James B. Blake

James B. Blake
15th Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts
In office January 1, 1866 – December 18, 1870
Preceded by	Phinehas Ball
Succeeded by	Henry Chapin
Personal details
Born	(1827-06-19)June 19, 1827 Boston, Massachusetts
Died	December 18, 1870(1870-12-18) (aged 43) Worcester, Massachusetts
Resting place	Rural Cemetery Worcester, Massachusetts
Nationality	American

James Barnard Blake (June 19, 1827 – December 18, 1870) was an American politician who served as the 15th Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts, from 1866 to 1870. Blake was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 19, 1827. He was educated in the public schools of Boston and attended Chauncy Hall School.[1]

When he was eighteen years old, he entered his uncle's firm, Blake & Darracott, which had charge of the first gas-works in Worcester.[1]

Blake served six terms as mayor, defeating Daniel Waldo Lincoln in 1865, and Isaac Davis in 1867. During his administration, the sewer system was put into use, highways were improved, a steamer was added to the fire department, and the police force was increased.[1]

In 1870, Blake was injured in a gas-works explosion, and died a few days later, on December 18, 1870, in Worcester.[2][3]

References

1. Nutt, Charles (1919). History of Worcester and its people. Lewis Historical Publishing Company. p. 313. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
2. "Index to Politicians: Blais to Blake". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
3. "Worcester Historical Disasters". GateHouse Media, LLC. The MetroWest Daily News. 21 June 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2019.