125 Years Ago

Herald of July 9, 1896

James Blake Sr., a veteran of the Civil War, died at his Martinsburg home of an attack of pleuropneumonia. At age 76, he was the oldest make resident of Martinsburg. He was a son of Rev. Burdine Blake, on the pioneer Methodist preachers of Morrisons Cove, who moved here in 1820 when James was one year old. James was retired as a blacksmith. He was active in the Off Fellows, the GAR and the Masons. He was the father of 15 children, six of whom died in infancy. He was survived by his wife, the former Margaret Ellen Brown, six sons and three daughters.

Thieves bore out the lock of the spring house at McKee and stole a 10-pound roll of butter from Joe Delozier.

Seven Roaring Spring residences were “visited” at night by the “knights of the road.” Among the victims were D.M. Bare, Squire Lorents, Dr. Garver, Ed. Harker, Rev. Getz, C.W. Zook and Rev. Wm. Spanogle. Entrance was gained only to the last three places, where $45 was taken from Zook’s house.