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EPHRAIM E. BLAKE, store-keeper for the C. & N. W. R. R. Co., at division headquarters, Belle Plaine, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Monroe County, July 17, 1842. He is the son of Jason and Catharine (Rucker) Blake, and came to Iowa with his parents in April, 1851, making his home in Buckeye, Benton County, where he was engaged in farming till the summer of 1862, when he responded to his country's call and enlisted August 15, as a private in Co. G, 28th Iowa Vol. Inf., and served three years in the war of the Rebellion. He was with Grant at Vicksburg, and with Banks up Red River, where he was captured but made his escape. He was with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley campaigns. He saw three years of active service without missing a day's duty or a single ration when he could get it.On his return from the war, Mr. Blake carried on the farm two years, and then went to Lemars, Plymouth Co., Iowa, where he studied law. He was admitted to the bar and engaged in the practice of his profession. He served one year as Deputy Clerk of the District Court, and was then elected to that office; was re-elected and served six years. During this time he was Deputy Auditor for two years. In 1878 he came to Belle Plaine, and in December, 1879, sought service with the C. & N. W. R. R. Co. He began at the bottom round of the ladder, but was soon promoted to foreman's clerk. In September, 1884, he was appointed store-keeper, which position he now holds.
Mr. Blake's marriage was celebrated at Marengo, Iowa, July 31, 1867, at which time Miss Emilia E. Swezey became his wife. She is a daughter of Thomas Swezey, and was born near Hornellsville, in the State of New York. They have four children, all girls — Olive M., born May 4, 1868; Grace E., July 30, 1871; Ora M., March 26, 1876, and Libbie A., May 15, 1885. Mrs. Blake is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Blake belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a member of the I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Republican.
Source Citation: "1887 Benton County, Iowa Biographies" [database online] Benton County IAGenWeb Project. <http://iagenweb.org/benton/>
Original data: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Benton County, Iowa." Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1887, p. 277-278.
Transcribed by: Sue Soden. Submitted to the Benton County IAGenWeb Project on February 9th, 2009. Copyright © 2009 The IAGenWeb Project.
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