Mr. Blake was born March 17, 1846, near Barry, ILL, where he lived until he reached his majority. He obtained a common school education in the home school and choosing teaching for a life work, he went to Normal, ILL, and fitted himself for the profession in the State Normal University.

After teaching for several years in other parts of the county, he came to Pleasant Hill township where he taught twenty years in three schools, being at Stockland seven years, at Oakland seven years and was principal of the Pleasant Hill schools six years, ever inspiring his pupils with the desire for higher education, many of whom are now teaching, or filling responsible positions with honor to themselves and credit to him.

Thinking it best to leave the schools with younger teachers, he retired from the profession and has since turned his attention exclusively to farming. He was converted in 1873 and became a member of the Methodist church; was married April 16, 1879, to Emma F. daughter of W.F. Berry. They settled in a home on Washington St. where they have since resided.

(Milo and Emma are buried at Crescent Heights Cemetery

The Messenger Pleasant Hill 1907 Contributed by Billie Browning