Jacob C Blake was born on 3 June 1849 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio
G.
1,2,3 He was also known as J. C. Blake.
On 2 July 1879 in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G,the
New Mexico Herald published the following: "Mr. Blake, just south of the plaza on Pacific street, has a fine stock of harness and saddles which he is offering way down for cash. He makes his own goods, which is a sufficient guarantee of their durability and excellence. Mr Blake makes carriage trimming a specialty." There was also an advertisement for the business on page 1.
This appears to be the beginning of Jacob Blake's Saddle and Harness business in Las Vegas.
4,5 14 April 1880 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Black in the Assessment Book of San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $1455. his personal property was valued at $1455, his real property was valued at $0. He owed: $7.29 territorial tax, $3.63 county tax, $3.63 school tax.
6 On 2 June 1880 Jacob C Blake was enumerated on the 1880 U. S. census for Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G, as Jacob C Blake, 32 years old, birthplace of Ohio, occupation of Saddle & Harness Maker. Father born in Ohio. Mother born in Ohio.
7 On 23 June 1880 in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G,
The Daily Optic published an advertisement for the Saddle and Harness business of J. C. Blake located on Pacific Street. At the bottom of the ad was a line for Blake and Kelly, Albuquerque N .M.
8 On 27 July 1880 in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G,the
Las Vegas Daily Gazette published an advertisement for the Saddle and Harness business of J. C. Blake still located on Pacific Street. There was also mention of a location in Albuquerque. (Note the same advertisement appeared in this newspaper a month latter on 27 Aug 1880.)
9 On 26 August 1880 in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
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The Daily Optic published an advertisement for the Saddle and Harness business of J. C. Blake still located on Pacific Street. There was no mention of an Albuquerque location.
10 On 20 September 1880 in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
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The Daily Optic published an advertisement for the Saddle and Harness business of J. C. Blake now located on the south side of the Plaza at Heise's old stand. There was no mention of an Albuquerque location.
11 1881 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $1880. his personal property was valued at $1880, his real property was valued at $0. He owed: $9.40 territorial tax, $4.70 county tax, $4.70 school tax.
12 On 2 March 1881 in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G,
The Daily Optic (Las Vegas, New Mexico) published the following: "An Albuquerque butcher bought a set of fine harness of J. C. Blake yesterday. He could not get what he wanted at home." There was also and advertisement in this issue for the business. The business was still located on the south side of the Plaza at Heise's old stand and there was still no mention of an Albuquerque location.
13 On 20 September 1881 in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G,the
Las Vegas Daily Gazette published an advertisement for the Saddle and Harness business of J. C. Blake still located on the South side of Plaza. On the same page there was an advertisement for the Saddle and Harness business of J. J. Kelly in Albuquerque as successor to Blake and Kelly. There appears to have been a short lived partnership between J. C. Blake and J. J. Kelly.
14 On 4 December 1881 in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G,the
Las Vegas Daily Gazette published the following: "J. C. Blake has removed his harness shop from the plaza to Shupp's building, east of the bank. He now has more room to accommodate his largely increased stock and growing business. He employs the best workmen and can fill orders for harness, saddles, etc., promptly and satisfactorily."
15 1882 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blacke in the Assessment Book of San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $3015. his personal property was valued at $3015, his real property was valued at $1. He owed: $15.07 poll tax, $7.53 territorial tax, $7.53 county tax.
16 On 2 September 1882 in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G,the
Las Vegas Daily Gazette published the following: "Mr. J. C. Blake has sold his harness shop on Bridge street and will engage in the stock business. He has a good bunch of cattle to commence with."
17 The
1883 Albuquerque and Las Vegas Business Directory for listed Jacob C Blake as J. C. Blake a harness maker at 166 Bridge Street, Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G, (By the time this was published in 1883 J. C. Blake had already sold his harness business and gone into the cattle business.)
18 1883 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Lincoln County, New Mexico
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $1589. his personal property was valued at $1589, his real property was valued at $0. He owed: $1 poll tax, $7.945 territorial tax, $3.975 county tax, $3.975 school tax.
19 On 20 March 1883 in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico Territory
G,the
Las Vegas Daily Gazette published the following: "J. C. Blake and M. J. Murphy, of the cow rancho near Roswell, are here visiting friends."
20 1884 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Lincoln County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $2180. his personal property was valued at $2180, his real property was valued at $0. He owed: $1 poll tax, $10.90 territorial tax, $5.45 county tax, $5.45 school tax.
21 1885 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Lincoln County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $2480. his personal property was valued at $2480, his real property was valued at $0. He owed: $1 poll tax, $12.40 territorial tax, $6.20 county tax, $6.20 school tax as well as an additional $9.38 to pay off bonds for a total of $35.22.
22 1886 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Lincoln County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $1725. his personal property was valued at $1725, his real property was valued at $0. He owed: $1 poll tax, $8.62 territorial tax, $4.31 county tax, $5.17 school tax as well as an additional $5.69 to pay off bonds for a total of $24.79.
22 1888 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Lincoln County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $1650. his personal property was valued at $1650 which included 6 horses valued at $150 and 150 cattle valued at $1500, his real property was valued at $0. He owed: $1 poll tax, $8.25 territorial tax, $4.13 county tax, $4.95 school tax as well as an additional $9.67 to pay off bonds and other taxes for a total of $28.00.
23 1889 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Lincoln County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $2160. his personal property was valued at $2160 which included cattle valued at $1800, his real property was valued at $0. He owed: $1 poll tax, $19.47 territorial tax, $14.58 county tax, $6.48 school tax.
24 1890 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Lincoln County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $1170. his personal property was valued at $1150 which included cattle valued at $1000, his real property was valued at $20 consisting of $20 of improvements. He owed: $10.58 territorial tax, $7.02 county tax, $3.51 school tax.
25 1891 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Eddy County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $1445. his personal property was valued at $1245 which included cattle valued at $1050, his real property was valued at $200 for lot 6 block 23 Eddy 1st Addition. He owed: $13.72 territorial tax, $15.31 county tax, $2.89 school tax.
26 1892 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Eddy County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $1050. his personal property was valued at $1050 which included cattle valued at $875, his real property was valued at $0. He owed: $7.27 territorial tax, $9.77 county tax, $3.16 school tax for a total tax of $20.20.
27 1893 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Eddy County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $1067. his personal property was valued at $1042 which included cattle valued at $812, his real property was valued at $20 for improvements. He owed: $12.15 territorial tax, $12.80 county tax, $2.14 school tax for a total tax of $27.09.
28 1894 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Eddy County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $1090. his personal property was valued at $1040 which included cattle valued at $750, his real property was valued at $50 for improvements. He owed: $8.83 territorial tax, $11.63 county tax, $2.18 school tax and 1.75 in other taxes for a total of $24.39.
29 1895 Jacob C Blake was recorded as J C Blake in the Assessment Book of Eddy County, New Mexico Territory
G. his property was assessed with a total value of $1925. his personal property was valued at $1850 which included cattle valued at $1600, his real property was valued at $75 for improvements on public land. He owed: $15.72 territorial tax, $15.39 county tax, $4.81 school tax and $7.12 in other taxes for a total of $43.04.
30 Jacob C Blake married
Martha Ella Barrett, daughter of
Aaron Hezekiah Barrett and
Elizabeth Lee, on 17 September 1897 in Beaver County, Oklahoma Territory
G.
Probate Judge Charles Tracy officiated
Robert Dickson and
L. M. Larsen were the official witnesses.
31 On 21 July 1898 in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
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The Flagstaff Gem published the following: "In this issue of
the gem is to be found the advertisement of J. C. Blake. This gentleman has recently purchased Aston & Ramsauer's stock of harness and saddlery in this city and has added a large stock to the same. He solicits and deserves a liberal share of the patronage, as his prices are reasonable and he carries the largest and most complete stock in Northern Arizona."
32 Jacob C Blake on 28 July 1898 purchased property located in 113 E Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G, from
T. H. Ramsaur and
Eva M Ramsaur, [a saddle and harness store] for $700. Described as 25 [feet] off the west end of Lots 19 and 20 in Block 4 of the Railroad addition in the Town of Fagstaff. Also described as 25 feet fronting on Aspen Avenue by 50 feet south running parallel with the alley.. Witnessed by
T. E Pulliam, Notary Public.
33 Jacob C Blake on 13 August 1898 purchased property located in 104 S Beaver Street, Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G, from
James W Thurber and
Elcy D Thurber, [a home] for $150. Described as Lot 2 of Block 8W of the School Land Townsite of Flagstaff and Lots 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 of Block 97 Townsite of Flagstaff.. Witnessed by
T. E Pulliam, Notary Public.
34 Jacob C Blake on 22 November 1898 sold property located in 104 S Beaver Street, Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G, to
Martha Ella Barrett [a home] for $400. Described as Lot 2 of Block 8W of the School Land Township of Flagstaff and Lots 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 of Block 97 Township of Flagstaff. Witnessed by
T. E Pulliam, Notary Public.
35 Jacob C Blake was enumerated on 6 June 1900 as head of household on the 1900 U. S. census for Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G, as Jacob C Blake, Head, Married for 3 years, Born May 1849 in Ohio, occupation of Harness Maker, 0 Months Unemployed. Could read. Could write. Could speak English. Owned a House which was Free and Clear. Father born in Vermont. Mother born in New Hampshire. Also enumerated in the household were
Martha Ella Barrett,
Elmer J Blake, and
Ernest C Blake.
36 On 28 December 1901 in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G,
The Coocnino Sun published the following:
COCONINO'S BUSINESS MEN
J. C. Blake
J. C. Blake who himself engaged in the cattle business for a number of years in Oklahoma and New Mexico, and from intimate knowledge thus gained of the needs of horsemen and cattlemen, has established a thoroughly equipped saddle and harness shop, with everything required by them. His years of experience in working with leather and horse equipment, is invaluable to his customers, and he is at all times ready to furnish them with the very best materials to be found in his line.
That the people of this vicinity realize his worth, is envinced by the steady growth and increase in his business. He came to Flagstaff a little over three years ago, but in that short period has established a name for himself and his work that may well be envied.
37 See images of the Blake home over the years between 1902 and 2005 in 104 S Beaver Street, Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona
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Jacob C Blake was registered to vote on 25 April 1902 in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G.
38 Jacob C Blake was registered to vote on 26 June 1906 in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G.
39 Jacob C Blake on 6 April 1907 purchased property located in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G, from
J. S. Sanchez,
C. W. Cobb, and
Julia Cobb, for $175. Described as Lots 11. 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of Block 97 in the Townsite of Flagstaff.. Witnessed by
Albert de Baer, Vice Deputy Counsel-General, and
A. R. Stubbs, Consular Agent,.
40 Jacob C Blake was registered to vote on 24 July 1908 in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G.
41 Jacob C Blake was enumerated on 19 April 1910 as head of household on the 1910 U. S. census for Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G, as Jacob C Blake, 61 years old, Head, Married 1st for 12 years, birthplace of Ohio, occupation of Harness in the Saddle industry, Working on Own Account. Could read. Could write. Owned a House. Father born in Ohio. Mother born in Ohio. Also enumerated in the household were
Athol Barrett Blake,
Martha Ella Barrett,
Elmer J Blake, and
Ernest C Blake.
42 Jacob C Blake on 15 January 1912 obtained property located in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G, by means of a Trustee's Deed from
Robert J Kidd, Trustee, Flagstaff Townsite. Described as Lot 1 in Block 8W of the townsite of Flagstaff. Witnessed by
N. J. Layton, Clerk of the District Court.
43 Jacob C Blake and
Martha Ella Barrett on 6 February 1912 sold property located in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G, to
Nicolas Gortani and
Pio Gortani for $1 and other good and valuable considerations. Described as Lot 1 Block 8W of the Townsite of Flagstaff, Also Lots 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 of Block 97 of the Townsite of Flagstaff. Witnessed by
C. B. Wilson, Notary Public.
44 Jacob C Blake and
Martha Ella Barrett on 6 February 1912 sold property located in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G, to
Nicolas Gortani and
Pio Gortani for $1 and other good and valuable considerations. Described as Lot 2 Block 8W of the Townsite of Flagstaff, Also Lots 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 of Block 97 of the Townsite of Flagstaff. Witnessed by
C. B. Wilson, Notary Public.
45 Jacob C Blake and
Martha Ella Barrett on 3 April 1912 sold property located in 113 E Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona Territory
G, to
W. H. Switzer for $1 and other good and valuable considerations. Described as 55 feet of the West end of Lots 19 and 20 Block 4 Rail Road addition to the Town of Flagstaff. Witnessed by
C. B. Wilson, Notary Public.
46 On 12 April 1912 in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona
G,
The Coocnino Sun published the following:
Business Changes Hands
W. H. Switzer has purchased the harness and saddlery business from J. C. Blake and will hereafter conduct the business. A competent harnessmaker has been employed and will look after the mechanical end of the business. Mr Blake, who retires from the enterprise, has been engaged in the business in Flagstaff for a considerable time and wants to take a much needed rest, as his health is not all that could be desired. He will probably engage in some other occupation which will enable him to be out-of-doors most of the time.
The Sun bespeaks for the new proprietor a successful business.
47 Jacob C Blake died on 4 October 1913, at age 64, in Milton Hospital, Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona
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1,48,2,49 Jacob C Blake was buried on 6 October 1913 in Masonic Section Citizens Cemetery, Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona
G.
50,2,49 On 10 October 1913 in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona
G,
The Coconino Sun published the following:
Mr. J. C. Blake Passes Away
Mr. Jacob C. Blake passed away at the Milton hospital Saturday morning after a protracted illness. With a broken heart added to the illness wracking his body, he gradually grew worse until death relieved his sufferings.
Mr. Blake was one of nature’s noblemen, always a staunch friend in need and a citizen whose passing is a distinct loss to Flagstaff.
All that mortal hands could do was done by the Masonic lodge, of which he had been Worshipful Master, but as the casket stood strewn with flowers, there no loving voices near to call him “father,” no loving little hands to press his brow, either in desperate illness or when death had at last claimed him for its own. The ruthless hand of a moral leper had robbed him even of this one last comfort, and he died without their presence.
The funeral services were held at the Episcopal church under the direction of the Masonic lodge, and was largely attended by members of the Elks lodge, of which he was a past Exalted Ruler. Rev. Mead delivered a touching address on the character of the man who was beyond the pale of all earthly troubles, and the remains were interred in the Masonic cemetery.
49 On 21 November 2009 in Seattle, King County, Washington
G, Joseph M Flint wrote the following
Finding the Gravesite of Jacob C. Blake
By Joseph M Flint
I found Jacob C. Blake’s obituary (above) at Northern Arizona University’s Cline Library in Flagstaff, Arizona. After getting over the shock of my great grandmother being called a moral leper on the front page of the paper, I realized that a reference had been made to Jacob C. Blake’s burial site. So I asked the staff at the library if they knew where the Masonic cemetery was located. They did not but said they would ask around.
Later that day they told me that they had determined that the Masonic cemetery was now part of Citizens Cemetery, the main non Catholic cemetery in town. This was not particularly good news as I had previously inquired of Citizens Cemetery if they had a record of Jacob C. Blake’s burial and they did not.
The next day, 17 October 2006, I was driving around Citizens Cemetery for no particular reason when I saw a sign with the Masonic square and compass and two arrows indicating an area of about a city block. I started to drive around the indicated section and for reason I cannot say I stopped the car and got out. I began what I can only describe as a “drunkard’s stagger”, wandering aimlessly from gravesite to gravesite. Within 3 minutes I walked up to of my great grandfather’s small grave marker.
Now I will admit it had been raining that day. But the instant I walked up to Jacob C. Blake’s gravesite it began to rain, it began to hail, and the wind began to blow. I have reason to believe I may have been the first family member to ever visit his gravesite. However, I am certain that Jacob wanted to be found and that I was somehow led to his final resting place.
51