Francis Blake (1774-1817) was the son of Joseph Blake ( - ), an eminent merchant of Boston, Mass., and the father of George Smith Blake (1802-1871), for whom the AAS has a collection of letters, 1857-1863. Francis graduated from Harvard College in 1789, and read law with Mr. Sprague in Lancaster. After a brief practice in Rutland, Mass., Blake moved to Worcester, Mass., in 1802. In addition to his successful law practice, Blake was instrumental in organizing the _National Aegis_, for which he was the first editor. He was also an incorporator of the Worcester Bank, 1804. He served briefly in the Massachusetts Senate, but was best known as a very able lawyer, particularly in the courtroom. At his death in 1817 his practice was taken over by John Davis (1787-1854).
From the description of Papers, 1763-1816. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 191259175
