Page:The Biographical Dictionary of America, vol. 01.djvu/345

BLAKE, William Phipps, mineralogist, was born in New York city, June 1, 1826 ; son of Elihu and Adeline Nancy (Mix) Blake. He was graduated from Yale in 1852 with tlie degree of Ph.B., and the following year was appointed mineralogist and geologist of the United States Pacific railroad survey. In 1861 he was mining engineer in an expedition to Japan, afterwards going to China and Alaska in the same capacity. He was co-founder of the first school of science in Japan, established in 1862. In 1863 he received the degree of M.A. from Dartmouth college, and in 1864 was given the chair of mineralogy and geology in the College of California. He was an executive officer of the centennial commission of 1876; a member of the international jury in 1878, and prepared a "Bibliography of the Paris Universal Exposition of 1867" (1870). In 1878 he was made a chevalier of the Legion of Honor. His published works include : "Geographical Notes upon Russian- America and the Stickeen River" (1868); "Civil Engineering and Public Works" (1870): " Notices of Mining Machinery and Various Mechanical Appliances in Use Chiefly in the Pacific States and Territories" (1871); "Ceramic Art: a report on Pottery, etc., with table of Marks and Monograms" (1875). He edited the Mining Magazine in 1859 : "A Brief Account of the Life and Patriotic Services of Jonathan Mix of New Haven" (1886). He was professor of geology and director of the school of mines in the University of Arizona from 1894,

BLAKELEY, Johnston, naval officer, was born near Seaford, Ireland, in October, 1781; son of John Blakeley. He immigrated to America with his father when he was very young, making his home at Wilmington, N. C. In 1790 he attended school in New York city and in 1796 became a student in the University of North Carolina, but did not graduate. In February, 1800, he obtained the appointment of midshipman in the U. S. navy; on Feb. 10, 1807, was made lieutenant, and in 1813 he was given command of the brig Enterprise, employed in defending the U. S. coasting trade. On July 24, 1813, he became master commander, and in August assumed command of the sloop-of-war Wasp. On May 1, 1814, he left Portsmouth, N. H., on a cruise, and on June 28 effected the capture of the British brig Reindeer, after her captain and twenty-five of her men were killed and forty-four of her crew wounded. The engagement lasted but a few minutes and the Wasp's losses were small. Fearing the recapture of the Reindeer by the enemy, Blakeley decided to burn his prize at sea, and Congress awarded him a gold medal in recognition of his gallant action. On Sept. 1, 1814, he destroyed the brig Avon, and a few days later two other vessels were captured and scuttled. On Sept. 21, 1814, he captured the brig Atalanta. For these services Blakeley was promoted captain on November 24 of the same year. The last news of his vessel, the Wasp, was that she was seen and spoken at sea on Oct. 9, 1814. She probably foundered in a gale. The legislature of North Carolina made provision for his widow and authorized her to draw upon the state treasurer for such sums of money as might be required for the education of his daughter.

BLANC, Anthony, R. C. archbishop, was born at Sury, France, Oct. 11, 1792. He was ordained a priest in 1816 and shortly after accompanied Bishop Duboiirg to America. He was appointed to the mission at Vincennes, where he labored for fifteen years with great zeal and activity. He erected two log churches, the first in that country. In 1820 he was relieved from missionary work and stationed at New Orleans, and afterwards at Natchez, Point Coupe, and Baton Rouge. In 1831 he was made associate vicar-general of the diocese of New Orleans. On the death of Bishop De Neckere, in 1833, he was appointed administrator of the diocese, and in 1835 was consecrated bishop of New Orleans. The diocese at this time embraced the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, and in 1838 Texas was added. Bishop Blanc promoted the erection of that part of his diocese, embracing the state of Mississippi, into the diocese of Natchez, July 28, 1837, and Texas was by him erected into a vicariate apostolic and in 1847 into the diocese of Galveston. Bishop Blanc's charge was administered with energy and success, and troubles arising from the system of lay trusteeship were finally overcome by his moderation and firmness. He opened a theological academy for the training of native clergy, and introduced Lazarists and Jesuits into the diocese; also the Christian Brothers and several other educational orders. The churches during his jurisdiction increased from twenty-six to seventy-three; he erected three colleges, nine free schools, thirteen orphan asylums, eight academies for young ladies and founded three convents. In 1850 the archdiocese of New Orleans was created, and Bishop Blanc was advanced to the dignity of archbishop July 19, 1850. His wisdom, force of character and learning made him a useful member of the Catholic hierarchy in the United States. In his prelatical capacity he took part in the 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th councils of Baltimore; attending the first plenary council in 1852; and called and presided over as metropolitan the first provincial council of New Orleans in 1856. In 1855 he was present at the council at Rome. His whole life was actively employed in promoting the welfare and progress of the church and of those committed to his charge. He died at New Orleans, La., June 20, 1860.