Charles P. Blakeley

"History of Montana by Joaquim Miller, 1894 

Charles P. Blakeley of Bozeman, Register of the United States 
Land Office for that district, 
was born in Daviess County, Missouri, June 6, 1834. His 
earlier education was acquired in the 
common schools of the district, he remaining on the farm 
with his parents until he reached his 
eighteenth year. 

In 1854 he went to Kansas and took up a farm in that troubled 
border region. One year later he drove 
an ox team to Fort Laramie and back for the Government, 
returning again to Kansas and in 1856 was married 
to Elizabeth Downen. They took up residence on a farm near 
Iowa Point, Kansas, remaining there until 1861, 
in which year they sold out and removed to Missouri. The war 
breaking out, Mr. Blakeley was among the first 
to offer his service to the Southern Cause, entering General 
Price's army. He continued in service until 
January 1862, returning then to his home in Missouri. Here 
he was taken prisoner and confined at St. Joseph, 
Missouri, for seventeen days when he and two others 
escaped by overpowering the guard and getting off in the 
darkness. He went directly to Iowa and remained there nearly a 
year, and on the 17th of April 1863 accompanied 
by his wife, he left Omaha for the West. 

His destination was the far-off Salmon River country of 
Idaho. They stopped in Colorado that winter, and on 
the 16th of May 1864 started for Virginia City, Montana, 
the fame of the Alder Gulch placers having reached 
them. The summer of 1864 was spent by Mr. Blakeley in 
Alder Gulch where he mined some and conducted a small 
dairy. On the 4th of October 1864, they removed to the 
Gallatin Valley, locating a ranch on the west branch 
of that stream, at which place they resided until 1870. 

Mr. Blakeley and John Nelson built the first bridge across 
the West Gallatin River at what is now Central 
Park. In 1870-71 he mined on Gold Creek, but with 
indifferent results and soon returned to the Gallatin Valley 
locating this time at Bozeman. In 1874 he moved to a farm 
further down the valley and engaged principally in 
stock raising. In 1878 he drove his stock to the Yellowstone 
country and again took up his residence at Bozeman 
where he has since continued to reside. 

Mr. Blakeley has always taken a lively interest in politics. 
He voted at the first election ever held in Montana.
The first primary in Gallatin County was held at his house. 
He has attended nearly every Democratic county convention 
since, and nearly all State and Territorial conventions.

In 1865 he was nominated for County Clerk and was elected 
by several hundred majorities, but the canvassing board 
threw out the votes of all the precincts save Bozeman and 
Gallatin City, thus preventing his seating. He was elected 
Representative to the Legislature in 1866 that body being 
known as the "Bogus Legislature." From 1879 to 1882 
he acted as Under Sheriff performing also the duties of 
Assessor, becoming thus thoroughly acquainted with the 
businessmen of the county. In 1882 he was elected Sheriff 
of the county and defeated for the same office in 1884.

He was again elected a member of the legislature in 1888 
and re-elected the succeeding year to the first State
Legislature, being chosen Speaker of the Democratic House 
during the legislative block of ninety days, so memorable
in Montana's legislative history. In May 1894 Mr. Blakeley 
was appointed by President Cleveland, Register of 
the Bozeman Land Office, which position he now holds. 
Through this long public career he served the people of 
his county faithfully and conscientiously and enjoys the 
esteem and confidence of the community in which he 
has been so important a factor. 

His good wife crossed the plains with him in 1863 and is 
still at his side. They have no children. Mr. Blakeley
is still an active figure in the political conventions of 
Gallatin County. His past experience has eminently 
fitted him for the position to which he was so justly 
appointed, and his many friends throughout that section
will find him an efficient and able servant in this 
capacity. He is known all over the state and known for
his earnestness in supporting any cause he espouses. 

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