BLAKE, Jesse
Source: Greencastle Star 5 Feb 1881 p 8
On Sunday last Jesse Blake, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Putnam County died at the residence of Mrs. Benton Burkett in Russell Township after a prolonged illness in the 84th year of his age. Deceased was a brother of the late Colonel James Blake of Indianapolis and had resided in this county about 50 years; he never married but attended to the business of his farms and boarded in the family of Mrs. Burkett where he lived for 25 years or more. The town of Blakesburg, the oldest, perhaps in the county was named after him. By some it is alleged that at times he was slightly insane, an allegation caused, no doubt by his many eccentricities as his neighbors, who have had more or less business with him for many years, declare that he was always bright in his business transactions, well posted in the world and its doing and an instructive and entertaining conversationalist. One of his peculiarities was his wonderful interest in the public schools and their welfare. Having no children of his own, it is said that when he came to this city to pay his taxes which, by the way, were heavy, he always requested the treasurer to figure out for his instruction the proportion of his money which was used for school purposes, and after gaining the desired information if the percent of the whole was large, his eyes would sparkle, while a smile of joy would pervade his face. Mr. Blake owned, at the time of his death 423 acres of land in Russell and Franklin townships this county and was worth over $50,000. The remains were taken to Indianapolis Monday and the funeral took place on Wednesday morning from the Blake homestead, North Tennessee Street. - kbz