Wasco County OR Archives Biographies.....Blakeney, John William May 20, 1823 - February 20, 1902
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Ila L. Wakley iwakley@msn.com May 19, 2010, 9:20 pm

Source: History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Vol. III, Published 1928, Pages 304  - 305
Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company

     JOHN WILLIAM BLAKENEY.  A list of the worthy pioneers of the Columbia 
River valley must include the name of the late John W. Blakeney, who was among 
the first settlers of Wasco county, performed his full part in the drama of 
early civilization here, and to a marked degree commanded the confidence and 
respect of his fellowmen. Mr. Blakeney was horn in Kentucky on the 20th of 
May, 1823, and was a son of Hugh and Ann (William) Blakeney. He was there 
reared and educated and in the early '40s went to Illinois, where he engaged 
in farming. In 1852 he sold out there and, with a good outfit, including ox 
teams and covered wagons, started on the long journey across the plains to 
Oregon. The party was well provisioned at the start, but, owing to their 
generosity in sharing their food with other less fortunate than themselves, 
ran short and Mr. Blakeney paid as much as a dollar each for biscuits for 
himself and family. They arrived in Oregon in the late fall of 1852, and 
proceeded on to Cowlitz county, Washington, where he took up a homestead. They 
lived there until 1862, when he sold out and came to The Dalles, Oregon, 
bringing the furniture and household goods, as well as twenty-five head of 
cattle, on a scow from the Cowlitz river to the lower Cascades. They 
transported their stuff above the Cascades and there took a steamer to The 
Dalles. For several years Mr. Blakeney ran a pack train from The Dalles to the 
mines in eastern Oregon, in which he met with success, and later established a 
livery stable and draying business in The Dalles, which he conducted to the 
time of his death, February 20, 1902. His wife died in 1907. In December, 
1843, in Illinois, Mr. Blakeney was married to Miss Nancy Phelps, who was born 
in Danville, Vermillion county, Illinois, September 8, 1824, and they became 
the parents of six children, namely: Hugh T., born in Illinois, now living in 
Portland, Oregon; Jesse W., who was born in Illinois, and died at The Dalles; 
Mary A. and James H., both born in Cowlitz county, Washington, are deceased; 
Decatur A., born in Cowlitz county; and Emma J., who was born at The Dalles, 
Oregon. Mr. Blakeney was a man of sterling character, energetic methods and 
sound judgment and during his active career took a deep interest in the 
progress and development of his city and community.

     Emma J. Blakeney was educated in the public schools at The Dalles and 
remained at home until her marriage, June 21, 1883, to William T. McClure, who 
was born in Missouri, April 18, 1850. He came to Wasco county with his family 
in an early day and as soon as old enough took up a preemption claim of one 
hundred and sixty acres, about four and a half miles east of Mosier. His 
father and brother also took claims in the same district and were the second 
family to settle in that locality.  Mr. McClure's land was partly covered with 
oak grubs, which he cleared off and, after building a good house, he engaged 
in farming, raising grain, hay, cattle and horses. He was successful in his 
operations and later bought sixty additional acres, a part of the Nathan 
Morris donation claim. This was good bottom land and on it he raised bountiful 
crops of alfalfa and potatoes, as well as asparagus. He was energetic and 
progressive in his methods and devoted himself closely to the operation of the 
farm to the time of his death, on March 13, 1915.

     To Mr. and Mrs. McClure were born six children: Mrs. Josephine Evans, who 
lives in Portland, Oregon, and is the mother of four children, Mrs. Mabel 
Miller, Mrs. Blanche Durham, Robert M. and Emma; Mrs. Jessie A. Winans, who 
lives in Portland and is the mother of four children, Thelma, Rodessa, Viola 
and Ella Jane; Mrs. Amelia Nelson, who lives in Portland and is the mother of 
a daughter, Florence Middleswart; William T., who remains at home with his 
mother and operates the ranch; Mary, who died February 1, 1907; and Mrs. Pearl 
Ellis, of Portland. Mr. McClure was a Mason and was a man of fine public 
spirit, taking an active interest in everything affecting the welfare of his 
community. He was particularly interested in educational matters and served 
for many years either as clerk or a member of the school board. William T. 
McClure, Jr., being the only son in the family, assumed the responsibility of 
the farm at his father's death and has proven in every way well qualified for 
the splendid work which he is doing. He raises good crops of hay and grain and 
potatoes, has three acres in asparagus, and also has a nice herd of dairy 
cows, a number of hogs and a large number of chickens. The McClure homestead, 
which is located midway between Hood River and The Dalles, on the famous 
Columbia River highway, is finely situated, commanding a magnificent view of 
the majestic river, and is regarded as one of the best farms in this section 
of the valley. Mr. McClure and his mother are kindly and hospitable, give 
their earnest support to all local interests of value to the locality, and 
throughout the community are held in the highest esteem. 

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