John Rennie Blake, 1825-1900, was born in Greenwood, SC. He attended the University of Georgia and Harvard's Lawrence Scientific School. Before coming to Davidson College, he taught at the Presbyterian Female School in Greensboro, GA and LaGrange Synodical College, TN. Elected professor of Natural Philosophy at Davidson in 1861, Blake remained on the faculty until 1885. After the death of President McPhail in 1871, the Board of Trustees authorized the faculty to elect a chairman. Blake was chosen and served as chair until 1877. The position of Chairman of the faculty replaced the college presidency for those years. In 1877, the Board decided to restore the office of president and elected Andrew D. Hepburn. Since Blake was not an ordained minister he was not eligible for the presidency. He remained on faculty, serving as vice-president and teaching courses in Natural Philosophy and Astronomy until 1885.
From the description of Records, 1862-1884. (American Museum of Natural History). WorldCat record id: 722090738
