Robert Asa Blankenship, son of Sylvanius Bascom Blankenship (1856-1924) and Ollie (Hagler) Blankenship (1891-1986), was born on 10 Apr 1888 in Cottage Home, Williamson County, Illinois.[1] He married Ollie M. Hagler on 26 Sep 1909 in Makanda, Jackson, Illinois.[2][3] He died on 8 Dec 1940 in Carbondale, Jackson County, Illinois.[4] A letter from his wife Ollie as part of an application under the Black Lung Benefits Act explains his condition:
“Robert had hemophelia and a cough which became aggrivated with slight conjestion or cold. I cannot think of any effects unless excessive snoring when he had a bad cold. He used patient medicine to relieve symptoms, because the expense of a doctor was prohibited by lack of funds. His symptoms did not become acute enough to warrant such expense. Temporary relief was experienced from cough syrup, ect. However it seemed to be very hard for him to cure a cold or cough.
“He was not working when he died Dec 8, 1940. The mine had closed and at this time we had to go on welfare. He was never declared as unemployable, but he often stated he didn’t feel like doing anything. X-rays were never made.
“He was ill for only two days before he died. On the occasion of his hospitalization, he coughed hard and vomited. He started to hemorage from the stomach. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Since he was a hemophiliac the bleeding could not be stopped and he died of what the doctors assumed was a ruptured blood vessel in his stomach. The admitting doctor was Dr. C.E. Duncan of Herrin, Illinois, now deceased.
“Robert was a member of U.M.W.A. His address was General Delivery, Herrin, Illinois.
“I have no records or dates of his unemployment in either Keystone Mine at Pillsbury, Illinos or Consolidated #7 at Herrin, Illinois pertsining to his hospitalization on two occasions when he was injured at #7 mines due to a fire that destroyed my home completely about a year after his death.
“After a period of 32 years it is hard to remember many details. I have given you the information as best I can and would appreciate any consideration you can give to my application.” [5]
Robert Asa Blankenship lived in Grassy, Williamson, Illinois in 1900.[6] He lived in Carbondale, Jackson County, Illinois in 1910.[7] He was employed as a Grocery store clerk in 1910 in Carbondale, Jackson County, Illinois. He lived in East Marion, Williamson, Illinois in 1920.[8] Between 1930 and 1940 he lived in Herrin, Williamson County, Illinois. He was employed as a Shift Worker in 1940 in Herrin, Williamson County, Illinois.[9][10]
Robert A. Blankenship is listed as the son of S. B. Blankenship in the 1900 Census: Williamson County, family #70 dwelling #67 roll #354. He was listed as a farmer and head of household, married for 21y, and was born in TN in Oct, 1856. He owned his own farm free of debt. His father was born in TN as was his mother. Also listed: Mahalia - (F) 40y (May 1860), William H. (M)18y (Sep 1881), Richard (M) 16y (Mar 1884), Rhoda J. (F) 13y (Aug 1886), Robert A. (M) 12y (Apr 1888), Susan (F) 10y (Apr 1890).
Robert Blankenship (22) is listed in the 1910 Census: Carbondale Ward 4, Jackson, Illinois; Roll: T624_293; Page: 17B; Enumeration District: 0046; FHL microfilm: 1374306. He was born in Illinois and worked as a salesperson in a grocery store. Also listed is spouse Ollie Blankenship (22).
Robert Blankenship (31) is listed in the 1920 Census: East Marion, Williamson, Illinois; Roll: T625_418; Page: 12B; Enumeration District: 166. He was born in Illinois and worked as a coal miner. Also listed: spouse Ollia Blankenship (28), son Richard Blankenship (9), daughter Pauline Blankenship (7), and daughter Opal Blankenship (4).
Robert Blankenship (41) is listed in the 1930 Census: Herrin, Williamson, Illinois; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 0045; FHL microfilm: 2340305. He worked as a coal loader in the coal mines. Also listed are: spouse Cellie Blankenship (38), son Richard Blankenship (19), daughter Pauline Blankenship (19), daughter Marie Blankenship (14), Genevieve Blankenship (9).
Robert Blankenship (51) is listed in the 1940; Census: Herrin, Williamson, Illinois; Roll: m-t0627-00910; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 100-3. He worked as a shift-worker. Also listed is spouse Ollia Blankenship (48), daughter Genevieve Blanksenship (18), and lodger Willie Carnaghi (18).
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