OL

James Henry Blessing.

Jan. 1, 1900-Dec. 31, 1901.

Date of office:

No. 61.

JAMES HENRY BLESSING.

January 1, 1900-December 31, 1901.

Date of election: November 7, 1899.

Political party: Republican.

Vote: 12,364.

Opponent: Thomas J. Van Alstyne.

Political party: Democrat.

Vote: 9,995; O. E. Wilson, 332; others, 157.

Date of birth: September 14. 1837.

Place of birth: French's Mills, Albany county, N. Y.
Parents: Frederick I. (B.) and Lucinda Smith.

Education: Common school.

Married to: (a) Martha Hutson (d. July 17, 1866). (b) Mary Gilson.

Date: (a) Albany, September 15, 1857.

(b) Pittsfield, November 9, 1870.

Children: (a) (2) Lucinda, Martha (Backus), d. Jan. 5, 1907.

(b) None.

Residence: No. 107 Eagle street.

Occupation: Inventor and manufacturer of steam traps.
Religion: Baptist.

Title: Honorable.

Remarks: Supervisor (fifth ward), 1854-55. President of Board of Supervisors, 1855. Construction department. New York Navy Yard, 1862-64. Under Commodore Porter as 3d Assistant Engineer, March 29, 1864. First Mayor under the new charter. School No. 12 completed, i9o1, and erection of first public bath.

From a photograph made from life in 1899 by The Albany Art Union, and owned by The Albany Institute.