Michael F. Blake

Early life

Blake was one of seven children born to Michael and Elizabeth Blake, who were both from County Westmeath in Ireland. He was born in his family's home at 312 East 18th Street, just off Second Avenue in New York City.

Blake was a schoolmate of Charles F. Murphy and James A. Foley, who both later became prominent in Tammany Hall, the dominant force and political club in New York City politics for many decades. After graduating, he studied law under Justice Abraham B. Tappen of New York Supreme Court. In 1892 he became the chief clerk with a salary of $5,000, and afterward was re-elected by the aldermen annually. In 1893, Blake became member of the Tammany Society.

He resigned his chief clerk position in 1907 to run for election as a City Court judge, a post which he won and held for 20 years before retiring in 1928.

Death

Blake died on July 31, 1929. He was survived by his wife Mary W. Blake; sons Joseph A. Blake, Francis L. Blake, Roswell P. Blake and Walter J. Blake; and daughters Laura Brown and Mary Blake. He was also survived by siblings, including James W. Blake, a part-time lyricist who was famous for the words to the 1894 song, The Sidewalks of New York.