James Oscar Blakely
James O. Blakely was from Elma, Erie County, N. Y., located near Buffalo. He taught for 5 years
before entering the Normal School, from which he graduated in July 1862. Just a month later, he
enlisted in the Normal School Company, and was named a corporal. December 30, 1862, he was
promoted to sergeant. He remained with the company until December 1863, when he received a
first lieutenant's commission in the 19th U. S. C. T. He was promoted to captain, November 19,
1864, and remained in the service until his regiment was mustered out June 15, 1867. His fellow
soldier James Woodworth considered him a warm friend, willing to help his fellow soldiers. On
one cold night, he even brought the mail to the pickets, who were grateful to be able to read news
from their loved ones, under the moonlight. (1)After his discharge, he taught for 6 years near his home in Erie County. He then moved out to Tulare, California, where he taught for another 6 years. He also served as a bookkeeper for 3 years, before beginning work for newspapers. He worked for 2 years with newspapers before becoming proprietor of the Tulare County Journal. In 1895, he was listed as living in Clearwater, Calif., and in 1911, his address was listed as 258 North Union Avenue, Los Angeles, California. In 1863 he married Jane L. Bowen. Together they had 5 children, 4 living. (2)
1. James Woodworth to Phebe Woodworth,
2. Historical Sketch of the State Normal College at Albany, N.Y...., 192.