A Record That Adds Color: Isaac Blakey’s Penison Records

 Civil War Pension records can be like a treasure chest. In 1983, I received my copy of my Great Grandfather Isaac Blakey. He was also known as Private Isaac BLAKER. Though the years, I would re read the records. The documents allowed Isaac’s life to come alive.

What’s so amazing about Isaac’s pension records? What he said about himself, his life, spouses and children was recorded. I believe he had a good memory and was a forgiving person. Isaac’s friends, family and former enslavers testifify on his behalf to prove that he was the Isaac BLAKER who severed in the Civil War.

Isaac’s Testimonies: He testified that he couldn’t read nor write and that his name was Isaac BLAKEY. He spoke of his wound. that happened during the Spring of 1864, he said that he was wounded in his left leg by a bayonet. He stated that the wound had been a running sore since the accident. Isaac served his duties until he was honorable discharged on May 13, 1866.

The photo Civil War Injury in 1864 • Natchez, Adams, Mississippi, USA . It was during the Spring of 1864, Isaac was wounded in the left knee by a bayonet.

Medical Records: His health, blood pressure, etc Isaac was between 5′ 9 1/2″ to 5′ 11″ and his weight was between 175 to 185 during the time he was examined… 45 to his 50’s. There was detail description of his scars in the records.

Colored photo was giving to me by Bernice Alexander Bennett that I cropped this photo.

What I discovered about Isaac Blakey.
Isaac Blakey was born into slavery in Howard County Missouri around the year 1845. He was the son of the formerly enslaved Andrew White Sr. and Julia (Finney) White. Some of their enslavers were John May Blakey, Frances (White) Blakey.

Isaac was enslaved and later gained his freedom as a teenager. He joined the Civil War on November 1, 1863. He served in the Mississippi Union Army from (1863 – 1866). He served in U.S. Colored Troops. His units were 6th, 5th, and 2nd U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery Company H. He was honorable discharged on May 13, 1866.

Former enslavers names were listed on Isaac’s pension records. Y.C. Blakey, and Dr. W C. Harvery.

General Affidavit of Yelverton Coward “Y. C.” Blakey age 65. He was speaking about Isaac Blakey. (Y. C. was the son of John May Blakey) and Frances (White) Blakey. Proof that Isaac and his family were enslaved.

Y.C. Blakey stated that he didn’t met up again with Isaac until 1898. Isaac was a teenager when he left the Blakey home. He would have been 53 years old when he met up with Y.C.~ Y. C. was satisfied that Isaac was who he said he was.

Some thoughts about Isaac: from his pension records
Isaac wrestled and played marveled while in the Civil War.
He was a worshiper of God.
He was a deacon in the church.

In Loving Memory of Isaac BLAKEY
 Private Isaac BLAKER (1845 – 1917)

Isaac was born enslaved and lived through it.
He became a freeman as a teenager  
He witness the changes in American History.
He was a disabled American veteran.
Isaac sung too America..

Thank you for reading
A Record That Adds Color: Isaac Blakey’s Pension Records.

God bless
S.A. Blakley