Person:Josephus Blake (1)

He was 67 years, 1 month and 3 days old at date of death.

Obituary from Oceana Herald, Oceana County, Michigan:

In Shelby Jan 3, 1903, Josephus Blake aged 67 years. He was born in North Bangor, VT (probably wrong) removing with his parents in childhood to N.Y. State. While yet a young man he came to Michigan going onto Minnesota, and went from there with an invalid brother on a perilous journey to California with oxen and wagon, reaching their destination after many months of travel and great dangers. He afterwards went to South America, returning to California where he enlisted(Dec 2, 1862), but was accredited to Massahusetts entering Co. A, 2nd regiment, Massachusetts cavalry (California 100), he was discharged (disability) Sept 2, 1863. He was married in Springfield, Illinois September 6, 1864, to Mary J, Merrill, and, came to Michigan making their home in Richland, Kalamazoo County where they lived until 1889 when they came to Shelby, where his wife died Jan 1893; four children were born to them, two of whom died in infancy. The remaining two, Mrs. Luna Hale, and Roy W. Blake are residents of Shelby.

Jan. 29, 1894, he was married to Mrs. Sarah Curtiss who with his children now mourn his loss. His health has never been good since he was in the army as the result of measles contracted while in the service. For several years he has often had severe attacks of illness which finally resulted in his death. He was a member of Shields Post No. 68 G.A.R.(Grand Army of the Republic) and his funeral service was conducted by them, the G.A.R. ladies society attending in body. The funeral was held at the M.E. church, Monday the sermon being preached bt Rev. J. W. H. Carlisle.

The 1870 census (Internet) in Richland, Kalamazoo County, Michigan listed Josephus' family: Blake, Josephus 34 yrs, male, white, farmer, value of real estate 2000, value of personal estate 1500

          birthplace VT           
          Mary J., 24 yrs, female, white, keeping house, birthplace NY
          Lena (or Lina)., 2 yrs, female, white, birthplace Michigan
          Strickland H., 17 yrs, female, white, housekeeping, birthplace NY

Grace/Roy had indicated that Josephus had lost an eye during the Civil War. However, it apparently was lost due to the measles he contracted in the service rather than hostile action.

1900 Federal Census Shelby Michigan

I found Josephus, Roy, Sarah E. (Josephus’second wife)and her son, Edward A. Curtis listed on the 1900 Federal Census of Shelby Township. In addition, Luna Blake Hale (Roy’s sister/Josephus’s daughter) and her family immediately preceded Roy’s family on the census listing, indicating they lived next to each other. BLAKE FAMILY 1. Blake, Josephus Head (of Household) White Male 64yrs (born Dec 1835) married

   Place of Birth: Vermont; Father’s POB: Massachusetts; Mother’s POB: Vermont
   Occupation: Farmer

2. Blake, Roy W. Son Male White 24 yrs (born Oct 1875) single

    Place of Birth: Michigan; Father’s POB: Vermont; Mother’s POB: New York
    Occupation:  Solicitor for Com Prod
    

3 . Blake, Sarah E. Curtis Wife Female White 44 yrs married

     POB: Michigan; Father’s POB: New York; Mother’s POB: New York
     Occupation: None
     

4. Curtis, Edward A. Son Male White 22 yrs (born May 1878) single

      POB: Michigan; Father’s POB: Iowa; Mother’s POB: Michigan
      Occupation: Agent Books

HALE FAMILY 1. Hale, Albert Head (of Household) Male White 35 years (born Dec 1864) married

    POB: Michigan; Father’s POB: Vermont; Mother’s POB: Ohio
    Occupation: Farm Laborer

2. Hale, Luna Wife Female White 32 years (born Jan 1868) married

    POB: Michigan; Father’s POB: Michigan (?); Mother’s POB: New York

3. Hale, Lawrence Son Male White 10 years (born March 1890) single

    POB: Michigan; Father’s POB: Michigan; Mother’s POB: Michigan