James Thomas Blowey was a retired furniture dealer and former city councillor in Edmonton, Alberta.
He lived at 1847 Pendrell Street in 1911. Later he moved to 1037 Matthews Avenue in Shaughnessy Heights.
Family Background
James Thomas Blowey was born on March 21, 1853, in Cornwall, England. His family background is somewhat obscure, and it appears that his parents were James and Grace Blowey.
However, in the 1861 England and Wales census James appeared as the stepson of Thomas C. Mortimer, who was a house painter. Thomas Mortimer was married to Victoria J. Mortimer. (Victoria Jane Mortimer died in Devonshire, England in 1864.)
To Canada
When James was young, he immigrated to Canada. According to a 1929 immigration document, James arrived in Quebec, Canada in June 1862. (Other sources say that he arrived in Canada about 1870.)
He lived at first in Ontario, and later he moved to Manitoba.
By 1884, he was operating a furniture store in Nelson, Manitoba.
In 1890, he became a founding member of the Board of Trade in Morden, Manitoba.:
Marriage to Alice Grady
By the time of the 1891 Canada census, James was married to Alice Victor Grady and living in Morden, Manitoba. Alice was born on August 3, 1863, in Owen Sound, Ontario. Her parents were John Grady and Mary Ann Mckay.
To Edmonton
By 1893, James and Alice moved to Edmonton; James opened a furniture store.
![Blowey Furniture Store, Edmonton, Alberta; [probably early 1900s] https://hws.alberta.ca/viewimage.aspx?img=PAA%5CImages%5CA4831.jpg&width=625](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/blowey-furniture-store-edmonton-alberta-probably-early-1900s.jpg)
In 1901 and 1902, James was a member of the Edmonton City Council.
In 1906, James started a new furniture business with William Thomas Henry. The Blowey-Henry Ltd. stayed in business for many decades, apparently closing about 2012.
To Vancouver
James retired from the business and the Blowey family moved to Vancouver.
In October 1909 Mrs. Blowey was receiving visitors at 1605 Nelson Street.
When James visited Edmonton in 1910, the Edmonton newspapers described him as living in Vancouver.
In August 1910, the Blowey family moved from 1605 Nelson Street to 1847 Pendrell Street.
To 1037 Matthews Avenue
In 1912 the Blowey family moved to 1037 Matthews Avenue in Shaughnessy Heights. (Legal description: District Lot 526, Block 54, Lot 10.)
The street address was still 1037 Matthews Avenue in 1991 when the Vancouver city council designated the house as a municipal heritage site.
The address of the house later became 1083 Matthews Avenue.
Later Life
The Blowey family travelled to Hawaii and to parts of the United States, especially California.
Alice Blowey died in Vancouver on January 9, 1927. She was buried in the Masonic section of Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
In 1929 James travelled to California.
James died in Vancouver on August 1, 1934. He was buried in the Masonic section of Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
In 1935 the British Columbia Supreme Court decided that three specific legacies from James’s estate should be free of probate, legacy and succession duties. The trustee under the will had to pay the duties from the residue of the estate.
James and Alice had the following children.
James Carlton Fresno Blowey
James Carlton Fresno Blowey was born in Pasadena, California, on January 24, 1892. (He was often called “Fres” or “Fresno.”)
He became a farming and property manager.
In 1925 he married Gladys Kinistino Marshall. She was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on July 12, 1905. Her parents were Henry Marshall and Agnes Mary Winterburn.
Gladys died in Victoria, British Columbia, on April 20, 1980.
Fresno died in Victoria on March 2, 1982.
Harry Albert Blowey
Harry Albert Blowey was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on March 18, 1896.
On August 12, 1926, in Vancouver, he married Frances Mitchell Clark. She was born in Hamilton, Ontario, about 1898; her father was James Lawrence Clark; her mother was Isabel Jane Lawson.
Harry became a lawyer. He died in Vancouver on November 6, 1948.
Frances later married Ejnar Westergaard Pedersen. He died in Victoria, British Columbia on November 7, 1985.
Frances died in Victoria on December 5, 1987.
Charles Alexander Blowey
Charles Alexander Blowey was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on August 6, 1897. He died in Vancouver on September 17, 1910.
Sources
Victoria Jane Mortimer (maiden name unknown)
“England and Wales Death Registration Index 1837-2007,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2NG2-9PW : 31 December 2014), Victoria Jane Mortimer, 1864; from “England & Wales Deaths, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Death, Plymouth, Devon, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
James Thomas Blowey
James Blowey, Wikipedia article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Blowey
St Austell, Wikipedia article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Austell
“England and Wales Census, 1861,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M7YX-T6H : accessed 18 Jul 2014), James T Blowey, St Andrew, Plymouth, Devonshire, England; citing “1861 England, Scotland and Wales census,” index and images, findmypast.co.uk (www.findmypast.co.uk : Brightsolid, n.d.); PRO RG 9, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey. [possible connection.]
“England and Wales Census, 1861,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M7C3-FMT : accessed 18 Jul 2014), James Blowey, Tywardreath, Cornwall, England; citing “1861 England, Scotland and Wales census,” index and images, findmypast.co.uk (www.findmypast.co.uk : Brightsolid, n.d.); PRO RG 9, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey. [possible connection.]
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Nelson / Nelsonville Town Site (RM of Stanley); Historic Sites of Manitoba: Nelson / Nelsonville Town Site (RM of Stanley); http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/nelson.shtml; Henderson’s North West Gazetteer and Directory, 1884, page 264, http://peel.library.ualberta.ca/bibliography/848.10/93.html: “Blowey, J.T., furniture.”
“Canada Census, 1891,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MWKH-11J : accessed 18 Jul 2014), James Blowey, Morden, Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada; citing Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148098.
Spurr’s Edmonton District Directory, 1895, page 19; http://peel.library.ualberta.ca/bibliography/2234/20.html: Blowey, James T., furniture dealer and agent for sewing machines and organs, Jasper ave, resides Second st., H B R. (Hudson’s Bay Reserve).
Lowe’s Directory of the City of Edmonton, 1899, page 8, http://peel.library.ualberta.ca/bibliography/2459/21.html: Blowey, J.T., furniture, carpets and musical instruments, Jasper avenue, resides on 2nd st., H.B.R. (Hudson’s Bay Reserve).
“Canada Census, 1901,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KHRN-CR5 : accessed 18 Jul 2014), James T Blowey, N1, Alberta, The Territories, Canada; citing p. 13, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario.
1911 Census of Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver, 2 Vancouver City, page 31, family 302, lines 7-11.
“Hawaii, Honolulu Passenger Lists, 1900-1953”, index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/QV9Z-4WQ2 : accessed 18 Jul 2014), James S Blowey, 1913-1914.
“Hawaii, Honolulu Index to Passengers, Not Including Filipinos, 1900-1952”, index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KDRN-TF9 : accessed 18 Jul 2014), James S Blowey, 1918.
“United States Census, 1930,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XCVV-DX8 : accessed 18 Jul 2014), James T Blowey in household of Harry E Armbuster, Los Angeles (Districts 0251-0500), Los Angeles, California, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 0350, sheet 26A, family 113, NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 146.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLGG-KHM : accessed 18 Jul 2014), James Thomas Blowey, 01 Aug 1934; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13151, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1952857.
Find A Grave, Find A Grave Memorial# 26301298, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26301298; James Thomas Blowey, Birth: unknown; Death: Aug. 1, 1934; Burial: Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Plot: MASONIC/*/*/004/0010/
“James T. Blowey Dead,” Vancouver Sun, August 2, 1934, page 7: “James Thomas Blowey, 82, well known business man of Western Canada, died Wednesday at his home, 1037 Matthews Avenue. Until his retirement he was president of Blowey, Henry, Ltd., furniture dealers, Edmonton. He was born in Cornwall, England, and came to Vancouver 25 years ago. Surviving are two sons, Harry A. Blowey, Vancouver, and J.C.T. Blowey, St. Alberta, Alta.; one sister, Miss [sic] Oliva Mark, Toronto; and one niece, Mrs. Gordon F. Magee, Winnipeg. Funeral services will be conducted in Nunn & Thomson’s chapel Saturday at 1 p.m. by Rev. Gordon Dickie. Interment will be in Masonic section, Mountain View Cemetery.”
James Thomas Blowey, death notice, Vancouver Sun, August 2, 1934, page 16; Vancouver Province, August 2, 1934, page 13; Vancouver Province, August 3, 1934, page 17.
Funeral of J.T. Blowey, Vancouver Province, August 4, 1934, page 34.
Lethbridge Herald Newspaper Archive: August 9, 1934 – Page4; http://newspaperarchive.com/ca/alberta/lethbridge/lethbridge-herald/1934/08-09/page-4: “James Thomas Blowey, 82, pioneer Alberta merchant and retired president of Blowey-HenRy Limited, Edmonton furniture dealers, died at Vancouver.”
Alice Victoria Grady (wife of James Thomas Blowey)
“Canada Census, 1871,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4QH-G5L : accessed 18 Jul 2014), Alice V Grady, Sydenham, North Grey, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 47, line 8; Library and Archives Canada film number C-9954, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 4396339; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1871/pdf/4396339_00165.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1891,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MWKH-11V : accessed 18 Jul 2014), Alice Blowey, Morden, Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada; citing Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148098.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL2F-M8X : accessed 18 Jul 2014), Alice Victoria Blowey, 09 Jan 1927; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13131, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1927350.
“Mrs. Alice V. Blowey Died Suddenly Here on Sunday,” Vancouver Province, January 10, 1927, page 4: “Death occurred suddenly on Sunday of a well-known resident of this city in the person of Mrs. Alice V. Blowey, wife of J.T. Blowey, 1037 Matthews avenue, Shaughnessy Heights. Mrs. Blowey was a prominent social service worker and was interested in many organizations of the city. She is survived by her husband and two sons. The remains are resting at Nunn & Thomson’s chapel. Funeral arrangements have not been completed.”
“Woman Pioneer Passes Away,” Vancouver Sun, January 11, 1927, page 1: “Alice V. Blowey, wife of J.F. [sic] Blowey, 1937 [sic] Matthews avenue, Shaughnessy Heights, passed away Sunday. Mrs. Blowey had been a resident of this city for 35 years and was well known in Vancouver. Mrs. Blowey is survived by her husband and two sons. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 1:30 o’clock from Nunn & Thompson’s chapel, Rev. P.T. Pilkey officiating. Interment in the Masonic cemetery, Burnaby.”
“Funeral of Mrs. Blowey To Be Held Wednesday,” Vancouver Province, January 11, 1927, page 10. [similar to Vancouver Sun article dated January 11, 1927.]
Alice V. Blowey, death notice, Vancouver Province, January 10, 1927, page 11; January 11, 1927, page 15.
Find A Grave, Find A Grave Memorial# 26301299; Alice Victoria Blowey, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26301299; Birth: unknown; Death: Jan. 9, 1927; Burial: Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Plot: MASONIC/*/*/004/0011.
James Carlton Fresno Blowey (son of James Thomas Blowey)
“Hawaii, Honolulu Index to Passengers, Not Including Filipinos, 1900-1952”, index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KDRN-TFM : accessed 18 Jul 2014), Fresno Blowey, 1918.
Ancestry.com. Alberta, Canada, Marriages Index, 1898-1944 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017. Provincial Archives of Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Marriage Indexes. Name: James C. F. Blowey; Gender: Male; Marriage Date: 1925; Marriage Place: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Spouse: Gladys K. Marshall; Certificate Number: 902.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL1D-6X6 : accessed 18 Jul 2014), James Carlton Fresno Blowey, 02 Mar 1982; citing Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13618, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2051675.
“BillionGraves Index,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/QJDL-PZPD : accessed 18 Jul 2014), J. C. Fresno Blowey, 1982; citing Royal Oak Burial Park Cemetery, Saanich, British Columbia.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL1C-7V5 : accessed 18 Jul 2014), Gladys Kinistino Blowey, 20 Apr 1980; citing Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13603, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2051387.
“BillionGraves Index,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/QJDL-PCDC : accessed 18 Jul 2014), Gladys K. Blowey, 1980; citing Royal Oak Burial Park Cemetery, Saanich, British Columbia.
Harry Albert Blowey (son of James Thomas Blowey)
Canadian Expeditionary Force, http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=49508; Name: BLOWEY, HARRY ALBERT; Rank: GNR; Regimental Number: 339329; Date of Birth: 18/03/1896; Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 829 – 45; Item Number:49508.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JD82-NKV : accessed 18 Jul 2014), Harry Albert Blowey and Frances Mitchell Clark, 12 Aug 1926; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B13751, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2074504.
“Miss Frances Clark and Mr. H. Blowey Principals at Wedding,” Vancouver Province, August 12, 1926, page 8.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLPV-F9N : accessed 18 Jul 2014), Harry Albert Blowey, 06 Nov 1948; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13199, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2032569.
Harry Albert Blowey, death notice, Vancouver Province, November 8, 1948, page 15: Vancouver Sun, November 8, 1948, page 21: “Blowey – Passed years. Survived by his loving wife, Frances, and one brother, J. C. F. Blowey of Victoria, B.C. Private funeral service was held on Monday Nov. 8, at 4 p.m., in Simmons and McBride Funeral Chapel, Broadway at Maple St., Rev. George Tuirpin officiating. Cremation. No flowers by request.”
Charles Alexander Blowey (son of James Thomas Blowey)
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLLG-5M7 : accessed 18 Jul 2014), Charlie Alexander Blowey, 17 Sep 1910; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13097, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1927125.
Find a Grave, Find A Grave Memorial# 26301301, Charles Alexander Blowey, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26301301; Birth: unknown; Death: Sep. 17, 1910; Burial: Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Plot: MASONIC/*/*/004/0012.
Emily Blowey (sister of James Thomas Blowey)
“Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FMND-TTY : accessed 18 Jul 2014), James Blowey in entry for Henry Edworthy and Emily Blowey, 15 Apr 1875; citing registration 010474, Barton, Wentworth, Ontario, Canada, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1862897.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL24-SD9 : accessed 18 Jul 2014), Emily Edworthy, 16 Jul 1925; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13126, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1927303.
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