Charles Arthur Blake

Documented History

Charles Arthur Blake is not a blood ancestor.  He was the son-in-law of Jacob William Beyl Sr.

Charles Arthur Blake was born on 24 July 1879, per U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.

According to the 1900 United States Federal Census, Charles lived with his parents and siblings at 117 South Liberty, Indianapolis, Indiana. His parents were Zack Blake, age 54, born October 1845, and Adda G, age 44, born December 1855. They were married for 27 years and had eight children, six still living. They were both born in Indiana. However, Zack’s father was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother was born in North Carolina. Adda’s father was born in Ohio, and her mother was born in Virginia. Their house was rented, and Zack worked as a saloon boy.

Charles was 20 years old, born in July 1879. He worked as a driver. Charles had five sisters. Bertha was 26 years old, born in May 1874. She was a housekeeper. Belle S. was a dress maker, 17 years old, born in September 1882. Ethel M. was 12 years old, born in October 1887. Hazel was 9 years old, born in February 1891. Eva Wallen was 23 years old, born in November 1816. She was divorced, working as a housekeeper, and had one child. Goldie was 6 years old, born in December 1893.

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Marriage

Charles Arthur Blake married Mary Elizabeth Beyl on 24 July 1901 in Marion County, per Indiana, Marriage Index, 1800-1941. According to Indiana, Select Marriages Index, 1748-1993, Charles’ father was Z. Blake. Charles was born in 1878 in Indiana. His mother’s name was Forsha.

Charles and Mary lost a pregnancy on 5 September 1905 when the baby girl was stillborn. Her cause of death was noted as Congenital Syphilis, the immediate cause was Asphyxia.

Charles and Mary had a baby girl named Mary Belle Blake on 16 January 1908 at 3 p.m., per Indiana, Birth Certificates, 1907-1940. At the time, they lived at 634 E. Georgia Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Both were born in Indiana. Charles worked as a Solicitor and a driver. Mary Belle is listed as Mary’s fourth child, but only the second living.

According to the 1910 United States Federal Census, Charles Arthur Blake lived with his wife, Mary Elizabeth Blake, and their children at 910 Bates Street, Center Township, Indiana. Charles was 31 and Mary was 30 at the time. Helen was 10, and Mary was 2. Charles was a wagon driver for an Oil company.

Charles’ wife, Mary, passed away at 36 years, 11 months, and 5 days old, according to Indiana Death Certificates, 1899-2011.   Her father is listed as Jacob Beyl, born in France. Her mother is listed as Margarett E. Kern. The Informant was her daughter, Helen M. Blake. Mary died on 31 July 1916 at 6 pm from Uremia. Uremia is a condition involving abnormally high levels of waste products in the blood. She had been suffering from Chronic Parenchymatous Nephritis, which is chronic inflammation of the kidney. She was buried in Columbus, Indiana, on 3 August 1916. Her husband is listed as Charles Blake.

Charles remarried on 5 September 1918. He married Clara S. Parker in Marion County, Indiana. He was 39 years old at the time.

Charles Arthur Blake registered for the World War I Draft on 12 September 1918 per U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. At the time, he lived at 327 Fulton Street, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. He was 39 years old. His birthdate was listed as 24 July 1879. He was a truck driver with Sanitary Milk Company at 1214 Southeastern Avenue in Indianapolis. His wife was Clara S Blake. He described himself as Tall with a Medium build, blue eyes, and light brown hair. He reported a ruptured and crooked arm.

According to the 1920 United States Federal Census, Charles and Clara lived at 252 Rural Street with his daughter Mary B. Charles was 40, Clara was 33, and Mary was 11. Charles owned the house. Clara was born in Maryland. Her father was born in North Carolina. Charles, his parents, and his daughter were born in Indiana. Charles still worked as a driver at the Milk Company.

In 1930, per U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Charles and Clara lived at 703 N. Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana. Charles was a Clerk at the time.

In 1930, per the United States Federal Census, Charles and Clara lived at 702 Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. Charles was 50 years old, and Clara was 43 years old. They owned their house, which was worth $6,000. Charles’ mother-in-law, Mary Kenton, also lived with them. She was 64 years old at the time and widowed. Her parents were born in Germany. They also had a roommate named John W. Sanders, who was 27 years old. Charles was a grocer at the grocery store. Mary was an Inspector at a Garment Factory. John was a Cr—manager with Shoe Polish Manufacturing.

In 1933, per U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Charles and Clara lived at 703 N. Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana.

In 1934, per U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Charles and Clara lived at 703 N. Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana.

In 1935, per U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Charles and Clara lived at 703 N. Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana.

In 1936, per U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Charles and Clara lived at 703 N. Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana. Charles was a laborer at the time.

According to the 1940 United States Federal Census, Charles, Clara, and Mary lived at 102 North West 21 Street, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. Charles was 61, Clara was 52, and Mary was 75 then. Each had completed 8th grade. Charles was a Custodian at an apartment house. He made $680 working 34 hours per week. Clara was a Sewing Machine Instructor at a Department Store. She made $350 working 26 hours per week.

Charles registered for the World War II Draft in 1942, per U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942. At the time, he lived at 102 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. He was 72, born 24 July 1879 in West Newton, Indiana. He was married to Clara S. Blake and worked at Butler University in Indianapolis.

In 1952, per U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Charles and Clara lived at 102 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. He worked as a Custodian at the time.

In 1954, per U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Charles and Clara lived at 111 N. Alabama, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.

In 1956, per U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Charles and Clara lived at 2007 Ruckle, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Death

Charles passed away at 10:20 pm on 10 February 1957 due to Cerebral Embolus that had onset 3 months prior. Charles had been suffering from Generalized Arteriosclerosis for 20 years. Charles had also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. His birthdate is listed as 21 July 1879; he was 77 years, 6 months, and 19 days old when he passed.

His parents were Zazariaha Blake and Addie Forsha. The informant was Clara P. Blake, his wife, when he passed. Charles was buried at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 13, 1957.

According to his obituary, Charles, who was 77 years old, was in a nursing home at 2037 Ruckle Street when he passed away. He was born in West Newton and lived in Indianapolis for about 75 years. He retired in 1952, five years before his death. Before his retirement, Charles worked as a custodian at an apartment complex, attended Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church services, and frequented the Masonic Lodge, No. 714.

According to the U.S. Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Charles A. Blake was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, on 13 February 1957. He rests now in section 234, lot 593. His Find A Grave Memorial # is 45881909.

I have found this information on Charles Arthur Blake so far, but if I see more, I will update this page accordingly.  If you are related to or know of Charles and Mary Blake, or even Clara S. Parker, please let me know in the comments section.  I would love to hear more about their life stories!

Until next time,

~Kris