Henry Goode Blasdel was an American businessman, politician, and statesman. He built his business in mining and milling.
Background
Henry Blasdel was born on January 20, 1825, in Dearborn County, Indiana, United States, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Blasdel. His mother was of German descent, a native of Virginia. His father's ancestors came from Scotland to New England in the early seventeenth century and two hundred years later his grandfather went with the westward tide of emigration to the Old Northwest, settling at the site of the present Cincinnati in 1804. A large amount of land was acquired a short distance to the west in Dearborn County, Ind. There the grandfather and father engaged in farming and to this occupation Henry Goode was born and bred.
Education
At the age of seventeen, while as yet possessed of only a common school education, the death of his father took from him the opportunity for further study in the schools, but Henry read such law books as were accessible.
Career
With his family Blasdel removed to Aurora, Indiana, where he as a produce merchant shipped goods to New Orleans and later entered the steamboat business. In January 1852 he went as a prospector to Yankee Bar on the American River in California, then shortly tried farming in Santa Cruz County, and soon afterward entered the mercantile produce business in San Francisco. Here his family joined him. Here also he became financially prosperous but the crisis of 1860 deprived him of his fortune and he went with the rush of miners to Virginia City, Utah Territory. There he built the Empire and the Hoosier State Mills, which were respectively the second and the third mills. He was the first superintendent of the Potosi mine and later was in charge of the Hale and Norcross. He also was associated with ex-Governor Colcord in mining operations in Aurora. So long as he supervised a property it was closed on Sunday and at one time, although in especial need of money, he left a quartz mill of which he was manager because he was required to keep it running on the first day of the week.
In 1864 when on a visit to the old home in Indiana he attended the convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln for a second term and was an unofficial representative of Nevada in the convention of the National Union League as well as a member of that body's committee which informed President Lincoln of his nomination by the League. In the fall of 1864, upon his return from the East, he was drafted by the National Union League of Nevada as a candidate for governor of this new-born state. He was elected by a large majority and was reelected in 1866, serving until 1870, after which he turned again to the business of mining. He was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.
Achievements
Politics
In politics Blasdel was an Old Line Whig until in 1860 he joined the Republican party.
Personality
Blasdel was six feet, five inches in height; he had keen intelligent eyes, handsome features, and a smile that won all hearts. Until old age he retained his youthful appearance. In character he was unswerving. At one time he failed in a wheat deal for $80, 000 but he later paid all his debts, even to the extent of forcing money upon his creditors when it was not collectible in law. His creditors then presented him with a watch which he carried till his death. Inside the cover was engraved: "Presented by a few friends, who can appreciate integrity. "
Connections
On December 9, 1845, Blasdel married Sarah Jane Cox, of Southern parentage.