Posted on: BLAKESLEY Biographies Reply Here: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/gc/surnames/b/l/BLAKESLEY/biographies/10003 Surname: Blakesley, Crouch, Mack ------------------------- Barnum Ward Blakesley was born July 26, 1847 in Crystal Lake, Illinois, son of John B. Blakesley and Aseneth Rebecca Crouch. In the early 1870's Barney ventured north to Douglas County, Minnesota. He was attracted to this section of Minnesota by the excellent hunting and fishing, at both he was an expert and from which he derived much pleasure. Barney married Maude I. Mack on October 13, 1879 in Woodstock, Illinois and immediately brought her to Lake Mary Township in Douglas County, Minnesota where they had a farm. The farm he had listed as being called "Maplewood." Barney was described as being a large mild-mannered man. He was one of the first school teachers in District 24. The pupils of the first school had the reputation of discouraging each new teacher by throwing him out the first day. When Mr. Blakesley appeared on the scene, he informed the pupils he was aware of their habit, and asked if they cared to throw him out right away. Needless to say, he was able to "handle the gang." Barney and Maude's home on Lake Andrew became one of Douglas County's first summer hotel and boarding house business.