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         HENRY C. BLAKE, deceased, was one of the honored pioneers of Louisa County, born in Muskingum County, Ohio, July 11, 1819, and was a son of Nehemiah and Elizabeth (Pagett) Blake. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was at the surrender of Hull; he also participated in the late Rebellion, enlisting in the old “Graybeard” regiment of Iowa. He had previously become a resident of this State, having located in Louisa County in 1847, where his death occurred on the 28th of March, 1876. Mrs. Blake departed this life when Henry was but a small child, and he was reared by Judge Chamberlain, a relative of the family, residing in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where he received a liberal education. He subsequently returned to Ohio, locating in Preble County, where he became acquainted with and married Miss Ann Wilson, their union being celebrated May 18, 1843. She is a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Rock) Wilson, natives of South Carolina. Her parents being opposed to slavery, and not wishing to rear a family under the influences of that institution, emigrated to Ohio about 1821. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are still living: Mary A., widow of H. C. Blake, of this sketch; John R., of Louisa County; David S., a resident of Preble County, Ohio; William, whose home is in Louisa County, Iowa; Rosanna, wife of A. P. Paxton, of Preble County, Ohio; Thomas, who is residing in Warren County, Iowa, and Sarah, who wedded J. M. Lee, of Furnas County, Neb. Mr. Wilson’s death occurred in 1845, his wife surviving him until 1877. She was a member of the Covenanter Church, and both were highly respected people.

Henry C. Blake migrated to Morning Sun, Iowa, in 1845, and purchased a farm north of the village. On the 2d of June, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 1st Iowa Cavalry, participated in several engagements, and served for three years, when he was honorably discharged, at Davenport, Iowa, Sept. 9, 1864. He was a brave, true soldier, and could always be found at his post. After being mustered out of service he returned to his family in Morning Sun, broken down in health, which he never again recovered, his death occurring April 9, 1876. He was honored and revered by his comrades, who named the organization of the Grand Army Post in Morning Sun for him and his father.

Mr. and Mrs. Blake were the parents of three children: William E., now an attorney-at-law, of the firm of Newman & Blake, of Burlington, Iowa; Wilson W., editor of the Two Republics, of the City of Mexico, and Melville E., an attorney-at-law, also of the above-named firm. Henry C. Blake was an honored pioneer, an enterprising citizen, a consistent Christian, and was highly respected. His widow still resides at Morning Sun, where she has many warm friends.