted an interlocutory decree of divorce yesterday afternoon in the Superior Court by Judge T. A. Norton. The Blakes lived on a ranch near Paso Robles, where they are very well known. It is also said they had property interest iin other parts of the state. In her bill of complaint Mrs. Blake named two Paso Robles women, Jane Briley and Sarah McElroy, and in the trial introduced depositions of a hotel keeper and others in La Jolla and San Diego, to show that Blake and the women occupied adjoining rooms, connected with a door, and which one of the depositions - that of the keeper of the hotel - said was open each morning when she went to put clean linen in the rooms. The depositions were those of Mrs. Fred Higgins, Mrs. W. C. Hollister, Will Hoiz and Mrs. A. B. Morton. In her original petition Mrs. Blake asked for separate maintenance, but a settlement was  made out of court and the interlocutory decree was granted by Judge Norton. As a side issue to the case was the filing and subsequent dismissal of a suit for slander against Mrs. Blake, filed by one of the women she named as correspondent. This suit was dismissed last week, before the divorce came up for hearing. The defense introduced no witnesses.


Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Anna Elaine (Allison) (Griffith) Blake were granted a final divorce Friday, June 24, 1921, in San Luis Obispo Co., CA.


The Daily Telegram, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Co., CA, Saturday, June 25, 1921

In the Superior Court.

T. A. NORTON, Judge Presiding.

Friday, June 24, 1921. Anna E. Blake vs. Harlin B. Blake. Upon motion of attorneys of plaintiff, a final decree of divorce granted.


The 1922 California Voter Index shows Harlin B. Blake is a Republican Rancher and is living in Paso Robles, Las Tablas Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA.


History of Oregon, Volume 2, by Charles Henry Carey, 1922

REV. TELESPHORE BROUILLETTE.

Rev. Telesphore Brouillette, who for many years devoted his life to the Presbyterian ministry but le now living retired, was born in the parish of St. Cyprian, Quebec, December 10, 1842, and is a eon of Landry and Emilie (Fortin) Brouillette. He comes of a family noted for loyalty, valor and patriotism in times of war as well as in days of peace. His grandfather. De Barnard Brouillette, served in the French rebellion in Canada in 1837. The father was also a soldier of the French rebellion, and after crossing the border into the United States and becoming a resident of Kankakee county, Illinois, he there enlisted for service in the Union army in the Civil war.

Telesphore Brouillette was at one time the agent of the Nova Scotia government  in establishing a large French colony in that country. He became a resident a Kankakee, Illinois, however, at an early age and was there residing when the serious trouble between the north and the south arose over the question of the states' surrender. Feeling that the Union cause was just he enlisted on the 15th of October, 1861, in Kankakee county, to serve for three years, or during the war, and wan mustered into the United States army at Chicago, Illinois, January 19, 1862, a private of Captain John P. Harvey's Company which was later commanded by Captain Cephas Strong and was known as Company E of the Twelfth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. The first commander of the regiment was Colonel Arno Voss, who afterward was succeeded by Colonel Hasbrouck Davis. The regiment Wad organized at Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois, in February, 1862, and remained there guarding rebel prisoners until the 25th of June, when It was ordered to Martinsburg, Virginia. Its first meeting with the enemy was when Colonel Davis and his men were scouting the country on the Martinsburg and Winchester pike and met the Confederate forces in far superior numbers at Bunker Hill, September 5, 1862, but completely routed them, driving them back several miles. On the 7th of September the Confederates, having been reinforced, attacked the Twelfth Cavalry at Martinsburg but were 'again put to flight and pursued beyond Winchester. The regiment moved to Harpers Ferry, Virginia, and thence to Sharpsburg, Virginia. where it joined General McClellan's forces and was assigned to Averill's Brigade. The Twelfth Cavalry performed picket duty at Williamsport and Dam No. 4 on the Potomac and afterward escorted Sigel's army from Warrenton to Fredericksburg. Following the battle there the Twelfth Cavalry was sent to Manassas to watch the movements of Lee and Stuart. The regiment was conspicuous for its bravery in the celebrated Stoneman raid, bearing a gallant part in engagements at South Anna Bridge and Ashland, Virginia. It was later assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the battles of Beverly Ford, or Brandy Station, Virginia, also at Carlisle and Gettysburg, Williamsport and Falling Water, Maryland, at Stevensburg and Culpeper, Virginia. Following the last named engagement the regiment was ordered home to reorganize as a veteran regiment, which distinguished privilege was awarded by the secretary of war in recognition of its brilliant service In the field. Early in March, 1864, it was transferred to General Bank's Corps and took part in the Red River expedition and engagements at Bayou Rapids, Bayou Lafourche, Marksville arid Liberty, Louisiana. The Twelfth Illinois. Cavalry was also a part of General Davidson's expedition against Mobile, Alabama, after which it was engaged in scouting and on guard and escort duty until mustered out at Houston, Texas, May 29, 1866, the men receiving their final discharge at Springfield, Illinois, on the 16th of June of that year. Mr. Brouillette had been with his command In all of the engagements in which It had participated and had been promoted to corporal and sergeant. In the three days' cavalry fight at the Rapidan retreat, while in a charge on the enemy's artillery, he was wounded in the left hand by a piece of shell which passed through his hand. He was also struck in the right eye by the flying debris and was carried in an ambulance for a few days until able to resume duty and while he was at the front he had many other narrow escapes, four horses being killed from under him. He bore a gallant part in all the engagements of his battalion and rendered faithful and meritorious service to his country, He received an honorable discharge at Memphis, Tennessee, February 28, 1866, by reason of the expiration of his term of service, He was offered a commission which was issued to him an captain in the United States Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Hancock's Corps, but declined.

It was after his service in the Union army that Rev. Mr. Brouillette entered McGill University at Montreal, Canada, and studied for the ministry. He was graduated In 1874 and the same year was ordained as a minister of the Presbyterian church.

It wax on the 14th of August of the same year that Mr. Brouillette was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Raymond in the province of New Brunswick, Canada, and they became the parents of thirteen children, eight of whom are living; Millie, Sadie, Selina, Minerva, Carrie, Susie and Rex. The family came to the northwest in 1880 and for a long period Mr. Brouillette devoted his life to the active work of the ministry is now living retired. He is a member or Ben Butler Post, No. 7, G. A. R. and was commander of Phil Kearney Post. No. 7, of the Department of Washington, for one term, while In the order he has filled a number of minor offices. He also held the position of acting assistant adjutant general and was for one term a member of the council of administration of the Department of Oregon. He was a chaplain of the Department of Washington and aide-de-camp to the department commander of Washington. He has at times been active as an official in public office, serving as superintendent of schools of Lewis county, Washington, and was acting mayor of Newberg for four years, He served for several years as justice of the peace of Newberg and ever discharged his duties with marked capability and fairness. His wife in an active and honored member of Ben Butter Corps, No. 28, W. R. C. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brouillette are widely and favorably known in Portland, where they exert a beneficent influence in connection with the intellectual and moral progress of the community.


Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake and Helen B. "Nellie" Russell were married April 4, 1923, in Los Angeles Co., CA.

The 1924 California Voter Index shows Harlin B. Blake is a Republican Rancher and is living in Paso Robles, Las Tablas Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA.

Telesphore Brouillette and Cora (Jones) (Blake) Shook were married August 13, 1928, in Pierce Co., WA.


Telesphore Brouillette and Cora (Jones) (Blake) Shook Marriage Record.


John Samuel Shook died November 23, 1929, in Klamath Falls, Klamath Co., OR, at age 88. Buried in Linkville Pioneer Cemetery, Klamath Falls, Klamath Co., OR.


John Samuel Shook Death Record.


The Evening Herald, Klamath Falls, Klamath Co., OR, Monday, November  24, 1929

John Shook Dies Last Night of Heart Disease

John Shook, one of Klamath county's best known pioneer residents, died suddenly last night about 9:30 at the C. E. Dunn home, 1035 Alameda, at the age of 87. Death came to the aged man suddenly in his sleep. He had suffered for years with a heart affliction. Always an active man despite his illness, it had only been a few days since he was greeting friends on the street. Mr. Shook was a retired stockman, but was also one of the first men to engage in the lumbering industry in this county. He was a veteran of the Mondoc Indian war and a close friend of Capt. O. C. Applegate. He resided with his family in the Bonanza district for many years, but for some time had been making his home in this city. He was a native of Iowa. To mourn his death, Mr. Shook leaves one brother, William Shook of Dairy, three sisters, Mrs. Ada Rueck of Eugene, Mrs. Hattie Parker of Los Angeles, and Mrs. Fannie Schumann of San Francisco. The remains are in charge of the Earl Whitlock Funeral home. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.


The Medford Mail, Medford, OR, Friday, November  29, 1929

Brevities

John S. Shook, 86, veteran of the Mondoc Indian war, died in Klamath Falls Saturday night from heart disease. He was a Klamath pioneer lumberman.


The 1930 California Voter Index shows Harlin B. Blake is a Republican Rancher and is living in San Miguel, San Miguel Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA. Living with him is Helen R. Blake, a Republican Housewife.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 14, 1930, shows Anna Blake (age 66) born in Iowa to Pennsylvania and Ohio-born parents is divorced and is living in the Frandora Apartments, 505 S. Serrano, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA. She is living near her niece, Mrs. Belle M. Brett (age 66) born about 1864 in Illinois, who is a widow, having been married to John M. Brett of Ireland.

The 1930 California Voter Index shows Mrs. Anna E. Blake is a Republican Housewife and is living at 62 2 S. Serrano, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA.

Anna Elaine (Allison) (Griffith) Blake died April 29, 1930, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 64. Buried in Tacoma Cemetery, Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA. Death was due to Pneumonia.

The 1932 California Voter Index shows Harlin B. Blake is a Republican Farmer, and is living in Paso Robles, Las Tablas Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA. Living with him is Helen R. Blake, a Democrat Housewife.

The 1934 California Voter Index shows Harlin B. Blake is a Republican Farmer and is living in Paso Robles, Las Tablas Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA. Living with him is Helen R. Blake, a Democrat Housewife.


The Jefferson Bee, Jefferson, Greene Co., IA, Thursday, September 3, 1935

Mr. and Mrs. Bert Blake of Paso Robles, California, two old time Jefferson residents, were visitors in this city last Thursday and Friday. The latter will be better remembered as Miss Helen Russell.


Telesphore Brouillette died January 21, 1936, at Seattle, King Co., WA, at age 94. Buried in Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR.


Telesphore Brouillette.


The 1936 California Voter Index shows Harlan B. Blake is a Republican Farmer and is living in Paso Robles, Las Tablas Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA. Living with him is Helen R. Blake, a Democrat Housewife.

The 1940 California Voter Index shows Harlin B. Blake is a Republican Farmer and is living in Paso Robles, Las Tablas Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA. Living with him is Helen R. Blake, a Democrat Housewife.

The 1940 U. S. Census dated April 6, 1940, shows Harlin Blake (age 74) born in Pennsylvania, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 8 years of School, is a married Head of Household, and who owns his home worth $7,500 and is living at 345 North Kenwood Street, Glendale, Los Angeles Co., CA. Living with him is his wife, Helen Blake (age 67) born in Iowa, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 8 years of School.

Harlan Burdine "Bert" Blake died June 30, 1940, at 345 North Kenwood Street, Glendale, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 74.


The Jefferson Bee, Jefferson, Greene Co., IA, Tuesday, July 9, 1940

BERT BLAKE'S DEATH

BROTHER OF DR. C. W. BLAKE

Tribute to His Memory Sent The Bee by His Lifelong Friend, Chas. G. Rhoads

Harlin Birdine Blake, eldest son of the late Charles T. and Sarah Blake, whose remains lie in the Jefferson cemetery, died suddenly at his home in Glendale,  Calif., on Sunday, June 30, 1940, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. Funeral services were conducted under the auspices of the Benevolent Order of Elks, of which the deceased was a life member in the Tacoma, Wash., lodge. The body was temporarily placed in a receiving vault in Grand View cemetery in Glendale, pending the erection of a private family suicum at a later date. Mr. Blake was born near Bloody Run, Pa., Nov. 2, 1865, and his family became residents of Jefferson in 1869, engaging in the hotel business for many years thereafter. "Bert," as he was familiarly known, received his early schooling in the Jefferson public schools during the periods when Professors William Elden and A. G. Riley served as principals. Being ambitious to fame and fortune, as a very young man he wended his way westward, first to the state of Nebraska, then to the Pacific coast, where he acquired extensive ranching and timber interests extending from the Imperial valley of California to the Pugent sound territory. He was endowed with a marvelous constitution as well as a bent for hard work, and up to the very time of his death was actively and successfully operating a number of these enterprises. On April 4, 1923, Mr. Blake was united in marriage with Miss Helen Russell, also a former well-known and native resident of Jefferson, who, with her mother, the late Mrs. John J. Russell, had for some years been making a home in southern California. This union had proved a most happy and congenial one, even though the nature of Mr. Blake's iterceta required the keeping up of a number of homes in widely separated places, some of which could not be provided with the comforts and conveniences of their Glendale home at 345 Kenwood street. Besides his widow, Mr. Blake is survived by two sisters Mrs. Mazie Miller of Inglewood and Mrs. Etta Hutchins of Los Angeles, also one brother, James of San Diego. Two sisters, Mrs. Hillary Mahanay and Mrs. G. S. Toliver, and a brother, Dr. Charles, preceded him in death, their remains resting in the Jefferson cemetery. C. G. R.

Los Angeles, July 4, 1940.


The 1942 California Voter Index shows Helen R. Blake, a Democrat Housewife, is living in Paso Robles, Las Tablas Pct., San Luis Obispo Co., CA.

Cora (Jones) (Blake) (Shook) Brouillette died May 21, 1944, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, at age 76. Buried in Lincoln Memorial Park, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR.


The Oregonian, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, Wednesday, May 24, 1944

FUNERAL NOTICES

SHOOK - May 21, Mrs. Cora Shook of 301 NE Sacramento st., sister of Mrs. H. E. Mitchell, John A. Jones. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, May 24, 10:30 A. M., from the Pearson Funeral Church, NE Knott st. at Union ave. Friends invited. Interment Lincoln Memorial Park. Member of Harmony Lavender club, Sterling lodge. Rebekahs, and Relief corps.


Dean Royal Walker and Helen B. "Nellie" (Russell) Blake were married about 1943 in California.

Dean Royal Walker died February 24, 1945, at California Hospital, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 50. Buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, Los Angeles Co., CA. He had lung cancer.


Dean Royal Walker death record.


Helen B. "Nellie" (Russell) (Blake) Walker died September 2, 1950, in Glendale, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 79.


The Jefferson Herald, Jefferson, Greene Co., IA, Thursday, September 19, 1950

RUSSELL FAMILY MEMBER SUCCUMBS

News of the death of the former Helen Russell came in a letter from Mrs. S. J. Sayers of Pasadena, California, received last week. Death of this former Greene county woman occurred Saturday, September 2 in Glendale, California, where the funeral was held Tuesday, September 5. She was born in 1870 in Jefferson, the only daughter of Senator J. J. Russell and Mary McDuffie Russell. A number of years ago she was married to Bert Blake, an uncle of Mesdames Frank D. Milligan and Mrs. Alvin Goke. She later married a Mr. Walker. She was born the same year that her father, Senator John J. Russell, entered into partnership with G. S. Toliver in the practice of law in this city. The firm continued until Mr. Russell died in 1901. She with her parents traveled extensively in Europe and she spent a portion of that time in a college in Paris. Harvey Hall of this city and M. G. McDuffie of Los Angeles are cousins of the deceased. The Jefferson Russell Park was given to the citizens of Jefferson by her father who served as state senator from this district for 12 years. He came to Jefferson in 1867 and from that date until his death he was one of the most progressive and leading citizens of the city and served in many prominent positions. Her mother was a leader in organizing the Jefferson Friday Club, the oldest club in the city, 62 years ago.


The Jefferson Bee, Jefferson, Greene Co., IA, Tuesday, October 10, 1950

STILLMAN WRITES RUSSELL OBITUARY

WILLED FORTUNE TO COLLEGE

Former BEE Editor Remembers Helen Russell Walker's Days In Greene County

The following letter, commemorating the life of one of Greene county's most prominent residents during the latter part of the  last century, was received today from Paul E. Stillman, former editor and present BEE partner now living in California:

Glendale, California October 8, 1950

To The Bee:

"An event which brings back vivid memories of old and almost forgotten days in Jefferson and Greene County, occurred here in Glendale, California, last month, when Helen Russell Walker, who was a Jefferson girl away back in the eighties and nineties of the last century, died. She was eighty years of age. The event caused a considerable stir in cultural and educational circles here in Southern California, for this Greene county girl left the bulk of her fortune, something like three quarters of a million dollars, to Pomona college located in the Eastern part of Los Angeles county, where the "Helen Russell Memorial Hall" will rise one of these days to honor her name for all time to come. Pomona college is an outstanding independent college, and bears about the same honoring reputation in California and Grinnell college does in Ia. In an expression of gratitude the President of Pomona college said that this was the largest single gift the institution had ever received.

Russell Park

The name Russell is woven into the very warp and woof of early Greene county history. Russell Park, in Jefferson, was given to the city by Helen's father, John J. Russell. He came to Iowa from New England after the civil war, having served in the army and attained the rank of captain. He married Mary McDuffie, sister of I. J. and M. B. McDuffie, prominent Jefferson men in those days. (I. J. McDuffie was father of Mac McDuffie, former Jefferson citizen who now resides here in southern California.) Helen Russell, an only child, was born in Jefferson in 1870 and lived there until she was 30 years of age or thereabouts, when her father died and she came to California with her mother. They chose Hollywood as their home long before moving pictures were ever head of. They invested wisely in Hollywood property, and on the death of Mrs. Russell, Helen took over and managed her affairs very ably, one of the pieces of property listed in her estate, being lots at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Cahuenga, one of the corners in the very heart of the glamorous movie capital. Helen was married twice, both times late in life. Her first husband was Harlan Blake, a former Jefferson man who died in the late thirties; then in the early forties she married Mr. Walker, a Glendale man, who died in 1945. She lived for many years in the latter part of her life in Glendale.

Of Fine Character

In my boyhood days in Jefferson I knew Helen quite well. In fact I "squired" her to a couple of parties in that long ago. She was a very quiet and reserved person and inherited the dignity and poise of her father. Not what would be called a good "mixer", but possessed of a good mind and a fine character. Helen was every inch a lady. I note with pleasure that she left ten thousand dollars to Marian McDuffie, (daughter of Mac McDuffie) living here in California. She also left ten thousand dollars to her lifelong friend, Miss Jessica Lawrence, another Jefferson girl who lives here in southern California. Jessica was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Lawrence, whose home was across the street west of the Presbyterian Church. She was  fine singer and was for many years soprano in the Presbyterian Choir. (And I, believe it or not, was the basso.)

Here One, There One

So another of those Jefferson old-timers has gone on to join that great majority, and the company of those who remain grows very small indeed. Just here one and there one. and with each of these sad events we are bound to glance backward and the ghosts of happy yesterdays come trooping along with us for a little. For though these days in which we now live are good days, those other days were pretty fine too, a little simpler and a little quieter, and no atomic bomb. And so we salute the memory of Helen Russell, a Greene county girl who lived a good life and left the world a rich legacy to be expended for human betterment."


According to their divorce proceedings in Tacoma in 1902, the marriage of Bert Blake and Cora Jones was often strained. Of course it's difficult to tell how much of each side's claims are true, but it's probably safe to assume both of them added lies to their stories. Cora portrays herself as a completely innocent victim of Bert's behavior, but the experiences of her next two husbands, both pillars of their respective communities, would indicate that she was no angel. 

Over the years, from Alliance, Nebraska, to Nevada, to Castlerock, Little Falls, and Chehalis, all in Washington state, Bert used Cora's wages as a cook to invest in a variety of securities and businesses. He was doing very well as a merchant in Chehalis when he left her in August, 1900, and moved to Tacoma. She moved to Portland and supported herself in the millinery trade. She may have had a sister in Portland; that's not clear. She refused to give Bert a divorce, and he sued for divorce in early 1902. He claimed poverty, saying he could give her just $300 in settlement and $100 per year alimony for five years, and that he would have to borrow the money. He convinced her, her lawyer, and the court that he was broke, so she ultimately relented and signed the divorce papers on May 21, 1902, their fifteenth wedding anniversary. In December of that same year she discovered that he hadn't been broke at the time of their divorce, that he was actually quite well off, having hidden $25,000 in cash, in addition to securities and land deeds, in various safe deposit vaults in Tacoma banks. She sued him for fraud. The ultimate outcome is not known. 

Bert Blake married his second wife in Tacoma in 1903, and Cora Jones Blake married her second husband, John Samuel Shook, on April 20, 1904 in Klamath County, Oregon. They were split by 1913 and went through a difficult divorce. He described her as avaricious, selfish, and overbearing. 

Cora Jones Blake Shook, of Yamhill, Oregon, married her third husband, Telesphore Brouillette, also of Yamhill, Oregon, in 1928 in Pierce County, Washington.  Brouillette was a retired Presbyterian minister of high regard. He was 86, she 60. They divorced in 1930. From the October 4, 1930 San Bernardino County Sun from San Bernardino, California, Page 2: "PORTLAND, Oct. 3. After shaking an admonitory finger under Judge Ekwall's nose, Telesphore Brouillette, 89, Civil war and circuit rider veteran, walked out of the courtroom today brandishing his cane in defiance of a decision awarding his wife, Cora, 62, separate maintenance money. She sued Brouillette, father of 13 children by a previous marriage, for a divorce charging he terrorized her on their honeymoon two years ago and spent most of his time with a 24 year old woman In her apartment.” Cora changed her last name back to Shook (misspelled Schook on Find A Grave) and died in Oregon on May 21, 1944.  (May 21 was an important date in her life, being the day she first married, the day she first divorced, and the day she died.) 

Bert Blake's logging camp was in North Rosedale, Washington, not far from Tacoma. As you note on your website, he appears twice in the 1910 census. That was fairly common with local loggers in 1910. Bert owned the logging camp and was the superintendent, but was probably not a logger. He was primarily a real estate investor at that time. His second wife owned somewhat less than 80 acres in North Rosedale, but the vast amount of acreage logged by the Blake camp was owned by others. Blake bought timber leases from them. This is a picture of Bert with his small logging crew in 1905. The photo was locked away in the back room of the Harbor History Museum for 30 years or so until I positively identified him (back row, white shirt, dark vest) and his foreman (back row, second from left). Now it's on the Museum's website. A full-resolution version of that photo can be purchased from the Museum by clicking on the green square in the lower right corner. 

The logging in North Rosedale was finished probably in the second half of 1910. Bert and his second wife moved to California in 1911. They retained ownership of their high-end house in North Tacoma for at least a couple years after that, renting it to the local prosecuting attorney. 

In the two newspaper attachments, the stories on Cora are both in column 4. One begins at the top of the column with, "ASKS $1000 FOR TRIAL FEE" and the other begins near the bottom of the column with "ASKS TO HAVE DEED ANNULED" 

That's all I can think of at the moment.

Greg Spadoni, Olalla, WA