Legislator Details

Image of Edwin A. Blakeslee
Image Description:
Portrait of Edwin A. Blakeslee scanned from Men of Progress p.115.

Edwin A. Blakeslee
AKA:
Number of sessions served 2
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 31

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 7/18/1865
City: Galien, MI
County: Berrien County, MI
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 4/21/1921
City: Saint Joseph, MI
County: Berrien County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 4/24/1921
City: Galien, MI
County: Berrien County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Galien Township Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Adaline Graves, daughter of J. B. Graves, in Benton Harbor, MI on 5/18/1898; children: Eleanor, Adeline Edwin A.

Number of Children: 0

Background

Religion:
Military Service:
Occupation: merchant, banker, farmer, businessman, publisher
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:
village school & high school in Galien, MI; Advent College in Battle creek, MI; Michigan State Normal School in Ypsilanti, MI for 3.5 yrs; University of Michigan in fall of 1887, studied 2 years in the literary department, 1 year in law (did not graduate)

Biographical Sketch:
Son of George A.and Lydia (Alcott) Blakeslee (early settler in Berrien County), Edwin started a threshing business at age 16. He worked to support his education which he had to abandon after the death of his father in the fall of 1890. He took over a hardwood sawmill, general store, private banking interests, and other enterprises. Served as Director of Citizens' National Bank in Niles MI, manager of a publishing house, Twp. Clerk, Supervisor and Councilman of the village of Galien.

Notable Facts:

Sessions Served:

Fortieth Legislature, 1899-1900
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Cities and Villages , Finance and Appropriations , Military Affairs , Roads and Bridges
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Galien
County of Residence Berrien
District: 7
District Description: Counties of Berrien and Cass.

Date Elected: 11/8/1898
Date Sworn In: 1/4/1899
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: Chose not to run
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Married
Notes:
Thirty-Ninth Legislature, 1897-1898
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Executive Business , Finance and Appropriations , Roads and Bridges , Saline Interests , Taxation
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Galien
County of Residence Berrien
District: 7
District Description: Counties of Berrien and Cass

Date Elected: 11/3/1896
Date Sworn In: 1/6/1897
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected

Maritial Status: Single
Notes:

Bibliography:

Men of Progress p.115, includes portrait; Manual 1899 p.616; MIBiog:1:88-9; Find-a-Grave.com; USCen 1900, 1920; SeekMI
View Bibliographical Sources