Samuel Brison Blake




Samuel Brison Blake was born May 8, 1847, in Duncansville, Blair Co., PA, and died October 15, 1886, in Pennsylvania, at age 39. Buried in Fockler Cemetery, Saxton, Bedford Co., PA. He is the son of Samuel Spencer Blake of Pennsylvania, and Margaret Ann Yarlett of Pennsylvania. 

Mary Ann Putt was born August 29, 1843, in Broad Topy Twp., Bedford Co., PA, and died April 2, 1935, in Liberty Twp., Bedford Co., PA, at age 91. Buried in Fockler Cemetery, Saxton, Bedford Co., PA. She is the daughter of William Putt of Pennsylvania, and Margaret Evans of Pennsylvania.

Samuel Brison Blake and Mary Ann Putt were married about 1864 in Martinsburg, Bedford Co., PA.

Samuel Brison Blake and Mary Ann (Putt) Blake had nine children:

  1. Elizabeth Blake: Born Unknown in Unknown; Died before 1941 in Unknown.
  2. Samuel Blake: Born Unknown in Unknown; Died before 1941 in Unknown.
  3. Savilla Blake: Born Unknown in Unknown; Died before 1941 in Unknown.
  4. Franklin P. "Frank" Blake: Born July 4, 1864, in Pennsylvania; Died January 8, 1958, in East Saxton, Hopewell Twp., PA (age Unknown). Buried in Fockler Cemetery, Saxton, Bedford Co., PA. Married about 1887 in Pennsylvania to Ada Jane Stapleton: Born January 1865 in Pennsylvania; Died July 2, 1944, at her home in Blairsville, PA (age 76). Buried in Fockler Cemetery, Saxton, Bedford Co., PA.
  5. Oliver Blake: Born about 1866 in Pennsylvania; Died April 1, 1889, in Puttstown, PA.
  6. Margaret A. Blake: Born March 12, 1870 in Hopewell Twp., Huntingdon Co., PA; Died May 11, 1941 in Saxton, Bedford Co., PA (age 71). Married September 29, 1889, to James Donaldson: Born about 1860 in Unknown; Died after 1941 in Unknown.
  7. Miles Marion Blake: Born March 24, 1873 in Pennsylvania; Died after 1941 (Altoona?).
  8. Simon Blake: Born October 1876 in Pennsylvania; Died before 1941 in Unknown.
  9. Charles Wesley Blake: Born June 27, 1881 in Pennsylvania; Died after 1941 in Saxton?.



TIMELINE


My father, Samuel Blake, was a plasterer by trade. He married Mary Putt at Martinsburg about the year 1864 after he had come home from the Civil War. They had nine children; six boys and three girls.

There were Frank, Oliver, (myself -- Miles), Simon, Charles, Samuel, Savilla, Margaret and Elizabeth. Of the six boys only two had children. The elder one, Frank, had two girls, no boys; and myself, Miles, five girls and one boy, Ralph, who is married to Arvilla Frederick. My son has no children, so you see, of the William Blake that migrated from England, Ralph Blake is the last of his descendants in this line
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Mary Ann Putt was born August 29, 1843, in Broad Top Twp., Bedford Co., PA.

Samuel Brison Blake was born May 8, 1847, in Duncansville, Blair Co., PA


Miles M. Blake, 549 Wharton Ave. Lakemont, Altoona, PA, 1954

My great grandfather on my Father's side, instead of coming from Holland, was from England. His name was William Blake and he was the son of Sir William Blake, who once was a great warrior and played an important part in saving England from Invaders who might have conquered England but for the good generalship of Sir William Blake. He and his armies kept the country from being overrun by invaders, and he was rewarded by the Crown of England with a gift of a great amount of land, of which most of it lay where the city of London now stands. Sir William had two sons; William and Bascom. His son William was a minister, but he didn't like the ways of the Church of England and decided to come to the New Land and start a church to suit his way of thinking. He and his brother left England and came to the New Country about 1700. William settled in Massachusetts, while Bascom settled at Philadelphia.

William started a church in Massachusetts called the Quaker Church, of which there are several branches today; The dunkards, Mennonites, and others. William had learned all about the foundry business in England, so he decided to start a cast iron foundry in this country. He and a friend left Massachusetts and came to Pennsylvania and settled at what is now Woodbury, Bedford County, and there started a cast iron foundry, making stoves, iron kettles, ploughshares, and all kinds of cast iron implements that were needed in those early days. He continued preaching and helping to run the iron foundry until his death, about he year 1834. He had six sons; Thomas, William, Berdine, (who also became a preacher) Simon, Easton and Samuel; who was my Father. Five of these boys enlisted in the army during the Civil war and were mustered in at the place now called Loysburg, Bedford County, but at that time was the town of Pattonsville. Thomas and William never returned from the war. Whether they were killed in action, or what happened to them, no one ever knew. Easton had learned the foundry business in his Father's foundry, and on coming back from the war, decided to start a Foundry in Huntingdon. He built his foundry on the east bank, about 200 yards about the mouth of Stone Creek, which empties into the Juniata River. The foundry continued to run and turn out castings until Easton Blake's death, about the year 1888. when it was shut down, and some years later it was disbanded.

My father, Samuel Blake, was a plasterer by trade. He married Mary Putt at Martinsburg about the year 1864 after he had come home from the Civil War. They had nine children; six boys and three girls.

There was Frank, Oliver, (myself -- Miles), Simon, Charles, Samuel, Savilla, Margaret and Elizabeth. Of the six boys only two had children. The elder one, Frank, had two girls, no boys; and myself, Miles, five girls and one boy, Ralph, who is married to Arvilla Frederick. My son has no children, so you see, of the William Blake that migrated from England, Ralph Blake is the last of his descendants in this line.

There is supposedly a great fortune lying in the Bank of England form the sale of the property that was given to Sir William Blake for helping to save the Crown of England. This fortune is supposed to be as much as thirty-million dollars or more, and is laying there waiting for the Blake heirs to claim it, but up to the present time, no one has been aggressive enough to lay claim to it.

This ends my story of the rise and fall of a once thriving and prosperous community in the upper Juniata Valley. This is 1954 and is the hundredth year of the borough of Saxton, in the community of the once thriving place where I was born in the year of 1872. I am now in my 81st year.


The 1850 U. S. Census taken on October 26, 1850 shows Samuel Blake (age 40) born in Pennsylvania is a Spinner living in Allegheny Twp., Blair Co., PA. Living with him is Margaret Blake (age 34) born in Pennsylvania. Others in the household, all born in Pennsylvania, are: Emily Blake (age 23); Sarah Blake (age 17); Harriet A. Blake (age 12); Josephine Blake (age 9); Wilber B. Blake (age 7); Bascom Blake (age 5); Samuel B. Blake (age 3); and Charles E. Blake (age 6/12).

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on June 9, 1860 shows Sam'l. Blake (age 50) born in Pennsylvania with personal estate worth $150 is a Car Builder living in North Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is Margaret Blake (age 44) born in Pennsylvania. Others in the household, all born in Pennsylvania, are: Weler B. Blake (age 17) a Car Builder's Apprentice; Bascom Blake (age 15); Sam'l. Blake (age 13); Charles E. Blake (age 6/12); and Howard Blake (age 4).

Samuel Brison Blake and Mary Ann Putt were married about 1864 in Martinsburg, Bedford Co., PA.

Samuel Spencer Blake died about 1864 in Pennsylvania at about age 54.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 17, 1870 shows Bascom Blake (age 24) born in Pennsylvania with real estate worth $1,200 is a Carpenter living in the 4th Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his Jennie Blake (age 24) born in Pennsylvania, who is Keeping House. Also living there are children, all born in Pennsylvania: Harry Blake (age 3); and William Blake (age 1).

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 17, 1880 shows Samuel Blake (age 40) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents Works on the Rail Road, is Disabled, and living in Hopewell Twp., Huntingdon Co., PA. Living with him is his wife Mary A. Blake (age 34) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who is Keeping House. Also living there are their unmarried children, all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents: Franklin Blake (age 15), a Laborer; Oliver Blake (age 13), a Laborer; Margaret A. Blake (age 10); Miles M. Blake (age 7); and Simon Blake (age 4). Also living there is Samuel's unmarried brother, Simon Blake (age 50) born in Pennsylvania, who Works on the Rail Road.

Samuel Brison Blake died October 15, 1886, in Pennsylvania, at age 39. Buried in Fockler Cemetery, Saxton, Bedford Co., PA.


The Huntingdon Globe, Huntingdon , PA, Thursday, April 7, 1887

Mary A. Blake, widow of Samuel Blake, of Saxton, has been granted a pension of $22 per month. Her husband died October 15, 1886. She filed her claim through W. M. Williamson, Esq., January 6, 1887, and in the short space of less than three months has her pension.


The 1890 Veterans Schedule shows Samuel had already died. Mary Ann Blake was living in Hopewell Twp., Huntington Co., PA.


The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 4, 1900 shows Mary Ann Blake (age 46) born August 1843 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a widow owning her own home free of a mortgage and living in Hopewell Twp., Huntingdon Co., PA, with 2 of the 6 children born to her still living. Living with her unmarried children, all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents: Simon Blake (age 23) born October 1876, a Day Laborer; and Charles Blake (age 19) born June 1881, a Day Laborer. Some Putt families live nearby.


Altoona Mirror, Altoona, PA, Saturday, July 23, 1904

Bascom Blake, Jr., of this city, while hitching up a horse yesterday afternoon, had his eye blackened. When reaching down in front of the animal to pick up some object, the horse raised up one of his fore feet, its knee striking him in the eye.


Bedford Gazette, Bedford, PA, Friday, January 27, 1905

George W. Putt, of Puttstown, died on Thursday of last week, aged 66 years, three months and 25 days. Mr. Putt was a carpenter by occupation. During his lifetime he filled a number of public offices, namely, election officer, census enumerator, tax collector and justice of the peace. For 28 years he was a member of the Church of God. His wife and the following children survive him: Henry, of Sharon; Miles, A. E., David and Andrew, Mrs. Mary Blake and Mrs. Lizzie E. Hollingshead, of Saxton. The funeral service was held on Saturday, Rev. F. W. McGuire officiating. Interment in the Feckler cemetery.


Bedford Gazette, Bedford, PA, Friday, January 19, 1917

Deeds Recorded

Geo. W. Enyeart et al to Mary A. Blake, lot in Saxton Borough; $300.


The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 8, 1880 shows Baskom M. Blake (age 35) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a Carpenter living at 1302 5th Avenue, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife Margaret J. Blake (age 33) born in Pennsylvania to Ireland and Pennsylvania-born parents, who is Keeping House. Also living there are their children, all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents: Harry Blake (age 12); William Blake (age 10); Jennie Blake (age 9); Ellie Blake (age 7); Baskom Blake (age 5); and Samuel Blake (age 3).

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 5, 1900 shows Bascom M. Blake (age 54) born November 1845 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a Contractor and Builder renting his home at 1300 5th Avenue, 4th Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife of 32 years, Margaret J. Blake (age 54) born September 1845 in Pennsylvania to Irish and Pennsylvania-born parents, with all 8 of the children born to her still living. Also living there are their unmarried children, all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents: Minnie E. Blake (age 27) born September 1872; Anna L. Blake (age 17) born May 1883; and Laticia Blake (age 12) born July 1887. Also living there is his unmarried cousin, Margaret K. Brown (age 35) born August 1864 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who is a Stenographer for a Lawyer. Harry E. Blake lives next door.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 5, 1900 shows Angeline Thompson (age 69) born August 1830 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a widow renting her home at 1302 5th Avenue, 4th Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with her is her unmarried son Milton S. Thompson (age 41) born December 1858 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who is a Machine Shop Laborer. Also living there are her son-in-law, Harry E. Blake (age 31) born November 1868 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who is a Machinist. Also her daughter who has been married 1 year with the only child born to her living, Mary E. Blake (age 26) born September 1875 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents. Also her granddaughter, Edna M. Blake (age 2/12) born April 1900 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents. A boarder also lives in the house.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 5, 1920 shows Bascomb M. Blake (age 44) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a Contractor Own Home who owns his home free of a mortgage at 1306 5th Avenue, 4th Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife, Mary M. Blake (age 44) born in Pennsylvania to German and Pennsylvania-born parents. Also living there are his unmarried children, all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents: Josephine E. Blake (age 21); a Wholesale Broker Stenographer; Collins R. Blake (age 16), a Shoe Store Clerk; Charles E. Blake (age 14), a Shoe Store Delivery Boy; Audrey N. Blake (age 10); and Margaret R. Blake (age 7).

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 5, 1920 shows Margaret J. Blake (age 74) born in Pennsylvania to Unknown and Pennsylvania-born parents is a widow who owns his home free of a mortgage at 1300 5th Avenue, 4th Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with her is her unmarried daughter, Minnie E. Blake (age 47) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents. Margaret's unmarried cousin also lives there: Kate M. Brown (age 65) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents who is a Notary Public at her Own Office.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 5, 1920 shows Harry E. Blake (age 51) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a Machinist at the Pennsylvania Railroad Automatic Shop who rents his home at 1302 5th Avenue, 4th Ward, City of Altoona, Blair Co., PA. Living with her is his wife, Mazie E. Blake (age 41) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents. Also living there are his unmarried children, all all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents: Edna M. Blake (age 19); Margaretta E. Blake (age 13); and Harry E. Blake (age 9).

Mary Ann (Putt) Blake died April 2, 1935, in Liberty Twp., Bedford Co., PA, age 91. Buried in Fockler Cemetery, Saxton, Bedford Co., PA.


Mary Ann (Putt) Blake Death Certificate.


Emily Blake: Born about 1827 in Pennsylvania; Died Unknown.

Sarah E. Blake: Born December 10, 1832 in Pennsylvania; Died April 30, 1880 in Centre, PA (age 47).