Clyde Augustus Blake, a prosperous merchant of Hill, N.H., was born here, December 17, 1876, son of Curtis N. and Jennie L. (Piper) Blake. He comes of a vigorous American family. His grandfather, Greenleaf Blake, who was born in Sanbornton, N.H., settled in Hill, and there followed the occupations of blacksmith and farmer. One of those examples of health and sturdiness of which there were so many among the early settlers, he had attained an advanced age when he died. His wife’s maiden name was Miss Charlotte Kelley. Curtis N. Blake attended the district schools, and there received the education which afterward fitted him to take a leading place among his fellow-townsmen. He was for many years Postmaster of the town, and in that position he made a large circle of acquaintances and many warm friends. He was also for a time proprietor of the Union Store, a general merchandise depot. Later in life he sold out this establishment, and bought a large farm of two hundred acres, known as the Webster place. Here, with his wife, Jennie, he spent the remainder of his life, taking an active part in town affairs, and holding at different times various town offices, including that of Selectman. He passed away at the age of sixty-eight years, leaving two sons-Bert L. and Clyde Blake.
Having, like his father, acquired his early education in the town schools, Clyde Augustus Blake completed his training at the New Hampshire Institute and Commercial College. He then became interested in general farming, and did considerable business in dairy products until in April, 1896, when he bought the large grist-mill formerly owned by F. W. Eaton. Since that time he has dealt in miller’s supplies, hay, grain, feed, paints, oils, and fertilizers, besides coal and wood. On June 10, 1896, he was married to Lulu M. Clarke, daughter of Guy and Jennie V. (Ladd) Clarke. Energetic and business-like, Mr. Blake is highly respected by his townsmen. In politics he is a Republican and closely identified with that party. He is a member of the grange and a friend of every movement for progress and reform.
