John Lauris Blake (December 21, 1788 – July 6, 1857) was an American clergyman and bestselling author. He is best known as the author of theGeneral Biographical Dictionary.
John Lauris Blake was born on 21 December 1788 inNorthwood, New Hampshire.[1] During his adolescence, he practiced cabinet making and at the same time prepared himself for college.[1] He graduated fromBrown University in 1812,[1] and was licensed as a Congregational minister in 1813.[1]
Blake founded theLadies' Magazine, served as headmaster of the Cornhill School for Young Ladies,[2] and was a member of the committee of Boston public schools.[1]
Blake was elected as a member of theAmerican Antiquarian Society in 1815.[3] A significant number of original 19th-century copies of works authored by Blake are held in the collections of the AAS.[4]
Blake was an editor of theLiterary Advertiser and theGospel Advocate. His published books include:
