"Spokane and the Spokane Country, Pictorial and Biographical, De Luxe Supplement." Vol. 1. Spokane, Chicago, Philadelphia: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912. p. 71. HON. RICHARD B. BLAKE On the pages of Washington's judicial history the name of Hon. Richard B. Blake figures prominently by reason of his service as judge of the superior court for the district comprised of Spokane and Stevens counties. He was ever a brilliant although unpretentious member of the bar during the period of his connection with the profession here, his ability being widely recognized by his colleagues and contemporaries in the practice of law. It was not alone, however, his high standing as an attorney but also his high character as a man and citizen that won for him the warm regard and honor in which he was uniformly held. He was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, March 14, 1850, and died on the 15th of June, 1900. His father, John Blake, was a prominent farmer of that county and upon the homestead farm the son was reared to the age of sixteen years, devoting the summer months to the work of the fields and the winter seasons to the acquirement of his education in the district schools. He afterward went to Danville, Indiana, where he pursued a preparatory course of study and then entered De Pauw University, from which he won his Bachelor of Science degree, being graduated from that institution in 1872. In the meantime he had also taken up the study of law and in October of that year was admitted to the bar. He had previously completed the classical course in De Pauw University as a graduate of 1870 and in his college days became a member of the Phi Gamma Delta. Judge Blake entered upon law practice at Danville, becoming junior partner of the firm of Hogate & Blake, his associate in practice being later a member of the supreme court of that state. For sixteen years Judge Blake continued a member of the Danville bar, making continuous advancement in practice and at one time holding the office of prosecuting attorney. The west with its growing opportunities attracted him in 1888 and in that year he arrived in Spokane, where he opened a law office in connection with Colonel William M. Ridpath, with whom he practiced until October. 1889. In that year Mr. Blake was elected Judge of the superior court for Spokane and Stevens counties and remained upon the bench for four years, his record as a judge being in harmony with his record as a man and citizen, distinguished by the utmost loyalty and by a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution. In 1893 he resumed the private practice of law and became senior partner of the firm of Blake & Post, in which connection he practiced until his death. He possessed a keen, analytical mind and his presentation of his cause was ever characterized by clear reasoning, logical deduction and correct application of legal principles. That he had the honor and respect of his fellow practitioners is indicated in the fact that he was called to the presidency of the Spokane County Bar Association and was elected vice president of the State Bar Association. His name was prominently brought forth in connection with the candidacy for governor on the silver republican ticket but he expressed his unwillingness to leave the active practice of his profession. His name was also mentioned in connection with supreme court honors and in 1896 he was tendered the democratic nomination for mayor of Spokane but was unwilling to enter public life. He always regarded his profession as his chief interest and was connected with much prominent litigation, including the case which H. T. Cowley brought against the Northern Pacific Railroad, in which Judge Blake acted as counselor for the plaintiff. The action was brought to determine the title of about one hundred and twenty acres of land and finally the case went to the supreme court of the United States, where a final decision was rendered in favor of Mr. Blake's client. On the 22d of December, 1874, in Danville, Indiana, Judge Blake was united in marriage to Miss Antoinette E. Moore, a daughter of Jacob K. and Phoebe Moore, both natives of Danville. They became the parents of two sons: Jacob M., who is a graduate of the Ann Arbor Law School and is now living in San Francisco; and Robert B., who was graduated from the Chicago University and is now a leading attorney of this city. The death of Judge Blake occurred in 1900 and in his passing Spokane lost a man whom she honored highly as a representative lawyer and citizen. He certainly deserved much credit for what he accomplished. He started out in life without capital or assistance and won his way to a leading place as a representative of the Washington bench and bar. As his labors brought to him financial return he made extensive and judicious investments in real estate which netted him a handsome profit in later years. He held membership in the Vincent Episcopal church and in matters of citizenship could always be counted upon to further progressive projects for the public good. He possessed marked literary taste and was also a lover of music. He read broadly and made that which he read his own. His life record is worthy of study, showing the forcefulness of industry, persistency and honorable purpose. He was a man who in every relation of life was found faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation. ******************* Submitted to the Washington Biographies Project in August 2008 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.