William James Blake died in 1875 at the age of 43. The immediate cause of death was general debility induced by severe attacks of epileptic fits to which he had been subject to for some time past. His obituary stated that “While at Fairview last Saturday he was seized with a fit and had a series of them on that day and the following Sunday. He was brought down to town and received the very best of attention from kind hearts and willing hands, until the grim King of Terror relieved them of their charge. His brain was affected, and since he was taken down on Saturday last, he was delirious and rational by turns.” William's family included a mother and a sister in Boston, and a brother in California. Mr. Blake was known as generous hearted, and charitable to a fault, and had a host of friends wherever he was known. He was a member of the Odd Fellows, who conducted the funeral.