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Blake (EDWARD an English statesman)

EDWARD, an English statesman, born in Adelaide, Ont., Canada, Oct. 13, 1833; was educated at Upper Canada College and Toronto University; called to the bar in 1856; and engaged in practice in Toronto. He entered public life in 1867; was Premier of Ontario in 1871- 1872, Minister of Justice in 1875-1877, and the recognized leader of the Canadian Liberal party in 1880-1891. He declined the appointments of Chancellor of Upper Canada in 1869, Chief Justice of Canada in 1875, and Chief Justice of Ontario in 1897, and also the honor of knighthood.

In 1892 he was invited by the leaders of the Anti-Parnellites in Ireland to enter the British House of Commons as the representative of an Irish constituency.

Consenting, he removed to South Longford, was elected for that district, and in 1895 was re-elected. In 1896 he was appointed a member of the Judiciary Committee of the Privy Council. He died in Toronto, 1912.