BLAKE, THOMAS WALTER (1822 ~ 1905) Thomas Walter Blake, soldier, lawyer and preacher in early Texas, was born June 6, 1822, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He graduated from Randolph Macon College in Virginia in 1842, and, after being licensed by the Supreme Court of North Carolina in 1843, set off for the Republic of Texas.

In 1847, after roaming around Texas for three years, Blake married the former Mary Benigna Durst, the first Caucasian woman born in Texas. Later that year, he helped create the first District Court in northeast Texas, where he served as its state attorney.

In 1848, Blake moved to Leon County, Texas, near modern day Centerville. Ten years later, he closed his law practice, after working with such notables as Sam Houston and Robert "Three-Legged Willie" Williamson to become a preacher. He served as a circuit rider, traveling and preaching to thirteen churches in Leon County.

In 1861, Blake enlisted in the Confederate Army. He was given command of the 17th Texas Brigade and was charged with defending Fort Lubbock from invasion. He resigned his commission in 1863 to continue his religious works. He died January 14, 1905 in Plantersville, Texas.

Information obtained from family records.