Harvey,
I have been trying to relate my Blakes to this family. The earliest that I am sure of is Robert B. Blake in Person Co. on the North Carolina line, born in 1776. I am almost sure that his father was John Blake who appears in the same census and on same property. Robert was married to Sarah Merritt (b. in Virginia in 1776). Isle of Wight Blakes and Southampton Co. Blakes are related. In fact, Southampton Co., Va was once part of Isle of Wight Co. I have more information but am frustrated in trying to go back beyond positive proof in Person Co.,NC. Would like to correspond with you.
John in Durham, NC