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FRANK L. BLAKEMORE

 

Frank L. Blakemore, who was formerly actively identified with the farming interests of Jefferson township and Taylor county, has since 1891 lived retired in a nice home in Blockton and is numbered among her best citizens.  He is also an honored veteran of the Civil war, giving valiant service to his country during its darkest days.  Mr. Blakemore was born in Fayette county, Ohio, on Christmas day of 1842, a son of William H. and Anne (Milliken) Blakemore, the former born in Virginia and the latter a native of the Buckeye state.  The father came to Ohio when a young man and locating in Fayette county, there developed a wild tract of land and became one of the substantial farmers of that section of the state.  Prominent in public life he served as sheriff of Fayette county, for several years.  Eventually, he and his wife removed to Washington Courthouse, where Mrs. Blakemore departed this life.

 

It was on the home farm in Fayette county that Frank L. Blakemore was reared, while his education was acquired in the common schools of the neighborhood.  He was a young man of nineteen years, when, in April, 1861, he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of the Twenty-second Ohio Volunteer Regiment, he being the second to enroll his name in that county.  After serving with that command for three months he reenlisted as a member of Company C, Fifty-fourth Ohio Regiment, and going south participated in the battle of Shiloh.  Later he joined Company A, First Ohio Cavalry, and served with that command until the close of hostilities, doing scouting and picket duty much of the time.  He also served as a body guard to General Kilpatrick for a time.  He was never absent from the field of duty and made a most creditable military record, being mustered out and honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, in 1865.

 

Returning from the war, Mr. Blakemore went to his home in Fayette county, where he remained for a time, but in 1866, took up his abode in Iowa.  In connection with a brother he purchased two hundred acres of wild land in Jefferson township, Taylor county, and through their united efforts they soon cleared the land and placed it under cultivation.  From time to time they added to their landed possessions and at the end of three years divided their interests.  Mr. Blakemore of this review then became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, on which he erected a good substantial residence, barns and other outbuildings and he likewise set out an orchard and made many substantial improvements.  He was there engaged in general farming and stock raising for a long period, his annual shipments of stock to the city markets bringing him a good income.  In 1891, believing that he was justified in giving up the farm work, Mr. Blakemore sold his farming property and purchased three acres in Blockton, on which he erected a fine home, good barn and otherwise improved the place, making it a comfortable home, and he has since been classed among Blockton's retired residents.

 

It was on the 3d of July, 1872, in Indianapolis, Indiana, that Mr. Blakemore wedded Miss Anna Dodge, a native of Massachusetts, where she was reared and educated.  She engaged in teaching in Indianapolis sometime prior to her marriage.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blakemore were born three children: Fanny D., the wife of Oriel Morris, by whom she has a daughter, Helen, their home being in Des Moines; Amy P., the wife of George C. Hickenlooper, their home being with Mr. Blakemore; and W. H., a student in St. Joseph Medical College.  Mrs. Blakemore is deceased, her death occurring August 3, 1891.  She was a devoted Christian woman, being identified with the Presbyterian church in which she was an active worker and teacher in the Sunday-school.

 

Mr. Blakemore is a republican in politics and is prominent in Masonic circles, becoming a charter member of Platteville lodge but he is now identified with the lodge at Blockton.  He has served as master in both organizations.  He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.  Having resided in Taylor county for forty-three years he has seen the district develop from an unimproved section and has seen Blockton grow from a mere hamlet into a thriving and enterprising business center.  He has borne his full share in the work that has here been carried forward and takes a just pride in what has been accomplished. (Page 530) He is now surrounded with all the comforts of life and has many warm friends both in Blockton and other sections of Taylor county and all who know him have for him the highest praise and commendation.