AARON S. BLAKELEY
Page 684

AARON S. BLAKELEY. In giving the history of Mason County, as told in the lives of its citizens, mention should certainly be made of the gentleman above named, who is one of the most prominent agriculturists within its bounds. He owns one thousand acres of land in Kilbourne Township, and is not only a substantial and progressive farmer, but an intelligent and thoroughly posted man in all public affairs. He has had a vast amount of experience and his most trivial business transactions are characterized by good judgment and strict integrity. He is a prominent citizen and one who has been of much benefit to the community. Mr. Blakeley was born October 2, 1836, near Springfield, this state, while his father, James Blakeley was a native of New Jersey. The latter was reared in his native state and located in Sangamon County, Ill., about 1835. Two years later we find him in this county, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1870, when in his sixty-third year. His wife, the mother of our subject, was prior to her marriage Miss Hannah Scott. She too was born in New Jersey of Scotch parents, and lived to reach the age of three-score years and ten. The parental family included nine children, of whom six are now living. A. S., of this sketch, was the third in order of birth, and was an infant when his parents came to this county. He received his education in the district school, and here attained a stalwart manhood. In 1858 he married Miss Sarah J. Brown, a native of New York State, who came to this county with he parents when eight years of age. After his union our subject began farming on rented land, and in this manner cultivated the soil for about eight years. At the expiration of that time he had laid by a sufficient sum of money which enabled him to purchase one hundred and twenty acres in Kilbourne Township, to which he added as years passed by, until now he is one of the largest land owners in the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Blakeley have been born four children, of whom Rufus is a large land owner in this township, having in his possession eight hundred acres; Emma, the wife of Sylvester Drake, also makes this township her home, as does also Edwin; Nellie is at home with her parents. Mr. Blakeley is a member of the Republican party. He was the second man to hold the office of Supervisor, and the first Road Commissioner of the township. He enjoys all the esteem commanded by men of strict integrity and superior strength of character, and is especially respected for having so nobly fought the battle of life, gaining for himself prominence without other assistance than his ability and excellent judgment.

1894 Biography Index

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