Blake, E. Nelson.—Mr. Blake, at present the leading partner in the Dake Bakery, an extensive and prosperous establishment in Chicago, was born in 1831 Post by Jim Curran

Baptist Church History

  · Daily Baptist Encyclopedia Post by Jim Curran Blake, E. Nelson.—Mr. Blake, at present the leading partner in the Dake Bakery, an extensive and prosperous establishment in Chicago, was born in 1831, at West Cambridge, now Arlington, Mass. Changes in the family, caused by his father’s death, interfered with his studies at an early age, and threw upon him unusual responsibilities. His proficiency at school, nevertheless, was such that opportunities to begin life as a teacher were opened to him. Declining these, he chose a business life, removing to California with this view in 1850. Some brilliant openings for acquiring a large for- tune were offered him, but a pledge to his family that he would not make California a permanent home compelled him to decline all such, and he returned Kast in 1853. Engaging in business in Boston, he made such progress that in 1869 he was able, in company with others, to purchase the Dake Bakery in Chicago, which has since grown to the dimensions of the largest establishment of the kind in this country. To remarkable business capacity Mr. Blake unites perfect integrity, and at the same time a spirit of Christian liberality which prompts him to use his large means in enterprises of Christian usefulness. He was converted at the age of nineteen, and uniting with a Baptist church, began a career of Christian activity in various de- partments of church work, in which he still finds great delight. His membership is now with the Second church in Chicago. As a trustee of the university and of the theological seminary, he has rendered important service, helping both institu- tions in their pecuniary straits with a free and open hand. His donations to the seminary, in particular, are believed to aggregate more than that of any other man. From the Baptist Encyclopedia by William Cathcart