Blake, James Barnard, 1827-1870

James Barnard Blake (1827-1870), son of James and Mary (Clap) Blake, was educated in the public schools of Boston and at Chauncey Hall, a private school in Boston. At the age of eighteen, he began to study engineering in his uncle's firm, Blake & Darracott, and was associated with the firm for six years. In January, 1852, he became Superintendent of the Worcester Gas Light Company and held that position until his death, which resulted from an explosion at the gas works in December, 1870. Blake was Mayor of Worcester when he died and had just been re-elected for a sixth term. He was regarded as an able and progressive mayor.