James Blake

BLAKE, KINKENNON, NELSON, BURKHARDT

Posted By: Michael L. KinKennon (email)
Date: 1/20/2008 at 15:52:48

Pioneer Resident Of Audubon Dies

James Blake, Native of England, Had Resideed here Half Century

James Blake,one of the pioneer residents of Audubon county, died late Saturday evening.Death followed an extended period of illness, during the last few weeks of which his condition had declined rapidly. He was 78 years old, had been a resident of this county for 53 years and of this city for the last 20 years.

Native of Enland

Mr. Blake was born in England on May 24, 1850. He was the son of James and Jane Blake. He grew to young manhood in England, received his education there and became a member of the church of England.

When he was 20 years old, however, he came to America and five years later, in 1875, found his way to Iowa. His removal to Audubon county came in 1877, a year before the town of Audubon came into existance. His marriage to Rebecca Lois KinKennon took place in 1880.

Mr. Blake and family made their home on a farm in this county until thrie retirement and removal to Audubon in 1909
Four Children Living

Surviving Mr. Blake are the widow and four children. The children are: Mrs. Minnie Nelson, Stetler, Alberta, Canada; Mrs. Pheobe Jane Burkhardt, Guthrie County; Thomas, Belle Plaine, Saskatbhewan, Canada and James, at home. Three children are dead. These include Mrs. Myrta Burkhardt and two who died in infancy.

Funeral services were held Wedesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the First Presbyterian church, Rev. W.Z. Allen officating. Burial Took Place in Arlington Heights cemetery.