Blake, J. B.

BLAKE

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 9/2/2008 at 13:37:22

J. B. Blake

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.132, Knox Twp.)
J. B. Blake, Postmaster, Avoca, so well known through his official position in Avoca and vicinity, has been a resident of Pottawattamie County the greater part of the time for the past twenty-two years. He was born in Worcester County, Mass., where he was educated, and where he remained a resident until his seventeenth year. He then went to Boston and entered a wholesale house, where he remained three years. His first year's salary was $50; the second, $75; and the third year $100. He then came West, and stopped for a few months in Omaha. He then went to Crescent City, where he designed engaging in business, but, finding the climate to him so unhealthy that he contracted ague, he was obliged to make a change, so went to Denver, Colo., where his brother, Charles Blake, resided, and who erected one of the first houses ever built in that famous city. Mr. Blake spent about one year there, when, his health admitting, he returned to Pottawattamie County. His life from this date until he settled in Avoca in 1874 was a series of changes, the time being spent mainly in Crescent City, Council Bluffs and Loveland. He removed from the latter place to Avoca and engaged in the retail boot and show business, which he continued until he was appointed Postmaster of the Avoca office, by President Hayes. He was re-appointed by President Arthur, and is at present engaged in the discharge of his duties, and is unquestionably a substantial, worhty citizen of the prosperous little city.