Biography of David W. Blaker, pages 783.  History of De Kalb County, 
Indiana.  Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

David W. Blaker, section 18, Stafford Township, was born in Lycoming County, 
Pa., May 19, 1830, a son of Jesse Blaker, a native of Bucks County, Pa., and 
what was called a Hickory Quaker.  He enlisted in the war of 1812, but the 
war closed before he was called into service.  David W. lost his mother when 
he was seven years old, and before he was nine years old began to take care 
of himself.  Before he was fourteen years old he found himself 200 miles 
from home without friends, barefooted and with no shoes nor money.  He 
worked on the canal nearly a year and then at the blacksmith’s trade 
fourteen years.  In 1853 he came to De Kalb County and located at Butler, 
where he worked at his trade for the contractors of the Lake Shore 
Railroad.  He remained in Butler till 1867, working at his trade with the 
exception of one year, when he was associated with his brother in a meat 
market and grocery.  In the spring of 1867 he settled on his farm, which at 
that time contained eighty acres of land, partially run down, but by 
diligence and care he has made it equal to any farm in the township. He 
now owns 120 acres of fine land, and his crops are among the best in the 
county.  He was married July 4, 1852, to Ethilinda Fowler, of Flat Rock, 
Wayne Co., Mich., and to them have been born ten children, but five of 
whom are living---George W., Frederick D., Ella M.B., William L. and 
James C.  George married Emma Flickinger and lives in this township.  Mr. 
and Mrs. Blaker are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted by:
Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Agoodwin@ctlnet.com