Grant
S. Blakeley, a member of one of the old families of the Sacramento valley, is
engaged in ranching near Camino, residing in the 5-mile House on Lake Tahoe
highway, where he was born October 15, 1867. His father, James Albert Blakeley,
came to California when twenty-one years of age and pioneered in the Camino
district. As a homesteader and through purchase, he accumulated considerable
property. His place, known as the 5-mile House, was one of the historic coach
stops on the Tahoe highway in the days when this was a frontier region, remote
from civilization. Here he made his
home until his death in October, 1916, having for a number of years survived
his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Mankins.
Their
son, Grant S. Blakeley, acquired a common school education and early became
familiar with agricultural pursuits by assisting in the cultivation of the home
place. In 1894 his father deeded him a portion of the ranch and to the
development and management of this property he has since devoted his attention.
Experience and study have taught him the best methods of farming in this
district, and his carefully tilled fields yield abundant harvests. His
equipment includes the most improved agricultural implements and all of the
buildings on his farm are large and substantial.
Mr.
Blakeley was married to Miss Ella Burrows, now deceased, who was a native of
Sacramento county. They were the parents of five children, of whom Mary, the
third in order of birth, has passed away. The others are: Emily, Roy, Ernest
and Reeda. Mr. Blakeley is identified with the Loyal Order of Moose and in
politics is a republican. He stands for all that counts as an asset in public
progress and community welfare and is highly esteemed in the district in which
his life has been spent---a fact indicative of his worth as a man and a
citizen.
Source: History of the
Sacramento Valley California Vol. III J. W. WOOLDRIDGE 1931. Page 378-379.
© 2004 Marla
Fitzsimmons.