Help finding a very confusing Gt Grandfather

[John-76]

My name is John Blake and I’m looking for any information about my Gt Grandfather of the same name.  Nothing is known about him before he arrived in the state of Alabama about 1840.  He indicated on all census forms that he was born in New Haven, CT., but nothing else.  No one in the family linage has an any info before 1840.  He was a “Master Carpenter” and was contracted to build the Montgomery Hill Baptist church, which continues today as an active church and is listed on the Alabama Historic Register.  It was completed and paid for on 11, Sept 1854 for $1450. He has been called by two names, John Luther Blake (my name) and sometimes with a middle name of Edward. The only info I have is listed below:

Name:      John Luther Blake or John Edward Blake
Birth:      14, October 1814 or 1819
Birthplace:   New Haven, CT
Death:      28, October 1860 or 2, January 1865
Death Place:    Wilcox County or Baldwin County Alabama
Occupation:   Supt of Mill   Listed earlier as Master Carpenter.
Spouse:      Elizabeth L. Stedham (Steadham) 1827-1907
Married:      3, November 1845
Children:      Edward Elmore, 1846-1914
         John Luther,    1848-1905
         Julia Florence,    1850-1921
         David Ormand,    1852-1910
         George Clinton,    1856-1932 (My grandfather)
         Theodore Krause, 1859-1862
 

My Gt Grandfather never used a middle initial in signing documents that we’ve found. I found in the US Territorial Papers that he possibly went to Alabama with his father, also John, in about 1817, then returned to New Haven. Later to return to Alabama when he got old enough. I’ve been trying to find any sources or records for his training as a master carpenter in CT. with no luck. 
 
Any info regarding him or sources that might helpful will be appreciated.
I apologize if this is posted in the wrong forum room.  If so, please advise
Thank you everyone for a very great website!

[Trishanne]

Hi John and welcome. You might find you will get more help on the United States of America forum rather than the Common Room. They may be able to help you trace records etc., of your grandfather.
Pat

[John-76]

Thank you very much.  I'm very new to the forum and wasn't aware of the USA room.  I apologize for my lack of attention.  Old age is a bummer! The forum is really great and I enjoy much!
Thanks again,
John

[Priscilla]

Welcome to Rootschat!

Have you seen this  … ?
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38060982/john-luther-blake

[John-76]

Thanks Priscilla!  Yes, that is my father.  His Grandfather is the one I'm trying to find.  I've found a fair amount of info on my Gt. Grandfather while he was in Alabama, USA, but nothing before he left Connecticut, USA. Once I find that I'm going to begin researching our English/Irish roots.  Our son, also John, was in Ireland several years ago and was quite surprised by all the Blakes in that area.

Thank you so much for the warm welcome!  You have a great day or evening depending on where you live! 
John

[josey]

Is this anyone you know in the 1830 census? No occupation sadly.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YY1-9YCC?i=85&cc=1803958
Name   John Blake head of household
Event Type   Census
Event Date   1830
Event Place   New Haven City, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
Page   45
Household consists of 1 male aged 20 - 30, 1 female aged  20 - 30.

ADDED: That John Blake may well be this one on 1840
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YBQ-9M3V?i=165&cc=1786457
Name   John A Blake
Event Type   Census
Event Date   1840
Event Place   New Haven, New Haven, Connecticut, United States [District No 6]
Page   82
Household consists of 1 male 30 - 40 1 male under 5, 2 females 20 - 30. 

[John-76]

Thanks Josey.  That might be the right person, but I don't know how to go any further.  In 1830 my Gt Grandfather would have be about 16 yo. The census shows only John Blake and his wife as being between 20 - 30 and the only ones in the household.  I haven't been able to do a search in a specific location by birth date.  That would help to have a list of children born in New Haven in 1814.  The other possibility is the fact that he was a master carpenter and must have been trained in the New Haven area.  I've been looking for some trade associations that might have listed persons who attained journeyman or master status in various trades, but no luck so far.

Thanks for your help. I am going to post this request in the USA room to see if anyone there might be familiar with the Connecticut area history.

[John-76]

Yes, Josey I imagine the 1840 census is the same person from the 1830 census.  He now has a young son under 5 and Mr. Blake himself is now between 20-40.
Thanks, onward and upward! 
John

[josey]

No need to post again, I will ask a moderator to move the thread to the US board, then all the info & findings will stay together.