David Blake – 5th Generation Blake
Martha Daggett
David Blake
Born: 13 February 1764 in Rehoboth, Bristol County, Massachusetts or Providence County, Rhode Island. His 1850 Census record states "Rhode Island," which was established in 1790.
Died: 22 October 1854 or 22 December 1854* (Grave stone) at age 90 and is buried in the David Blake Farm Cemetery in Gallia County, Ohio
Married: Martha Daggett in Rehoboth, Massachusetts on 3 September 1785 (Rehoboth Vital Record)
Parents: Moses Blake (1726 to ?) and Sible Fuller (1734 to ?)
Brother in Ohio: Simeon Blake
Martha Daggett
Born: 6 October 1765 in Rehoboth, Mass
Died: 19 April 1847 (tombstone) at the age of 83 years and buried at the Blake Cemetery in Gallia County, Ohio
Parents: Israel Daggett, Jr. (1737 to 1769/1777) and Frances Bowen
(J.R. Murphy, http://www.planetmurphy.org, revised 4 June 2010)
* 22 December 1854 date pointed out to be the correct tombstone date, courtesy of Joanne Galvin, email 30 May 2010.
This chapter is divided into the following sections:
(I). New England Origins to 1789+
(II). Washington County, Ohio 1789+ to 1809+
(III). Where was David Blake 1810-1816?
(IV). Gallia County, Ohio ~1817 to 1854
(V). Tales and Wives' Tales – Fact or Fiction?
(A). When Did David Blake Come to Ohio?
(B). Was David Blake at Ohio's Fort Harmar in 1785?
(C). Was David Blake employed as a soldier in early Washington County?
(D). Did the family of David Blake live in or near Campus Martius in Marietta?
(E). Did David Blake sail a ship on the Ohio River?
(VI). Children of David and Martha Daggett Blake
(I). New England Origins
On 3 September 1785 David Blake, age 21, married Martha Daggett, age 20 at Rehoboth, Bristol County, Massachusetts. Both of Martha’s parents had died before she became a teen and this was a full family disaster. Their three children were taken in with her Uncle Daniel Daggett’s family. We do know that her adopted parents failed to educate her in reading and writing, as she had to sign with an “x” on several occasions. When others put her name on paper, several times they wrote “Motha,” perhaps showing her Massachusetts accent. Rehoboth did have a school teacher in its early days. Credit has to be given to Martha with the imaginative and interesting names given her children.
(II). Washington County, Ohio
There was no permanent settlement in the territory of Ohio until 1788, with Fort Harmar built earlier in 1785 on the west bank of the Muskingum River at its junction with the Ohio River. Fort Harmar was the first military post within the limits of the State of Ohio except Fort Laurens which was built during the Revolutionary War in the northern part of the territory. On 7 April 1788, a party 48 pioneers landed on the Muskingum River bank across from Fort Harmar and begin building Campus Martius in a square of 180 by 180 feet. Campus Martius would accommodate 50-60 families and was designed to protect all from hostile Indians. Several interesting pioneers appear in their early records; Major Anselem Tupper who was a commander of the stockade fort and Colonel J. Meigs. Two of David and Martha Blake's children were undoubtedly named for Tupper and Meigs.
Currently, there is controversy when David Blake and family joined pioneers at Campus Martius or Marietta. The range is from 1785 to 1795 and more research is needed. One book states that Simeon Blake and David Blake "family" came to Ohio in 1789, but this is hotly disputed by an Assistant Manager of Campus Martius in 1987. See controversial topics in Section Five (V). Descendants have more than suggested David was employed as an artillery officer on the staff of General Rufus Putnam.
The early years at Campus Martius were extremely difficult. In 1789 the people at the stockade were on the verge of starvation. In 1790 a sick man named Welch was put on shore by a Kentucky boat and later found to have smallpox. This introduced an epidemic of smallpox and death through the settlers. In 1791 war broke out with the Indians who were bent on killing every white person they could lay their hands on. At this time, approximately 287 men could be called on for defense.
David Blake purchased the following lands in Washington County:
Washington County, Ohio Deeds for David Blake
Extracts
(I). 20 May 1795: Deed from Rufus Putnam, et al, from the Ohio Company to David Blake of Marietta, husbandman in the County of Washington, 100 acres of land in Washington County lying in mile lots number #21 and #22, 3rd Township, 8th Range. Presented to a Justice of Peace 17 February 1795 and recorded at Marietta 30 March 1795. (Deed Book volume 2, page 120.)
These lots, #21 and 22 of the 3rd Township and 8th Range were sold on 24 May 1796 by "David Blake" and "Matha (x) Blake" of Washington County to Andre Gailer of Washington County, an allotment of Donation Land (Deed Book Volume 3, page 195).
(II). 30 May 1796: Deed from Paul Fearing, Esquire and Jonathan Devol, Gentlemen of Marietta, Washington County to David Blake of Marietta for $200, 100 acres of land on Duck Creek, allotment of a Donation Land #114 to Thomas Scott. Paul Fearing and Janathan Devol personally appearing before Joseph Gilman, Judge of the County on 13 May 1796 and entered 30 May 1796 (Deed Book volume 3, page 204).
This land was sold on 26 November 1796. David Blake of Marietta, Washington County and his wife, "Matha Blake," sold to Mathias Richards. David and Martha appeared before the Justice of the Court on 20 July 1798 and this was recorded 4 September 1810 (Deed Book volume 11, page 422).
(III). 7 April 1797: Jonathan Devol, (Sr. ?) of Marietta, County of Washington deeded to David Blake, Yeoman, for $250 a tract of land, mile lot #8, 4th Township, 8th Range bounded north by lot #50, south by #114, west by #49, 54, and 55 of Ohio Company lands. This was signed by Jonathan Davol ("p"), Nancy Davol ("x"). Witnesses were Benjamin Brown and Ezra Philips. This was take before Joseph Gilman, one of the Judges of the Territory on 17 April 1797 and entered into county books 16 May 1797 (Deed Book volume 4, page 322).
This land was sold on 30 March 1801. David Blake of Salem deeded to Samuel Fulton of Salem the above land in Salem granted originally to _ Casey. This was witnessed by Samuel Nash, Seth Johnan, Jacob Buckman, and Richard Marcson. The deed was signed by David Blake, Martha (x) Blake.
(IV). 18 November 1800: Didier Gerriz of Maretta and Washington County and Rosalie, his wife, deeded to David Blake of Salem Town(ship), County aforesaid, 150 acres of land, lots 84 and 87 in 3rd Township and 8th Range for $300 on the west side of Duck Creek, being a Donation Lot to Didier Gerriz. Copy of deed was attested 19 November 1803 (Deed Book volume 8, page 349.)
This land was sold on 18 September 1803. David Blake of Salem and his wife "Matha" deeded to Didier Gerriz for ten shilling paid by him 150 acres being lots #87 and 84 on west side of Duck Creek. Witnesses to Mrs. Blake were James G. McFarland, Edwin Putnam, and Pane? Tibbes, dated 18 November 1803. On 16 October 1807 Washington County Justice of Peace Edwin Putnam witnessed the signing by Martha Blake (Deed Book Volume 10, page 115).
(V). A grantor deed to David Blake could not be found relating to the following grantee deed. However this grantee deed is quite important because the date of purchase might define where they most commonly lived. On 5 November 1808, David Blake and his wife, Martha, of Marietta deeded to John Phelps of Fearing, for $80 a tract of land in lying in Marietta bounded at Washington (Street?), southeasterly and northeasterly on land of David Strong and heirs, southwesterly on land of Johina(?) Olges, and northwesterly on the wide Common in Campus Martius, so called and is house lot #5 of said Campus Martius with the dwelling house. Witnesses were Samuel Deniker(?) and John Phelps. The deed was signed by David Blake. (Deed Book Volume 10, page 283)
Apparently, money for this land was not paid, so it was again sold by the Blakes - thus: On 10 June 1809, David Blake and Matha Blake, wife of David of Marietta of the County of Washington deeded to Lubon Vincent of Marietta a tract of land lying in Marietta situated and bounded as follows on Washington (Street?), southeasterly and northeasterly on land of David Strong, southwesterly on land of Col(?) Rhobagr(?) Nye, and northwesterly on the Common of Compensations so called and is lot #5 in Campus Martius maintained with the dwelling, standing thereon with the land having been previously annexed to the Ohio Company. Witness names are hard to read - Saml Danikur, Neby Daniker, Sans(?) Daniker(?), Nancy Bell on 10 June 1809. The deed was signed: "David Blake, Matha Blake," and taken before the Justice of Peace on 10 July 1809 and entered into county records on 10 __, 1810.
(VI). A grantor deed to David Blake could not be found relating to the following grantee deed. On 5 November 1808, David Blake of Marietta deeded to John Phelps of Fearing a tract of land for $150 lying in the Township of Fearing, so called lot #369 of the Ohio Company originally sold to the name of John Danglap(?). The deed was witnessed by David Dunihus and John Phelps of Fearing, Washington County and was signed David Blake (Deed Book 10, page 285).
Comment: "Marietta" probably refers to Marietta Township rather the town of Marietta in Washington County. David and Martha seem to be living mostly in Marietta or Marietta Township, except for the years 1800 to 1803 where they are recorded in Salem Township.
Comment: "Donation lands" were 100 acre lands donated from 1792 to 1818 by the Marietta Land Office of the Ohio Company. They were free to pioneers who would homestead them if they met some conditions. These lands had to be lived upon, cultivated, the homesteader was expected to carry a gun for protection. These lands lay at the periphery of the settlements and provided early warning from Indian attacks. (From Marietta Times, Wednesday, 28 July 2004 by Ernest Thode)
In 1796, peace with the Indians came. Undoubtedly the Blakes had one or more close calls with hostile Indians during these times.
A descendant, Clyde Blake reported to me that in later years as Marietta grew, David became skilled in navigation of ships along the Ohio River. Under the command of an Admiral --, a fleet of ships were loaded at Marietta with sassafras bark and David was made captain on one ship, the Half Moon. The ships sailed down the Ohio into the Mississippi and finally across the Atlantic Ocean to Ireland. During this time one of the other ships was sunk. When they arrived in Ireland they found that no one had ever heard of Marietta, nor had any knowledge of the Ohio territory.
(III). Where Was David Blake 1810-1816?
1810 Tax list for Washington County, Ohio: No David Blake. Simeon Blake, his brother, was living on Duck Creek.
1811: David and Martha Blake's daughter, Hannah D. Blake was married 5 or 15 November 1811 to Alexander Campbell, both of Marietta, in Washington County.
1812 taxpayer list for Washington County, Ohio: No David Blake. "Simon Blake" was in Fearing Township.
1815 David and Martha Blake's daughter, Martha Blake was married 30 September 1815 to Phil Trowbridge (or Trobridge) in Washington County, Ohio.
1816: David and Martha Blake's daughter, Ladotia Blake was married 5 or 15 November 1811 to Jesse Wood, "both of Marietta, in Washington County, Ohio.
1817 Tax list for Washington County, Ohio: No David Blake. "Simeon Blake, Fearing Township.
Comment: There are reports that David Blake had another Washington County property in which he sold on 23 July 1850. This land lay partly in Salem and Fearing Townships and had been conveyed to him by S. Fulton on 18 February 1800. In fact, there is a deed from David Blake conveying land to Samuel Fulton in 1801. However, his two daughters Sally and Hannah were recorded "of Marietta" in 1811 and 1816.
(IV). Gallia County, Ohio
In 1815, David Blake purchased the following land:
Gallia County Deed to David Blake
On 7 July 1815, David Blake purchased from John Brown Francis of Providence, Rhode Island and the Providence Plantation, 100 acres of land in Gallia County for the sum of $300. This was originally purchased from Ohio Company land development as lot #588 in the name of Sarah Brown. It consisted of an elongated strip extending from the Ohio River banks northwestward for, perhaps, a quarter mile. The Gallia County Justice of the Peace received the deed from Francis' attorney and affixed his seal on 22 April 1819. The deed was recorded 18 August 1819. (Land in Sections 25,31,32,33 of Township 1, Range 14.)
This land is three miles east of Crown City, Ohio and 1.25 miles west of the Swan Creek bridge along Ohio Highway 7 and is about 75 miles down-river from Marietta. For years there was a barn on a rise bearing the name Blake, which was across the highway away from the river. The Blake Cemetery still exists on this same raise. The farm was on one of the most plush river- bottom lands along the Ohio. However, the Blakes are not thought to settle it until about 1817, and by this time David was age 51.
A county history book stated: "Ohio Township was organized 6 November 1804. The first settlers in the year 1800 were George and John Waugh who came and settled at the mouth of Swan Creek. The names of Timothy Hobbs, E. Belomy, David Blake, and Daniel Campbell are also given as among the early settlers. In 1786 Thomas Hannan was the only settler on that side of the Ohio, from Point Pleasant to the present town of Greenupsburgh, Kentucky with Daniel Boone being his nearest neighbor in the direction. Their house was well protected against Indian attacks.” (From "Historical Hand Atlas of Lawrence and Gallia County, Ohio")
The following Chattel Tax Lists and other listings were found:
1818 Gallipolis. David Blake was on a list of letters at the Post Office in Gallipolis, noted 16 October 1818 (From "Pioneer Ohio Newspapers 1802-1818," by Karen Mauer Green, 1988.)
1819 Ohio Township: David Blake, Sr; David Blake, Jr.
1821 Ohio Township: David Blake, David Blake, Jr., Francis Thierry
1822 Ohio Township: David Blake, David Blake, Jr., Jesse Wood
Francis Thierry reported at Gallipolis.
1824 Ohio Township: David Blake
Jesse Wood reported at (1) Ohio Township and (2) Raccoon Township.
Francis Thierry reported at Galliopolis
1825 Ohio Township: David Blake, Sr., David Blake, "Gabic" (Jabez) Blake
Francis Thierry reported at (1) Ohio Township and (2) Gallipolis.
Jesse Wood at (1) Harrison Township and (2) Raccoon Township.
These Chattel Tax Lists show David Blake, Sr. had 3 horses and cattle increasing from 7 to12 during these years.
The original Blake house was down by the river but due to the spring floods was moved up on the bluffs, where in 1963, Blake descendants, Donovan and Clyde Blake were still living in it. By the year 2004, the house and barn were gone.
In 1850, The U.S. Census showed David Blake Sr. at age 85 was living with his son's family, Anselm T. Blake, probably in the old house. His wife, Martha had died the previous year. David Blake lived to 1854, and his will recorded:
Will of David Blake (condensed)
In the name of God Amen, I, David Blake, Senior...to my beloved son, David Blake, Junior, one horse and one cow and $75 in cash; also to my beloved son Jebez Blake, ...one horse, one cow, and $75 in cash, which I do declare to be their full portion and share of all my worldly estate. ...I give my big Bible to my son David. I give to my beloved daughter Salley Strait, $10; Also to my beloved daughter Fanny Thierry, $10; Also to my beloved daughter Devisa Wood, $15; Also to my beloved daughter Martha Trowbridge $10; Also to my beloved daughter Betsy Blake, I give one horse, one cow, and one bed and bedding; Also I give and bequeath unto Nancy McDaniel, one cow, one bed, and bedding. ...I give and bequeath to my beloved son, Anselm Blake, subject to his mothers dowry, and furthermore by these presence, make constitute and appoint Anselm Blake, with his mother, Martha, my beloved wife, my sole executors to this my last will and testament. Anselm T. Blake and his mother Martha Blake were exeutors and Anselm was the surviving executor who gave bond of $500 in 1855. Will was dated 3 April 1826 and probated 17 March 1855.
Question: Who was Nancy McDaniel?
Both David and Martha and others are buried at the Blake Cemetery. Photos were taken in 1963 of two grave stones, one of which was lying flat on the ground at the time.
David Blake
Emigrated to this State
1785
Died Dec. 22, 1854
(bottom writing cut off in photo)
Martha
Wife of
David Blake
Emigrated to this
State 1785
Died April 19, 1847
Aged 83 yrs
(V). Tales and Wives' Tales – Truth or Fiction?
(A). When did David Blake come to Ohio?
Some descendants have asserted the daughters, Sarah Blake (born 7 May 1787) and Hannah Dorman Blake (born 23 May 1789) were born in Ohio Territory. When mentioned to the Ohio Historical Society at Campus Martius Museum in 1986, Kim McGrew, Assistant Manager wrote back: "I never like to disagree with tombstones, but our records show the family emigrated in 1789 when the fort was built. Your other dates do agree with the genealogy however." She added: "The Putnam house (at Campus Marius) will remain the same and that's what you'll want your children to see since the David Blake family lived in one of the blockhouses during the Indian war and the Putnam House is all that remains of the fort."
On another letter-head, Kim McGrew corrected herself by stating, "about the error...of David Blake family along with Simeon Blake as being here in 1789. It is correct that he did not own shares in the Ohio Land Company but he was given a parcel of land sometime after 1790. It was part of the "Donation Tract," 100 acres allotments given to men who would carry a gun and help protect the settlement from the Indians."
Kim McGrew probably had access and knowledge of the following reference – "History of Washington County, Ohio 1788-1881," printed 1881 and reprinted January 2003. These original records need to be reviewed. Surprises may exist.
"Among the papers of General Putnam, there appears a list of the settlers in the Ohio Company's purchase during the years 1788, 1789, and 1790 or to the opening of the Indian War. This list, which is undoubtedly reliable, forms the only complete record of the settlement of Washington County and has never heretofore appeared in print. It includes all who came to the county during the years above mentioned, except those men who were hired by the Ohio Company, most of whom had no intention of remaining permanently in the colony. Many of those whose names are given did not continue in the Ohio Company's lands, but either removed to other settlements in Ohio, Virginia, or Kentucky, or returned to England. ("History of Washington County, Ohio 1788-1881," printed 1881.)
The Year 1789 (includes) – "David Blake Family" and "Simeon Blake"
The Year 1790 (includes) – "Thierry __, family" (French)
The next mention of David and Simeon Blake is the year 1795 when they both purchased land and were stated to be living in Washington County.
(B). Was David Blake at Ohio's Fort Harmar in 1785?
So far, no evidence has been found regarding David Blake at Fort Harmar. There is among the papers of the Campus Martius Museum (October 2004), a 1972 reply by John J. Knox, Jr. of Marietta, Ohio to an inquiry by Virginia Nelson of Columbus, Ohio. She asked if her ancestor, Ignatius Ogdin, was at Fort Harmar?
"I do have, through my research, a list of names mentioned in various journals and letters of those at Fort Harmar, but I find the name of your ancestor is not presently among those hardy souls...." Knox then listed 46 names that he found, but admits the list to be incomplete and possibly inaccurate. Knox does mention that "on 25 October 1785, Major John Doughty, Captain Jonathan Heart, Lieutenant James Bradford and Lieutenant Ebenezer Frothingham did set out with their respective commands for the mouth of the Muskingum River to construct Fort Harmar. Several months later, 8 May 1786, Captains Strong and Zeigler, with their companies arrived at Fort Harmar. Major Doughty commanded a Connecticut Company. Colonel Josiah Harmar styled his command as "The First American Regiment" but it was actually composed of State militia in the service of the United States. As such, each reported his muster roll to the state from which his company was recruited and to the Governor of that State from which he received his support."
Knox's list of names did NOT include David Blake.
Comment: Further research is needed!
(C). Was David Blake a soldier employed in earliest Washington County?
On 31 July 1977, Mrs. Natalie William Meng wrote to Mr. Owen P. Hawley of the Washington County Historical Society:
David Blake came to Marietta, Ohio, as a Captain of Artillery; and had one cannon, which my grandfather had when I was a boy. It was about 3 or 4 feet long and shot a ball about ¾ inch in diameter. ...He came to Marietta in 1785 and was expected to guard the settlement against Indians."
"Fort Harmar continued to be occupied by the troops of the U.S. until September 1790, when they were ordered down to Fort Washington, now Cincinnati. A company under the command of Captain Haskel continued to make the fort their headquarters during the Indian War. They sent out detachments of 6 or 8 men at regular intervals to assist the colonists at Marietta, Belpre, and Waterford in guarding their garrisons against the Indians."
"The headquarters of a company of 50 men was established at the fort, after the year 1791. The soldiers were distributed in small detachments at the different garrisons, and changed every few months, by a fresh squad (From "The American Pioneer," Chillicothe, Ohio, 1842, pages 25-30.)." Names of the soldiers were not listed.
Comment: We need to look for muster rolls of soldiers to give us proof that David Blake was a soldier here.
(D). Did the family of David Blake live in or near Campus Martius in Marietta?
Among the possession of Robert David Blake was a record of the Aaron Burr Ohio River incident written by Anselm Tupper Blake, who was child at the time:
"I was born at Campus Martius, the Fort, 22 November 1801.... The night of the attempt to take the Blenner Hassett boats down the Ohio River was a very dark one – as dark as a stack of black cats. Mother had put me to bed. It was late in the evening when father came in hurriedly, and put on his uniform – not waiting to answer mother's questions. I slipped out of bed and hurried out into the night. Just in a little bit I heart 'halt,' which was not answered and a shot came from a cannon across the river. It halted one boat and another shot over the bow of the second boat cause her to round in. The other was too far, and reached the Ohio River and was taken up somewhere below and surrendered, perhaps, as the young men who were with the boats were misled by false representations by Burr and Blenner Hassett, for Burr had already reached Blenner Hassett." (Source – Blake History by Virginia Gray Taylor, Leawood, Kansas, 1975)
(E). Did David Blake sail a ship on the Ohio River?
The same Robert D. Blake (above) found a newspaper clipping that Captain (David) Blake (Sr.) did take charge of one of the vessels that were constructed at Marietta, loaded the craft with sassafras, and sailed it to Dublin for disposal." (From her Blake history by Virginia Gray Taylor, Leawood, Kansas, 1975.)
Comment: We are missing the general date that would help us with further research.
(VI). Children of David and Martha Daggett Blake:
1. Sarah "Sally" Blake (born 7 May 1787 and died 15 May 1878 Gallia County, Ohio) married 1st on 23 August 1806 in Washington County, Ohio to John Phelps (county record). This marriage record states Sarah Blake was "of Marietta." Sally married next on 26 December 1813 to Rev. John Strait (spelled Straight on Washington County records*) and had 7 more children.* One granddaughter is Mrs. Walter T. Jewell who lived in Arlington, Virginia.
David Blake "had six children, one Sarah Blake who married a Strait). This Strait was a preacher and somewhat famous for his ability to drink whiskey and preach strong sermons and continued to be a preacher until after he was 100 years old. He lived near Mercerville, Gallia County, Ohio for many years. The Strait family lives now in Gallia County, Ohio, about 14-18 miles north of Crown City...." (From Natalie William Mend to Mr. Owen P. Hawley of Washington County Historical Society, 31 July 1977)
Children of John Phelps + Sarah Blake: (a) Abigail Phelps (~1811) who married George Null,* (b) Martha Phelps (4 June 1807) married James McCall and is Joanne Galvin's line,* (c) Benjamin Phelps (12 April 1811) married Jane McCall and had 16 children.*
Children of Rev. John Strait + Sarah Blake (per websites): (a) Henry Clay Strait (3 May 1829)
* emails courtesy Joanne Galvin, 30 and 31 May 2010
2. Hannah Dorman Blake (born 23 May 1789 to 22 September 1868) married on 5 or 15 November 1811 in Washington County, Ohio (county record) to Alexander Campbell (born ~1784). The marriage record states both were "of Marietta." 1850 Census states she was born in Rhode Island. Note the “Hannah Dorman” name links to a grandmother.
3. Francis ("Fanny") Bowen Blake (born 9 February 1791 and died 8 July 1868 at Millersport, Lawrence County, Ohio) married 1st on 25 May 1815 at Washington County, Ohio (county record) to a refugee from France named Francis Thierry (~1765 France to 2 August 1832) who came to Ohio in 1790. This was Thierry's second marriage.
Francis Thierry
(From "The American Pioneer," Chillicothe, Ohio 1842, Pages 25-30)
"Francis Thierry and wife came with two children, Pierre and Catherine La Lance, of his wife by a former husband. He was one of the French Emigrants and had been bred as a baker and confectioner in Paris. His bake house stood between the Fort and river (Marietta), and has been built for use of the troops, where he found an oven ready to his hand. He made sweet cakes and loaves of find bread. When the late King of France was in exile, in the United States, he passed through Marietta. He visited Mons. Thierrey's bake house and bought several loaves of his nice bread. He also pursued the gentle art of angling, with wonderful skill and success, catching more fish than any other three men in the garrison.... His (first) wife was a faithful help-mate, not only assisting him in the baking operations, but also accompanied him to his garden and little cornfield dressed in a suit of her husband's clothes, cheering him at his work with her lively French tongue. This was probably done to deceive the Indians. Mons. Thierry lived for many years after the war.... He died a few years since, leaving an estate worth several thousand dollars. Catherine La Lance married Robert Warth, who was killed by the Indians soon after. Her son, Robert, is now a merchant in Gallipolis."
Comment: This 1842 write-up does not mention his second marriage in 1815 to Francis Bowen Blake.
Francis Thierry and his second wife, Francis "Fanny" are buried in the Blake Cemetery. Fanny married later to John H. Wheeler. In the 1868 obituary of Frances Wheeler, "said to be the first white female child born in the State of Ohio." She left six children, all from her first marriage (Gallipolis Journal, 6 August 1868).
Children of Francis Thierry + Frances Blake (per websites): (a) Joseph Noble Thierry (29 March 1816), (b) Harriet Amelia Theirry (30 December 1817), (c) Francis Robert Thierry (25 May 1820), (d) Dominique Jerome Thierry (7 August 1822), (e) Lewis Marabin Thierry (18 January 1826), (f) Hannah Amelia Content Thierry (30 October 1828 Scioto County, Ohio).
4. Ladocia or Ledocia ("Devisa") Foster Blake (born 15 June 1793) and married on 18 November 1816 in Washington County, Ohio (county record) to Jesse M. Wood. The marriage records states both were "of Marietta." She settled at Newport, Kentucky. Children reported on websites born in Gallia County, Ohio: (a) Kate Wood, (b) Calphurnia Wood (~1820), (c) Moses Blake Wood (27 February 1827), (d). Martha A.B. Wood (~1834)
5. Martha Jane Blake (born 4 March 1796) married on 30 September 1815 in Washington County, Ohio (county record) to Philo Trowbridge (or Towbridge).
6. David Blake, Jr., (born 4 February 1799 to 6 January 1851 Jefferson County, Illinois) married 20 January 1821 Gallia County (county record) to Mary Slone (2 November 1800 Virginia). The 1830 U.S. Census for Franklin Township, Adams County, Ohio belonged to them, but they didn't stay long. By 11 November 1846, David and Mary Blake of Gallia County sold off their Adams County land. Their children (per websites): (a) John Sloan Blake (21 January 1822), (b) Anselm Tupper Blake (28 March 1824), (c) William Putnam Blake (16 August 1826), (d) David Meigs Blake (1830), (e) Elizabeth Blake (2 August 1831), (f) Benjamin Franklin Blake (1833), (g) Sarah Blake (6 March 1836), (h) Augusta Blake (30 December 1840).
7. Anselm Tupper Blake was born 23 November 1801 in Washington County, Ohio and died 7 November 1896. He married on 10 December 1826 in Athens County, Ohio to Hannah P. Trowbridge (born 6 July 1802 in Fairhaven, Rutland County, Vermont). Anselm located in Ohio Township and inherited the old home where he engaged in farming and was an Ohio Township Trustee for a number of years. Two sons in the Civil War were Cincinnatus and William.
Parkersburg Sentinel Newspaper, Wednesday 12 August 1896
Among the arrivals in the city Wednesday was an old gentleman who is probably the oldest living resident in the Ohio Valley. His name is A. T. Blake and his age 95 years. He came to see a doctor.
His home now is on Swan Creek in Gallia County, Ohio near Gallipolis.... He was born in the Block House at Marietta and remembers very well Marietta, Parkersburg, and Blennerhassett in their primitive days.
Mr. Blake also says that his sister, older than himself, was the first white child born in the State of Ohio. As an incident of his early career, he says he was once offered 60 acres of land in the heart of what is now the city of Cincinnati, if he would cut cord wood one winter. He declined the offer and that is one reason why he is not a millionaire. Mr. Blake is full of reminiscences of early days and is quite an entertaining and agreeable talker. (source missing).
Children of Anselm Tupper Blake + Hannah P. Trowbridge were:
(a) William D. Blake, born 2 November 1827 and moved to Louisiana.
(b) Cincinnatus B. Blake, born 8 January 1830 and resided in Gallipolis. He married on 22 April 1858 Lawrence County, Ohio to Gratia T. Fuller of Quaker Bottom, Lawrence County, Ohio (from Ironton Register). In the Civil War, he became 1st Lieutenant in Company G, 4th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry. He was Gallia County's Sheriff for two terms, 1880 and 1882. Two descendants, Donovan and Clyde Blake owned and lived on the old David Blake Farm in Gallia County, Ohio in 1963.
(c) Harriet N. Blake was born 7 August 1833 and died 14 May 1858.
(d) Julia A. Blake was born 17 August 1836 and lived in Lawrence County, Ohio
(e) Hannah D. Blake was born 29 June 1839 and married William H. McCormick. They resided in Gallipolis.
(f) Martha Blake was born 2 June 1846 and resided in Gallipolis, Ohio.
8. Jabez Meigs Blake was born 28 July 1804 and died 1871 south of Belle Rive, Jefferson County, Illinois. An 1834 Adams County deed of his brother David + Mary Blake mentioned Jabez owned a lot there. He married on 10 November 1824 in Gallia County (county record) to Elizabeth Waugh (23 June 1806 Gallia County to April 1843 Jefferson County, Illinois). Mrs. Martha Crawford McKnight of St. Louis (granddaughter) and her mother Martha Jane Blake (daughter) were descendants of Jabez Meigs Blake. Jabez moved to Jefferson County, Illinois on about 1846. See his 1850 census record.
9. Elizabeth "Betsy" Melvina Blake (1811 and died 1889 Kansas) married 31 October 1832 at Lawrence County, Ohio to Stewart Ellison. See the Stewart Ellison write-up for details.
(VII). Census Records for the Blakes:
1819 Gallia County Chattel Tax List (From "Gallia County, Ohio Residents – 1800-1825, compiled by Dennis R. Jones):
David Blake, Jr. 1 horse, Ohio Township
David Blake, Sr. 3 horses, 7 cattle, Ohio Township
Alexr. Campbell, 2 horses, 1 cattle, Ohio Township
Francis Thierry, 1 horse, 1 cow, Ohio Township
Jesse Wood, 1 horse, 2 cattle, Ohio Township
1820 U.S. Census of Ohio Township, Gallia County, Ohio
David Blake: 1 female 0-<10; 1 female 10-<16; 3 males and 2 females 16-<26; 1 male and 1 female 45+
1821 Gallia County Chattel Tax List:
David Blake, Jr. 1 horse, 1 cow, Ohio Township
David Blake, Sr. 3 horses, 8 cattle, Ohio Township
Francis Thierry, 3 lots, 1 horse, 3 cattle, Ohio Township
1822 Gallia County Chattel Tax List:
David Blake, 3 horses, 12 cattle, Ohio Township
David Blake, Jr. 1 horses 1 cow, Ohio Township
Francis Thierry, 3 lots Gallipolis, 1 horse, 6 cattle
Jesse Wood, 1 horse, 4 cattle, Ohio Township
1824 Gallia County Chattel Tax List:
David Blake, 3 horses, 8 cattle, Ohio Township
Francis Thierry, 3 lots Gallipolis, 1 horse, 3 cattle
Jess Wood 2 horses, 3 cattle Ohio Township, 2 horses, 2 cattle Raccoon Township (perhaps two different individuals - ?)
1825 Gallia County Chattel Tax List:
David Blake 1 horses, 2 cattle, Ohio Township
David Blake, Sr., 3 horses, 12 cattle, Ohio Township
Gabic? Blake, 2 horses 1 cow, Ohio Township (Jabez Blake)
Francis Thierry, 1 horse, 6 cattle Ohio Township; 3 lots Gallipolis
Jesse Wood (1) 1 horses, 5 cattle Harrison Township (2) 1 horse, 2 cattle Raccoon Township.
1830 U.S. Census of Ohio Township, Gallia County, Ohio
Anselm T. Blake: 2 males 0-<10; 1 female 15-<20; 3 males + 1 female 20-<30.
David Blake: 1 female 20-<30; 1 male + 1 female 60-<70.
1830 U.S. Census of Franklin Township, Adams County, Ohio
Page 43 – David Blake: 2 males 0-<5; 3 males 5-<10; 1 male + 1 female 30-<40.
1840 U.S. Census of Ohio Township, Gallia County, Ohio
David Blake: 1 female 0-<5; 2 males + 1 female 5-<10; 1 male 10-<15; 2 males 15-<20; 1 male + 1 female 40-<50.
The following three are on the same page:
Jabez Blake: 2 males 0-<5; 1 female 5-<10; 1 female 10-<15; 1 male + 1 female 15-<20; 1 male + 1 female 30-<40, 7 entries away is:
David Blake: 1 male + 1 female 70-<80. Next entry is:
Anslem T. Blake: 2 females 0-<5; 1 female 5-<10; 2 males 10-<15; 1 male + 1 female 30-<40.
1850 U.S. Census of Ohio Township, Gallia County, Ohio:
Anselm J. Blake 48, farmer, born Ohio; Hannah Blake 48, Ohio; Cincinnatus Blake 20, Ohio; Harriet Blake 17 Ohio; Perlia Blake 14, Ohio; Hannah Blake 17, Ohio; Martha Blake 4, Ohio, David Blake 85, Rhode Island.
1850 U.S. Census of District 10, Jefferson County, Illinois
Jebis M. Blake 46 Ohio; Elizabeth Blake 44 Ohio; Martha I. Blake 25 Ohio; Susan F. Cook 23 Ohio; Alexander Blake 14 Ohio; George Blake 12 Ohio; Moses Blake 10 Ohio; Elizabeth Blake 5 Ohio; Hannah Blake 2 Illinois, Jane Cook 3 Illinois; Jonathan Cook? 1 Illinois.