Representative Daniel Blaisdell

Daniel Blaisdell (January 22, 1762 – January 10, 1833) was an American teacher, farmer, politician, and judge who held a series of local and state offices in New Hampshire and served one term as a United States Representative. Active in public life during the early national and antebellum periods, he was a member of the Federalist Party and participated in the legislative process at both the state and federal levels, representing the interests of his New Hampshire constituents.

Blaisdell was born in Amesbury in the Province of Massachusetts Bay on January 22, 1762, the son of Elijah Blaisdell and Mary (Sargent) Blaisdell. He attended the public schools in his native town. As a youth, he served in the American Revolutionary War from August 1776 to August 1777, entering military service while still in his teens. In 1780 he moved north to Canaan, in what was then a developing part of New Hampshire, where he established himself in the community. There he taught school, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and acquired some legal knowledge that would later support his judicial and legislative work.

On January 19, 1782, Blaisdell married Sally Springer. The couple had a large family, with nine sons and three daughters, including children named Johnathan, Timothy, Parritt, and Elijah. While supporting his family through farming and teaching, Blaisdell became increasingly involved in local affairs in Canaan, gaining the confidence of his neighbors and emerging as a prominent figure in town governance.

Blaisdell’s formal political career began in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, where he first served as a member in 1793. He returned to the state House in 1795 and again in 1799, participating in the legislative life of New Hampshire during the formative years of the republic. He subsequently served as a member of the Governor’s Council from 1803 to 1808, advising the state’s chief executive and helping to oversee the administration of state government. In local affairs, he was repeatedly chosen as moderator of Canaan’s town meetings, holding that position in 1808, 1809, 1812, 1822, 1824, 1826, and 1830, and he also served as a selectman of Canaan in 1813, 1815, and 1818, reflecting his sustained influence in municipal decision-making.

As a member of the Federalist Party representing New Hampshire, Blaisdell was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Federalist candidate to the Eleventh Congress. He served one term in Congress from March 4, 1809, to March 3, 1811. His service in the national legislature occurred during a significant period in American history, marked by rising tensions with Great Britain and debates over trade restrictions and national defense. During this time he contributed to the legislative process and participated in the democratic governance of the young republic, representing the interests of his New Hampshire constituents in the federal government.

After leaving Congress, Blaisdell continued his public service. He served in the War of 1812, reflecting his ongoing commitment to national defense. He again became a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, serving additional terms in 1812, 1813, 1824, and 1825. He was elected to the New Hampshire Senate and served there in 1814 and 1815, extending his influence within the state legislature. Alongside his legislative duties, he resumed his agricultural pursuits in Canaan and remained active in town affairs.

In addition to his legislative and military service, Blaisdell held judicial office. In 1822 he served as Chief Justice of the court of sessions, a county-level tribunal that handled a range of administrative and judicial matters. This position drew upon his earlier acquisition of legal knowledge and placed him in a key role overseeing local justice and county business. His combined experience as teacher, farmer, legislator, and judge made him a versatile public servant in early nineteenth-century New Hampshire.

Daniel Blaisdell died in Canaan, Grafton County, New Hampshire, on January 10, 1833, at the age of 70. He was interred at Wells Cemetery in Canaan. His long career in local, state, and national office, together with his service in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, marked him as a significant figure in the civic life of New Hampshire during the early decades of the United States.