Need Help with Token found about a month ago

[alabama11]

Hello all,
Thank you for viewing this unusual C M Blakesley token. Tried to look it up, but failed to get anything useful. It was deep in the ground about 10 inches. There is Civil War material there, but also WW2 housing. Any knowledge would be helpful. It is a long way from its home in Anita, Iowa and found here in north Ala. The reverse side says Good for 5 cents Merchandise. best,

 

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[idahotokens]

It is listed in Henderson's Iowa Trade Tokens book along with other denominations from 1¢ to $1. Charles M. Blakesley (1857 - 1932) is shown in the 1900 Federal and 1905 State Censuses as being proprietor of a general store there. He was appointed Postmaster in 1892, so his business may have actually started then. It appears that by 1910 he was no longer in business as he was shown as a farmer there. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery at Anita.
John in the Great 208

 

[Mackaydon]

Charles M. BLAKESLEY, general merchandise, Anita, Iowa, was born in Livingston county, N. Y., March 24, 1857, and lived there until 1867, when he came to Iowa and located at Iowa City. Three years thereafter he came to Cass county and located at Anita, where he has since resided. He has been in the general merchandise business all the time except during the two Cleveland administrations. During the first he was deputy postmaster and during the second was postmaster. He holds membership in the K. of P., Masons and Woodmen of the World. He is one of the substantial citizens of Anita and thinks that place is the best on earth. He is progressive and liberal and has won his business spurs by fair and honorable dealing with his large trade.
Source: Cass County Iowa History 1904 Exposition Souvenir Album General Merchandise
Don.......

 

[alabama11]

Great research on biography info . Thanks to all.

 

[Garrett424]

Nice token. Love those old ones.....