Frances Esther BRADLEY Blotz was born on April 10th, 1885 in Ocheydan, Iowa to James and Mary (Mullen or Mullin) Bradley.

Her parents were married 4/13/1884 in Iowa County, IA. James listed his parents as Patrick Bradley and Elizabeth Hanson/Hasson. Mary lists her parents as James Mullen and Esther Brown.

She had at least 8 brothers and sisters:

1. Albert Jerome (born in Greely, Nebraska on May 18, 1887, died in Lead, SD on July 10, 1937)

2.James W (born in Ocheydan, Iowa on January 22, 1890, died in Meade County, SD on February 28, 1978),

3 and 4. Mark and Mathew (twins born in Ocheydan, Iowa on October 7,1891, Matthew died June 8, 1973 in Sturgis, Meade County, SD, Mark is unknown by me)

5. Mabel BRADLEY Cowen (born June 22, 1894 in Iowa, died June 15, 1988 in Los Angeles County, CA)

6. Blanche E BRADLEY Simons (born in Ocheydan, Iowa on January 21, 1896, died on May 11, 1998 in Sturgis, Meade County, SD)

7. Edmund (born in Omaha, Nebraska on January 16, 1900, died in Sturgis, Meade County, SD on June 18, 1987)

8. Margaret BRADLEY Kovarik (born in Omaha, Nebraska on June 13,1904, died in Pennington County, SD on July 27, 1990).

The 1900 census lists Mary as being a mother of 8 at the time. It also lists Mary as being born in Iowa in January 1858, Mary's dad being born in Ohio, and Mary's mom being born in Ireland. It lists James as being born in Iowa in March 1860, James' dad as being born in Ireland and his mom being born in Ohio. It lists as them being married for 16 years - James around age 24 and Mary being around age 26.

FRANCES was married to Charles William Blotz [married on June 23, 1909]. They had 10 children - Charles, John, Esther, Mabel, Mary, Richard, Joe, Alfred, Eva and Helen. She and her husband lived for many years in Albany, California in a little house on the corner of Stannage and Dartmouth.

My grandmother (Helen) told me that Frances passed away due to severe injuries sustained after being hit by a car while trying to cross the street at the corner of Dartmouth and San Pablo Avenue in Albany, California. The 19 year old driver, a young lady, did not see her due to the severe rainstorm they were having. No charges were filed, as our family realized it was just an accident.


NOTE: Frances is my great-grandmother. Her daughter, Helen, is my father, David Allen Hernes', mother. ~Alina