Mrs. Edna Mae (Blakey) Bentley: More Than A Traveler

 Edna Mae (Blakey) Bentley was born on Wednesday, August 30, 1893 in Shannondale, Missouri. She was the daughter of the formerly enslaved, Private Isaac Blakey, retired and Mrs. Rachel (Lephridge / Jackson ) Blakey. Edna was from a large family.

Around 1915, Edna was in Yankton, South Dakota. She had family living there. Edna was the mother of three sons Edward “Eddie”” “Clem” Jackson . who was born in 1912 in Missouri. Emerson Jackson who was born in 1915 in Yankton. and Archie Jackson Bentley who was born in 1921 in Yankton. ( Not sure if Edna had a daughter. Yankton recorded her having a daughter born in 1915. However Emerson’s birth wasn’t recorded.) Edna was married to Edward Jackson, the father of her children.).

The crop photo is from an article “Slavery Descendants to Have First Reunion” The source from The Sioux City Journal Sioux City, Iowa on Saturday, August 28, 1971 on page 5. This was the day of the reunion.

Note that there were other Blakey sisters (with there spouse) that came to Yankton. The sisters were Mary and Martha. There were 14 siblings who came to Yankton, South Dakota.

More Than A Traveler:
While living in Yankton, Edna visited her siblings. Her brother Isaac Blakey’s farm, Henry Blakey’s farm , Spencer Blakey’s , Ollie Blakey’s farm and of coarse her other siblings. She attended church gatherings. She visited other relatives in town and out of State.

I believe that Edna attended to the needs of her sister Martha (Blakey) Hayes. Martha became ill due to the Spanish Flu Edna may have cared for Martha’s children after Martha passed in 1918 in Yankton, at the age of 29. (Edna and her husband Jay C. Marion were married in Martha and Ernest Hayes’ home in 1916.)

According to the 1930 Iowa census, Edna was in Sioux City, Iowa. She and her sons were living with her sister Lillie (Blakey) Hayes and brother in law Edward “Ed” Hayes, who was the brother of Ernest Hayes, Martha’s husband. (Edna’s husband Richard Bentley was listed in the house. )

Either late January or early in February of 1934, Edna and her sister Mary (Blakey White) Green received the news of their sister Lillie’s serous illness.. They were called to Sioux City Iowa. Lillie needed an operation. Edna was by Lillie’s bedside on February 23rd. Sadly, Lillie passed on Sunday, February 25, 1934 at the age of 45.

Sadly on Sunday, March 22, 1936 , Edna’s son Archie Jackson Bentley passed at the age of 15. In February of 1936, Archie was playing ball and cracked a bone in his left arm. (Not sure if this was related to his death.)

Later in July 1936, Edna and her husband Richard and Edna’s two sons moved to Sacramento California. They stayed with Edna’s brother Deacon Ollie Blakey and his with Margaret (Cason) Blakey for several weeks.. Edna and Richard were listed in the Sacramento directory in 1937.

Edna was more than a traveler.
She moved and reunited with family and friends. It was more likely Edna made the journey back to Missouri in 1916 and 1917 when her mother and father passed . Other places she motored to were Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

Edna made the most of time for family and friends. She was a caring woman. Edna passed on Thursday, January 24, 1952 in Sacramento California at the age of 58.

R. I. P. Great Aunt Edna

Thanks for Reading
Mrs. Edna Mae (Blakey) Bentley : More Than A Traveler

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Susan Ann Blakley on another website. 

God Bless
S.A. Blakley

Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors Challenge in 2025

The theme for Week 28 is “Travel.” Travel takes many forms: immigration to a new country, migration from one region to another, road trips, and traveling for work, just to name a few. Who is someone in your family tree who traveled?

The crop photo is from an article “Slavery Descendants to Have First Reunion” The source from The Sioux City Journal Sioux City, Iowa • Sat, Aug 28, 1971 on page 5.

Paul Blakley Riding His Bicycle: Injured By A Street Car

 Like any ordinary day, Paul was riding his bicycle. However, this day was unexpected. He ended up with an injury and was taken to the hospital. His condition was said not to be serious.

What happened to Paul on that Sunday afternoon on July 18, 1920 day?

According to an article published in the St. Joseph News-Press, St. Joseph, Missouri on page six .Monday, July 19, 1920: Paul drove his bicycle and ran into a street car at 26th and Lafayette Streets.

According to another article published in the St. Joseph Observer St. Joseph, Missouri on Saturday, July 24, 1920 on page 5, Paul had a head injury that force a cut to his head. I Wonder. Did he get stiches?

According to the St. Joseph News-Press St. Joseph, Missouri  on page 2 on Wednesday, September 15, 1920. A suit was filled against the railway company, Paul Blakey, minor by his mother Jennie Blakley Lyles.

According to the St. Joseph Gazette St. Joseph, Missouri • Wednesday, September 15, 1920 on page 3; Paul Blakley, 12 years old, received injuries from being struck by a Messanie Street Car on 26th Street between Lafayette and Seneca. Paul was crossing the street. It’s alleged and the motorman failed to sound the gong.

Paul was born in June of 1907. He was 13 when this happened. Even thought Paul had a head injury, I believe he keep riding his bicycle. I haven’t discovered the finally verdict . I hope I can discover it.

Who was Paul?
Paul Blakley was the son of John Blakey Blakley and Jennie (Bartlett) Lyle. He was the brother of my father, David. R.I.P Uncle Paul.

Thanks for reading.
Paul Blakley Riding His Bicycle: Injured By A Street Car

 

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Susan Ann Blakley on another website.

 

God bless
S.A. Blakley

Week 20: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2025

The theme for Week 20 is “Wheels.” I have to admit that this prompt is dear to my heart, since my Dad owned and operated a service station for 50+ years. Anyone like that in your family? How about someone who took an epic road trip (or train trip – they have wheels, too!)

In Memory of Mr. David Blakey: Gone Too Soon

 Mr. David Blakey was the son of Mr. Isaac Blakey Jr. and Mrs. Maggie (Williams) Blakey. He was born on Saturday, April 6, 1918 in Yankton, South Dakota. He was one of 17 children.

What I have discovered about David, I found by searching through records and newspapers. I came across his obituary which was published on Friday, May 1940 in the St. Paul Recorder, Minneapolis, Minnesota, on page one.

David had been ill since he was about the age of 17. Sadly, he passed at age 22. This was just 13 days after his birthday.

I search to see if I could find more about David’s life. He had a life short lived. Here’s some of what I discovered through the newspapers. I made it a timeline.

1933
David visited his Uncle Henry Blakey’s farm and others with family members. He was always on his father’s farm with family.

1934
David sang duet with cousin Floyd Blakey and cousin Theodore Blakey, and Emanuel Williams; they took part in the doll and pet parade. The parade was held for the children, Minnie and Nettie Holliday. David was a visitor at other churches.

1935
David sang with a quartette with cousins Floyd Blakey, cousin Nathaniel Blakey, and R. T. Williams.
He put up a five ton stack of alfalfa on his father’s Isaac Blakey’s farm.

1936
David and his sister Carrie Blakey would visit family and friends. David broke his ribs and had to have an operation. He was under doctor’s care. David’s father Isaac and sister Carrie came to visit him. David’s health was improving.

1937|
David left for Sioux Falls, South Dakota for treatment. He was improving. He was under the doctors care. Nathaniel Blakey would visit his cousin David on the weekends. Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Collins brought David to his father Isaac Blakey’s farm for supper..

1938
Nathaniel Blakey would visit his cousin David in Sioux Falls. Nathaniel brought David home to visit with family and take him back to Sioux Falls. David attended a Get Together in Sioux Falls.

1939
David was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for two years (and then moved to St. Paul University Hospital. in MN). He attended a Get To Gather picnic in Sioux Falls, Nathaniel was there, Parents receive news of David’s illness.

1940
David had been ill for five years. News of his death came to his parents Isaac and Maggie in Yankton, South Dakota. David Blakey’s obituary was the last mention of him in the news.

As I came across David’s obituary it was as though, he was found. And as I read the articles that mentioned David, he was always surrounded by family and friends; they came to visit him and brought him home to his family.

Thanks for reading.
In Memory of David Blakey: Gone To Soon.
David is not forgotten. R.I.P. cousin David

 I posted this on another site on June 6, 2024 as Susan Ann Blakley

Week 23 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge in 2024

The theme for Week 23 is “Health.” Health affects everything we do, and it was no different for our ancestors. This week, consider writing about an ancestor who dealt with health issues or one who the picture of health. Another angle would be to write about an ancestor who was a health professional

Searching For Info on Mrs. Martha (Scott) Blakey

 I’m hoping to discover more leads on Martha (Scott) Blakey. What do I know about her ? First of all, I discovered that she was my paternal great grandmother. I’ve learned some things about her from her husband Isaac BLAKLEY / BLAKER’s pension records.

While On My Search
I found a Mississippi marriage record on a Martha SCOTT who married a Isaac BAKER in February of 1870. The married took place in Wilkerson County, Mississippi. I believe that they were Isaac and Martha. Isaac’s surname while he enlisted into the Civil War was BLAKER.

According to Isaac Blakey’s pension records, Martha passed on Hew Davis’ Plantation. I can assume that Martha died after giving birth to her twins sons, John BLAKEY who was my Grandfather John BLAKEY (1871 – 1918). and Andrew BLAKEY (1871-1871). Isaac knew Martha about a year before she passed.

The twins were born on Wednesday, June 21, 1871 on Hew Davis Plantation, in Woodlong, Wilkerson County, Mississippi. I’m assuming that Martha would been about 23 or 24 years old.

Photo of the list of information of Martha ‘with the names of her twin sons. The date on the document was July 28, 1915. Isaac had to list the names of his first wife Martha and his children by her.. Isaac was married to Rachel (Jackson / Lephridge ) Blakey and the names of his children by her were listed.

I still wonder about Martha. I have questions. Who were Martha’s parents? Who were her siblings? How did Martha met my Great Grandfather Isaac?

Martha Scott was born about 1847 in Mississippi. That’s where she met my Great Grandpa, Isaac BLAKEY (1845-1917). That was about a year or so after they were married.in 1870 in Wilkinson County, MS.

Perhaps, Great Grandma Martha was enslaved on Hew Davis Plantation or worked there after slavery. Great Grandpa Isaac somehow came to where Great Grandma Martha was or perhaps he was there working too. He was a Mississippi. Union Private during the Civil War from 1863 -1866 station in Natchez Adams County Mississippi..

My questions and assumptions can go on and on. Even though, I don’t know much about my Great Grandma Martha, she was apart of my family lineage. I’m thankful to be one of her offsprings.

May those who search for their ancestors continue on the journey. May what we don’t know about them keep us to keep moving forward. May we see some kind of answers to the questions we seek, some day in time. Amen.

This blog was edited from the original blog Who Was Martha (Scott) Blakey?

Thanks for reading.
Searching For Info on Mrs. Martha (Scott) Blakey ~ Brick Wall
Rest In Heaven Great Grandmother Martha

God bless,
S.A. Blakley

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Susan Ann Blakley on another website 

Mrs. Mary White Harris: Any Family Connections?

I was going through my Great Grandfather Isaac Blakey’s Civil War pension records. I came across the names of George Harris and Joseph Harries. I started searching for them. I found out that they were brothers.

The photo is a copy of general affidavit from Isaac Blakey’s pension claim records. It was dated on May 30, 1892. Isaac was 46 and he needed two witnesses to verify that his name was Isaac Blakey. .

I discovered that George’s and Joseph’s father was Abram / Abraham Harris. Then I began a search for Abram Harris. I discovered that Abram Harriss married a Mary White on November 20, 1870 in Chariton County, Missouri.

I search the 1880 Missouri census records for Mary Harris and located her with her husband Abram.. She was born in Missouri around 1850. I couldn’t find anything else about her..

.I discovered that Joseph Harris was listed on the 1920 and 1930 Missouri censuses living in the household of a Mrs. Mattie White. Wondering, if there was a connection between Joseph and Mattie? Mattie’s daughter Miss Oressia Herefore was the informant on Joseph / Joe Harris’ 1949 death certificate. And Mattie White was the sister of Isaac Blakey. Isaac’s name was Isaac White. However, he choose the surname BLAKEY.

Oh, the wonder of how they could have been related. Joseph married a Irene Hayes. She had a daughter name Laura Belle Boone. Laura’s father was William Spencer White. And William’s father was Andrew Jackson White. Andrew was said to have been the brother of Isaac and Mattie. Hmm!

Thanks for reading.
Mrs. Mary White Harris: Any Family Connections?

God bless
S.A. Blakley

  Posted on March 19, 2025 by Susan Ann Blakley on  another website. 

Who Were William Will White And The Miss Rebecca Whites?

 William Will White ( 1872 – 1931)

According to one of William Will Whites’ granddaughter and what I discovered about him…. William White married Carrie Hayes in 1903 in Chariton County Missouri. And to this union there were three children. Russell White who was born in 1906, William Roy White (1907 – 1988) and Mary (Welthia) White Spencer (1913 – 1964).

William Will White was listed on the 1920 and 1930 Chariton County Missouri censuses as married but, without his wife, Carrie. He was listed on the 1900 Chariton County Missouri census as single. Where was William Will White on the 1880, and 1910 censuses?

According to the  U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, William didn’t know his date of birth. According to the censuses, he was born between 1872 – 1875. His death certificate states his birth was on October 15 or October 13, 1872. His parents were unknown. He passed on Oct 13, 1931 in Chariton County Missouri.

Rebecca “Becky” White # 1

This Rebecca White married a Randolph Jackson on November 19, 1887 in Fayette, Missouri. She wasn’t listed on the 1870 or 1880 Missouri censuses. Nor was she on the 1920 and 1930 censuses. She was listed with her husband Randolph on the 1900 and 1910 censuses in Howard County, Missouri

Rebecca “Becky” (White) Jackson had five children. Delia Jackson ,Minnie Jackson, Birdie (Jackson) Wilhite, Gussie (Jackson) Broadus and Florence Jackson Graves .

This Rebecca was born between 1868 – 1871. Her parents were from Virginia on the 1900 census and from Missouri on the 1910 census. She was listed as mulatto on the 1900 census. Don’t know when Rebecca passed.

Rebecca “Becky” White # 2

This Rebecca White marred a James Sheppard ./ Shepherd on April 29, 1911, They were living in Fayette, Howard County Missouri. They had two children; William Sheppard / Shepherd. and Louise Sheppard / Shepherd.

Rebecca was counted on the 1880 with her parents. Her father was Peter White who was mulatto from Virginia. Her mother was Francis Ann Vivion / Vivan from Missouri. Rebecca had a brother named William White. According to her death certificate her father was Pete White and her mother was not listed. According to the censuses records, Rebecca was born between 1868 – 1874.

Crop photo of the 1876 Howard County Missouri census.

Rebeca was listed on the 1930 Missouri census with her husband James in Richmond, Howard, Missouri. According to the 1940 censuses, she was living with her husband in Fayette, Howard, Missouri since 1935. She passed on April 17, 1945 in Fayette, Howard, Missouri

Wondering if Rebecca was married twice?
There are missing years and gaps from the census. Comparing the Rebecca Jackson and Rebecca Shepherd on the censuses that they weren’t listed on. They could have been the same person.

Rebecca White Jackson was listed on the 1900 in Richmond Missouri and 1910 in Fayette, Missouri.
Rebecca White Sheppard was listed on the 1880, 1930 in Richmond, and 1940 in Fayette, Missouri.
Both lived in Richmond, Howard County, Missouri and Fayette, Howard County Missouri. .

What’s the connections between the surnames of Wilhite with Sheppard?
There was a John Wilhite in the Shepard household on the 1940 Missouri census. He was listed as the head of house’s stepson. But, he was 13 years old. Rebecca , his mother was born ca 1870? John was more likely a the grandson of Rebecca.

As for the Rebecca “Becky” White

In conclusion, The two Rebecca’s had either children, grandchildren or relatives with the same names. Gussie Jackson and Gussie Shepherd. Both had a connection with the Wilhite surname. This is so confusing to figure out. I have to let this one rest for a while and come back to it.

But still again,, there was a William L. Sheppard who was the informant of Gussie Broadus’ 1960 Missouri death certificate. Could he have been Gussie’s uncle? This William lived in Moberly, Missouri. I believe that he was.

 This blog was  posted on November 2, 2024 by Susan Ann Blakley on another website. 

Thanks for reading.
Who Were William Will White And The Miss Rebecca Whites?

I don’t think that William Will White and Rebecca White Shepherd were sibling because her brother William passed in 1949.. How I wish that they were related.


God bless you.
S.A. Blakley

Lost Contact: What Happened To Rebeca White?

 There was a Rebeca White listed on the 1880 Chariton County Missouri census in her Grandmother Julia White’s household. Rebecca was a mulatto, age 10 and born about 1870 in Missouri. Her parents were from Virginia.

Rebecca’s parents weren’t listed with her on that census. However she was listed after her Uncle Josh White and before her Aunt Martha White. I wonder. Who gave the census taker the information? Someone knew that Rebeca’s parents were not born in Missouri because it was marked out and replaced with Virginia.

The crop photo is of the 1880 United States Federal Census for Howard Chariton County. It was taken on June 6, 1880 by census taker J. B Hariston in the Chariton Township.



On Another Note:
A lady from Forest Green , Missouri shared with me that Theodore “Ted” Blakey of Yankton South Dakota traveled to Forest Green, Missouri on occasions to visited relatives. Ted visited are father William Roy White. She said that her father told her that they were related to “Ted” Blakey. She didn’t know how.

She added that her grandfather was William Will White. She said her father told her that he had an aunt named Rebecca White. She looked white but was black. Her father didn’t speak much about his Aunt Rebecca.

I’ve been searching for William Will White and Rebecca White. I believe that Rebecca was married. I have come across two Rebecca with the maiden name of White. Both were married.

I’ve been wondering: What happened to Rebeca White who lived with her Grandmother Julia in 1880? I’ve been on the hunt and, hoping to come across clues that will lead to discover more about her.

This was Posted on October 23, 2024 by Susan Ann Blakley on another website. 

Thanks for reading.
Lost Contact: What Happened To Rebeca White?
I’m still wondering. (I believe that her maiden name was White and I could be wrong.)

This Rebeca was the niece of my Great Grandfather Isaac White Blakey.
and the first cousin of my Grandfather John Blakey Blakley

God bless
S.A. Blakley

Week 43 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2024
The theme for Week 43 is “Lost Contact.” Many families have someone with whom they’ve lost contact, either by choice or by chance. Who is that person in your family tree?