Cumberland County, Maine - William L. Blake
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Biography
William L. Blake
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 487-488


William L. Blake, of the firm of William L. Blake & Co., dealers in railroad,
steamship, and mill supplies and manufacturers of oils at 109, 111, and 126
Commercial Street, Portland, Me., is one of the most active business men of the
city and an important factor of its mercantile interests. He was born in
Portland, August 9, 1857, being a son of John F. Blake, who has charge of the
oil and grease department of our subject's store. John F. Blake has been a
lifelong resident of Portland, where, when a young man, he married Miss Rosella
Little field, also a native of this city, their union being hallowed by the
birth of seven children, as follows: Thomas F.; William L.; George M.; Albert
H.; John F., Jr.; Charles C.; and Rose M.

William L. Blake completed his studies when seventeen years old at the Portland
High School, and at once entered the employ of A. B. Butler, inspector of flour,
remaining with him until his decease, a period of three years. Very soon after,
in 1877, Mr. Blake established his present business, beginning on a modest
scale, and gradually enlarging it until now he has a very heavy trade, his house
being the leading establishment of the kind in the city. Politically, Mr. Blake
supports the Democratic ticket, but is not an active partisan neither an
aspirant for official honors, although he served in 1892 and 1893 as a member of
the School Board. Several times he has been tendered nominations to various
political offices, but on account of his business has invariably declined. He is
a member of the Portland Athletic Club, besides which he belongs to several
social organizations of the city. Religiously, he and his family are active and
consistent members of the Congregational church of St. Lawrence Street.

Mr. Blake married Miss Mary E. Menish, daughter of the late Duncan Menish, who
for many years was superintendent of the car department of the Grand Trunk
Railway of Portland. Their happy family circle includes two children -Ethel Maud
and Arthur W., who enliven and cheer the home.