Blakeley

Slave Narrative of Mittie Blakeley

Mittie Blakeley, born in 1858 in Oxford, Missouri, shared her experiences as an ex-slave during an interview in Indianapolis. Raised alongside white children, she performed light chores and was treated kindly compared to her older siblings, who faced harsh punishment. Blakeley recounted the brutality inflicted on slaves, recalling a horrific beating that resulted in death. She also mentioned the secret dances held by slaves, highlighting the fear of overseers. Despite her painful memories, she expressed sympathy for those who suffered worse treatment, noting her current comfortable living situation.

Biographical Sketch of Ira J. Blakeley

Ira J. Blakeley was born in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, in 1815. He worked as a foreman at Eagle Mills for fifteen years and later served as a keeper at Denmore prison in New York for over two decades. Blakeley returned to Ferrisburgh in 1880. He married Betsey B. Downing in 1836, with whom he had one son before her death in 1865. He married Cornelia A. Field Houghton in 1880. Blakeley was the son of James and Catherine Blakeley, and he passed away in 1824.

Biographical Sketch of William M. Blakeley

William M. Blakeley, born in Missouri in 1840, migrated to Oregon with his father in 1846, settling near Brownsville. He received a public school education and assisted on the family farm until 1860. Blakeley explored mining opportunities in Idaho and Powder River before engaging in cattle ranching from 1863 to 1864. After marrying Margaret Baird in 1864, he established a stable life and relocated to Umatilla County, Oregon, in 1868, where he became significantly involved in agriculture.