Roland Gilbert Blake




Roland Gilbert Blake (a) was born September 4, 1876, in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA, and died February 21, 1930, at the army hospital at Fort Totten, Bayside, Queens Co., NY, at age 53. He is the son of Millard Fillmore Blake of Martinsburg, Blair County, PA, and Mary Alice Fluke of Pennsylvania.

Edna Mildred Stansbury was born April 25, 1888, in New York and died August 1, 1972, in Orange Co., FL, at age 84. She is the daughter of Joseph I. Stansbury of New York and Emilie Ficheher of New York.

Roland Gilbert Blake (a) and Edna Mildred Stansbury were married December 12, 1918, in Jamaica, Long Island, Queens Co., NY.

Roland Gilbert Blake (a) and Edna Mildred (Stansbury) Blake had one child:

  1. Roland Gilbert Blake (b): Born January 17, 1920, in Jamaica, Long Island, Queens Co., NY; Died May 12, 1979, in Orlando, Orange Co., FL (age 59). Married about 1950 in Unknown to Astrid Margret Anderson: Born October 24, 1920, in Stamford, CT; Died December 21, 1992, in Casselberry, Seminole Co., FL (age 72). Astrid Margret (Anderson) Blake then married on May 28, 1983, in Seminole Co., FL, Seyford Lowell Betz: Born July 8, 1906, in Ohio; Died October 7, 1991, in Seminole Co., FL (age 85).



TIMELINE


Roland Gilbert Blake (1876 - 1930) Photo.


The 1850 U. S. Census taken on August 28, 1850, shows Nancy Blake (age 49) born in Pennsylvania with real estate worth $2,500 is living in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA. Living with her are the following, all born in Pennsylvania: Samuel Blake (age 19) a Farmer; Elizabeth Blake (age 15); Eston Blake (age 9); and Nancy Blake (age 6).

The adjacent household also has some Blakes, all persons born in Pennsylvania. Sarah Miller (age 41); Columbus Miller (age 1); Polly Blake (age 64); and Simon Blake (age 26). Polly is probably the third wife of James Blake, and was childless.

Mary Alice Fluke was born August 5, 1852, in Pennsylvania.

Millard Fillmore Blake was born January 15, 1856, in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on June 26, 1860, shows Nancy Blake (age 58) born in Pennsylvania with personal estate worth $200 is living in North Woodbury, Bedford Co., PA. Living with her are the following, all born in Pennsylvania: Simon Blake (age 31) a Plasterer; William B. Blake (age 29) a Carpenter; Samuel Blake (age 27) a Plasterer; Thomas Blake (age 21) a Blacksmith; Easton Blake (age 18) a Moulder; Lile Blake (age 15).

Millard Fillmore Blake and Mary Alice Fluke were married August 20, 1875, in Pennsylvania.

Roland Gilbert Blake (a) was born September 4, 1876, in Martinsburg, Blair County, PA.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 2, 1880, shows Filmore Blake (age 24) born in Pennsylvania to Maryland and Pennsylvania-born parents is a Coal Dealer living in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife, Alice Blake (age 26) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents. Two children also live in the house, both born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents: Rollen Blake (age 3); and Walter Blake (age 1). His sister-in-law and children, Nancy Blake, lives next door.

Edna Mildred Stansbury was born April 25, 1888, in New York.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 5, 1900, shows Millard Blake (age 44) born January 1856 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a Plasterer owning his own home in Martinsburg, North Woodbury Twp., Blair Co., MD. Living with his is his wife of 25 years, Mary Blake (age 47) born August 1852 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who has all 5 of the children born to her still living. Three children living at home, all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, are: Myra Blake (age 18) born January 1882; Edith Blake (age 16) born January 1884; and Charles Blake (age 9) born August 1890.


The Indiana County Gazette, Indiana, PA, Wednesday, April 29, 1903

Hollidaysburg, Pa. - Millard F. Blake, of Martinsburg, was awarded a judgment in court against the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for $282, 875, being for royalties for the use of a patent device for unloading cars.


The Altoona Mirror, Altoona, PA, Saturday, June 4, 1904

PELLOW - BLAKE

Mr. H. J. Pellow, of this city, and Miss Edith R. Blake were married at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Blake, of Martinsburg, by the Rev. C. M. Aurand. The groom is employed as a brakeman on the Middle division. They will reside on Lexington avenue, near Second street.


Catherine May Pellow was born December 7, 1904, in Blair Co., PA.


The Altoona Mirror, Altoona, PA, Saturday, February 11, 1905

MARTINSBURG.

M. F. Blake received a letter a few days ago from his son, Roland, who is in Manila, Philippine islands. He states that he is enjoying good health and also says the natives are a contented class of people - not quarrelsome. He is a member of the Seventh cavalry, located there.


Millard Fillmore Blake died May 8, 1906, in Martinsburg, Bedford (Blair) County, PA, at age 50.


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

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


H. J. Pellow died in a train accident in 1906. Altoona Mirror, September 1, 1906.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 25, 1910, shows Mary Alice Blake (age 59) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a widow owning her own home free of a mortgage and living in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA, with all 5 of the children born to her still living. Living with her is her unmarried son: Charles T. Blake (age 19) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who is a House Store Attendant at a Railroad.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 25, 1910, shows Aldus Hershock (age 42) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents and in his first marriage is a Traveling Salesman for Coffee owning his own home with a mortgage and living on Locust Street, Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife of less than one year, Edith E. Hershock (age 26) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who is in her second marriage with the only child born to her still alive. Also living there is his daughter, Kathryn Hershock (age 5) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on June 18, 1910, shows Roland G. Blake (age 33) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania and Unknown-born parents, is an unmarried Sergeant, and is serving in Troop "C", 2nd U. S. Cavalry, Augur Barracks, Jolo Jolo, Philippine Islands.


The Altoona Mirror, Altoona, PA, Monday, April 6, 1914

MARTINSBURG.

Roland Blake, Soldier in Regular Army, Spends Furlough at Home.

Roland Blake, a soldier in the regular army stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, Connecticut, is home on a furlough visiting his mother, Mrs. M. F. Blake. Mr. Blake has been in the regular army for quite a number of years.


Roland Gilbert Blake (a) and Edna Mildred Stansbury were married December 12, 1918, in Jamaica, Long Island, Queens Co., NY.


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

MARTINSBURG.

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


The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 12, 1920, shows John A. Markley (age 41) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a Steam Railway Locomotive Inspector owning his own home free of a mortgage and living at 1501 Berryhill Street, 2nd Ward, City of Harrisburg, Dauphin Co., PA. Living with him is his wife, Edith Markley (age 36) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents. Also living there are: his widowed mother-in-law, Mary Blake (age 67) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents; and his unmarried step daughter, Catherine Pellow (age 15) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents.


The New York Times, Thursday, March 16, 1922

Two Army Aviators Sideslip 125 Feet To Earth at Mitchel Field; One May Die

Retiree Army Aviator Dies – Was Injured Eight Years Ago.

Sergeant Eugene Reviere and Technical Sergeant Roland Blake were seriously injured late yesterday afternoon at Mitchel Field, near Garden City, L. I., when an airplane in which they were flying at a height of 125 feet side slipped and crashed to the ground, burying both beneath the wreckage. A stalled engine was said to have been the cause of the mishap. Blake suffered two broken legs, facial and internal injuries. It was said he might not recover. Reviere broke his right leg and nose. He was also cut about the face and body. The two men were taken to the Government hospital at Fort Trotten as Mitchel Field has only an emergency medical station. The plane was piloted by Sergeant Blake, who holds the Mitchel Field record for parachute jumping. Last year he descended 12,000 feet by parachute at a flying circus. When at a height of 125 feet the airplane appeared to become unmanageable to those who were watching the flight. The machine was seen to falter. Then the sound of the motor ceased and the airplane went into a side slip to earth. Officers and enlisted men ran to the spot and worked hard for ten minutes extricating the wounded men from the debris. An ambulance was summoned from headquarters and the two injured fliers were started on their way to the hospital after receiving first aid treatment. Blake is 46 years old and Reviere 22. Blake has been in the army for thirty-one years.


Mary Alice (Fluke) Blake died May 9, 1929, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John A. Markley, 1400 North Second street, Harrisburg, PA, at age 76.


The Altoona Mirror, Altoona, PA, Friday, May 10, 1929

MRS. MARY A BLAKE

Widow of Filmore Blake, died Thursday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John A. Markley, 1400 North Second street, Harrisburg, at the age of 76. Funeral services will be held in Martinsburg Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, where interment will be made. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. John A. Markley, Harrisburg, Mrs. H. T. Beegle, Newry, and two sons, R. G. Blake, Jamaica, Long Island and Charles T. Blake of Tampa, Fla. Two sisters, Mrs. Myra Eichelberger, Langdondale, Pa. Thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild also survive.


Roland Gilbert Blake (a) died February 21, 1930, at the army hospital at Fort Totten, Bayside, Queens Co., NY, at age 53.


The New York Times, New York, NY, Sunday, February 23, 1930

CAPTAIN ROLAND G. BLAKE.

Retiree Army Aviator Dies – Was Injured Eight Years Ago.

Captain Roland G. Blake, aviator, died at the army hospital at Fort Totten, Bayside, on Friday evening. Captain Blake was 53 years old and his home since his retirement from active service had been at 815-9 162d Street, Jamaica. Serious injuries, including the fracture of both legs in a plane crash at Mitchel Field eight years ago, were said to have caused his death. He had been at the hospital about week, following a physical collapse. Captain Blake served twenty-six years in the United States Army. He was one of the first army officers to be transferred to the Aviation Corps. Since his retirement he had been with the Jamaica branch of the Title Guarantee and Trust Company, He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Edna M. Blake; a son, a brother and two sisters. Services will be held at the Fairchild funeral parlors in Jamaica Monday evening and burial will be in Flushing Cemetery Tuesday morning.


The 1930 U. S. Census taken on May 9, 1930, shows Joseph L. Stansbury (age 76) born in New York to New York-born parents and first married at age 32, is a married Salesman of Groceries who owns his home worth $18,000 and is living at 165-05 8th Avenue, Jamaica Twp., New York City, Queens County, NY. Living with him are: his wife, Emelie Stansbury (age 67) born in New York to German-born parents and first married at age 23; his widowed daughter, Edna M. Blake (age 41) born in New York to New York-born parents and first married at age 29; his grandson, Roland F. Blake (age 10) born in New York to Pennsylvania and New York-born parents; and an unmarried Lodger, Ellie Frende (age 40) born in New York to German and New York-born parents, a Bank Clerk.

The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 6, 1940, shows Edna Blake (age 50) born in New York State, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 5 years of College, is a widowed Public School Teacher who owns her home worth $6,500 and is living at 84-59 16th Street, Borough of Queens, Queens County, NY. Living with her are: her unmarried son, Roland Blake (age 20) born in New York State, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 3 years of College; and her married mother, Emily Stransbury (age 77) born in New York State, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 8 years of School.


The Orlando Sentinel, Orlando, FL, December 24, 1992

OBITUARIES

Astrid M. Betz, 72 . . . Homemaker

CASSELBERRY - MRS. BETZ, 11 Bayberry Branch, Casselberry, died Monday, Dec. 21. She was a homemaker. Born in Stamford, Conn., she moved to Central Florida in 1952. A member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, she also was a member of the International PBX/Telecommunicators, Casselberry Hoedowners Club, Lutheran Church member of the Women and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Survivors: son, Roland ''Ron'' G. Blake Jr., Orlando; daughter, Ingrid L. Cox, Groveland; stepson, John, Lauderdale Lakes; stepdaughter, Nancy Castle, Pacific Palisades, Calif.; six grandchildren. Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home, Winter Park.


Edna Mildred (Stansbury) Blake died August 1, 1972, in Orange Co., FL, at age 84.


The Orlando Sentinel, Orlando, FL, October 9, 1991

Seyford Lowell Betz

SEYFORD LOWELL ''SEY'' BETZ, 85, 11 Bayberry Branch, Casselberry, died Monday, Oct. 7. Born in Minerva, Ohio, he moved to Casselberry from Battle Creek, Mich., in 1968. He was associated for many years with Addison Products Company, Orlando. He was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Winter Park. He was a 50-year member of Southgate Lodge No. 731 F&AM, Fort Wayne, Ind., a member of the Scottish Rite, Fort Wayne Consistory and the Shrine Temple, Fort Wayne. Survivors: wife, Astrid M.; son, John W., Lauderdale Lakes; daughter, Nancy J. Castle, Pacific Palisades, Calif.
 

CAPTAIN