Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Greene and Carroll Counties, Iowa. Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1887.

Henry M Blake, who is numbered among the enterprising and public-spirited agriculturists of Highland township, is a native of Ireland, his parents Henry and Margaret (Magner) Blake, also being natives of the Emerald Isle. He was the fourth in a family of five children, and was born in County Clare, Ireland, the date of his birth being May 20, 1839. He immigrated to America in the year 1851, settling near Ottawa. At the age of fifteen years he commenced working on a farm for his board and clothes, which he followed till the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion in 1861. He then enlisted in the defense of the Union, and was assigned to Company A, Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry, ad re-enlisted as a veteran in Texas. He participated in the battles of Vicksburg, Champion Hill, Fort Blakely, Magnolia Hill, Big Black River, Jackson, Mississippi, and others of minor importance. He was discharged at Mobile Alabama, in 1865, having been in the service four years. October 24, 1866, he was married to Miss Margaret Murphy, a native of Canada, born May 10, 1844. The names of the children born to this union in order of their birth are as follows-Mary E, Annie T., Margaret, James H., Sarah B., Elizabeth, Lucy, John S., Alice and George S., ten in all. After the war, Mr. Blake resumed farming in Wisconsin, remaining in that State until 1869. In November of that year he came to Greene County, Iowa, when he settled on his present farm in Highland Township, which is located on section 35. He has met with success since coming to Greene County, owing to his industrious habits and good management, and is now the owner of a well-cultivated farm of 160 acres, and during his residence in Highland township has gained the confidence and esteem of all who know him. In his political views he is independent, voting for men, not party. Mr. Blake and his family are members of the Roman Catholic church.