Obituary - Lyons Republican, 30th of April 1918:

"On Friday, April 19, H. H. Blakely, one of the early settlers of Wilson Township and one of the best known men in Rice County, was stricken with paralysis from the effects of which he died just one week later. H. H. Blakely was born near Jelloway, Knox County, Ohio, January 18, 1844, and died at his home, four and a half miles southeast of Lyons, Friday, April 26, 1918, aged 74 years, 3 months and 8 days. The funeral was held at the Methodist Episcopal church in this city last Sunday at 2p.m., conducted by Rev. W. L. Hinshaw, of Sterling, pastor of the United Bretheren church, Liberty Chapel, a friend of nearly 40 years. A large number of old friends, old neighbors, and old settlers were present to pay their last tribute of respect to the man they loved while living in their midst. Nearly all of the old soldiers now living in this vicinity were in attendance and sat in a body of seats reserved for them. The remains were laid to rest in the Graceland Cemetery in the family lot.

Mr. Blakely came to Rice County from Knox County, Ohio, in 1879, and purchased the farm on which he resided up to the time of his death. When he arrived here from the east, the country was new and needed leaders. He took his place at once as a man who could be relied upon at all times to help advance any project which would be for the good of the county he had chosen to make his home. In church work he was always willing to do his part. He was always ready to help those in need and would leave his work at any time to visit the sick, or help a neighbor with his work and no-one was afraid of being refused assistance for any worthy cause.
He was a Republican and a worker in his party and had the confidence of his fellow men. For many years he held the office of Justice of the Peace when Atlanta comprised Wilson, Atlanta and Harrison townships and this city. He kept his office open in Lyons at all times and walked or rode to and from his home every day, the state of the weather being no obstacle to him. For years nearly every case was tried before him in this place and many came before him on a change of venue from all over the county. In those days there were many law suits, probably caused by the newness of the country, and the hard times generally. His decisions were always just and gave general satisfaction. Of course, many cases were carried to the district court, but few decisions were reversed.
When Mr. Blakely was 18 years of age, President Lincoln called for 600,000 volunteers and he at once responded, joining Company F, 82nd Ohio Infantry under Colonel Catwell, who was killed at the battle of Bull Run. The Company was commanded by John Costin, who was killed at Gettysburg. The deceased was in battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, and was with General Sherman on the March to the Sea. He was one of 3,600 Union Men who were taken prisoner at Gettysburg and were placed in a rebel prison camp at Staunton, VA., with 600 others. With a comrade, he made his escape over the dead line, which seemed well guarded but they managed to effect their departure, after 30 days of imprisonment. For twenty-one days they were without food except for one meal and such wild berries as they could get in the mountains. Finally after much hardship they reached the north and out of danger of capture. In a short time he was able to join his company again and served his country well.
After the war was over he taught school and engaged in farming. On Feb 23, 1868 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Bailey, who died Dec. 18, 1901. To this union were born nine children, one dying at the age of two years. On Nov. 7, 1905, he was married to Mrs. Lucilla Hunsburger of this city who was his constant companion until his death.
Mr. Blakely is survived by his wife, four sons, four daughters, and one stepdaughter; also one brother, George Blakely, who lives in Ohio. Mrs. C. F. Sangster, J.T. Blakely, and Mrs. G. M. Shepherd of Lyons, Mrs. E. D. Blackwelder, Isabel, KS.; Mrs. R. A. Armstrong, Hutchinson; H. R. Blakely, Cimarron, N.M.; G. W. Blakely, Clayton, N.M.; R. W. Blakely, Eldon, MO.; Miss Mildred M. Blakely, Lingayen, Panguisinan, Phillippine Islands~ are left to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate husband and father. Thirteen grandchildren are also left to mourn the taking away of a dear relative. Mr. Blakely embraced the Christian faith early in life and was an active worker in all church and Sunday School work of the community as long as his health permitted."