William Phipps Blake was born on June 1, 1826 in the United States of America. He attended Yale, graduating in 1852. During his life he worked as a geologist, chemist, teacher, and explorer among many other titles. He wrote about many of his experiences which were published in newspapers, magazines, and books.
One of his most prominent roles was working for the Union Pacific Railroad and exploring potential routes in the west of the United States for a transcontinental railroad across the country. His findings were submitted to US congress in 1858.
He married his wife, Charlotte Haven Lord Hayes in 1855 and had several children. His true passion was geology and during the last years of his life he taught as a professor at the University of Arizona. William Phipps Blake died on May 22, 1910 in Berkeley, California.
