Homer C. Blake

Commodore Homer Crane Blake (1 February 1822 – 21 January 1880) was a flag officer of the United States Navy, notable for his gallant but ultimately doomed battle with the in his ship in the action off Galveston Light during the American Civil War. He later served with distinction on the James River, and in 1871, while serving in the Asiatic Squadron, took part in the Korea Expedition. Biography Early career Blake was born in Dutchess County, New York, the son of Elisha Blake (1788–1837) and Merilla Crane (1791–1877). When Blake was a year old, his family moved to what was then considered the far West, and settled in Boardman, Ohio. After preparing himself for the naval service, and passing the regular examination, Blake joined the Navy on 2 March 1840, soon after his 18th birthday, with the rank of midshipman. He was sent to the receiving ship at Boston, remaining there until joining the frigate in December 1840, and making a cruise around the world. A few weeks after his return in 1842 he joined the sloop-of-war , serving in her as part of the Africa Squadron, engaged in suppressing the slave-trade. In 1845 he returned to the United States to attend the newly established United States Naval Academy, graduating with the rank of passed midshipman on 12 July 1846.