“B” is for Blake, Joseph (1663-1700)

“B” is for Blake, Joseph (1663-1700). Governor. Blake was a leader of the Dissenter faction in South Carolina. A native of England, he immigrated to the colony sometime before 1689 when he was active in local politics. Shortly after his arrival he was named a proprietary deputy and member of the Grand Council. In 1694 he purchased the proprietary share of Sir John Berkeley and became one of the second generation of Lords Proprietors. In the same year he became governor of the colony. After a brief time, he was replaced by another Proprietor. In 1696 he was named deputy governor in the governor’s absence and, in effect, was governor until 1700. Political infighting over the Indian slave trade and the naturalization of Huguenots were the main features of Joseph Blake’s term in office.