James Blake enlisted in the 4th Missouri State Militia Cavalry in January 1862, in Dallas County, Missouri; the 4th MSM was formally organized on April 28, 1862. They assisted in the withdrawal of Union troops from the 1862 Battle of Newtonia, but most of their duties consisted of guarding railroads and conducting anti-guerrilla patrols in central Missouri. During 1864 they were involved in the pursuit of Sterling Price through western Missouri, fighting at Little Blue, Independence, Westport, and Mine Creek.

Blake was mustered out with the regiment in April 1865.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11774