Addison

BLAISDELL, Edson George

1st Biography of Edson George BLAISDELL (1894)

Men of Vermont: an Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Pub. Co., 1894, p 33

Edson George BLAISDELL, of Bridport [Addison County, Vermont], was born 13 
December 1846 in Richford [Franklin County, Vermont], son of Josiah and 
Cleora (MUNSILL) BLAISDELL. [Note her maiden name is spelled "MUNSELL" in 
the 1912 biography.] His grandfather was one of the original settlers of the 
place and his father, for several years, represented the town in the state 
Legislature. He [Edson George BLAISDELL] received his early training in the 
public schools of Richford and at the high school of Fairfax [Franklin 
County, Vermont]. Graduating from the Commercial College at Burlington 
[Chittenden County, Vermont] in 1864, he pursued his studies at the Dartmouth 
Medical School, and finally graduated, in 1871, from the medical department 
of the University of Vermont, as the valedictorian of his class. Clerk at 
quartermaster's department at City Point during the Civil War, he afterward 
went to Texas, but in 1871 established himself as a physician at Bridport, 
where he has built up a lucrative practice.

On 17 June 1874 in Bridport [Addison County, Vermont], he [Edson George 
BLAISDELL] was married to Mary E., daughter of Oliver and Sarah ELDREDGE. 
From this union two children are living: Cleora G., and Harry E. [A third 
child, Hattie May, is mentioned in the 1912 biography.] Mr. BLAISDELL is a 
Republican; has held several town offices, notably that of superintendent of 
schools; member of the Addison County Medical Society and of the Masonic 
order. For the past twelve years has been the clerk of the Congregational 
Society of Bridport. Somewhat reserved and an opponent of all display in his 
manner of living, he possesses the affection of all who come into intimate 
relation with him.



2nd Biography of Edson George BLAISDELL (1912)

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 121-122

Edson George BLAISDELL, physician, Bridport [Addison County, Vermont], was 
born 13 December 1846 at Richford [Franklin County, Vermont], son of Josiah 
and Cleora (MUNSELL) BLAISDELL. Educated in the public schools, Fairfax 
Institute, Dartmouth Medical College, and Medical Department of University of 
Vermont. Dr. BLAISDELL has practiced medicine in Bridport since 1871; is 
examiner for the Massachusetts Mutual, Connecticut Mutual, Phoenix Mutual and 
New York Life Insurance Companies. 

In 1874 he [Edson George BLAISDELL] married Mary E. ELDREDGE of Bridport; 
they had three children: (1) Cleora G., Mrs. George D. PAYNE; (2) Hattie 
May, deceased; and (3) Harry Edson, deceased. Republican; represented 
Bridport in the Legislature 1908; has held most of the town offices. 
Congregationalist, clerk and treasurer of Congregational society for 
thirty-two years. [Mr. BLAISDELL has been clerk and treasurer, by 
calculation, since 1880; the earlier biography, by calculation, has him as 
clerk since 1882.] Member of the American Medical Association and Vermont 
State and Addison County Medical Societies; and Morning Sun Lodge No. 5, Free 
& Accepted Masons, of Bridport.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly