John Henry Blakeslee, of North Haven, has served as town clerk since 1904, the length of his record indicating that he has discharged his duties with marked ability. He is likewise justice of the peace, in which connection he has also made an excellent record.

      Mr. Blakeslee was born in North Haven, July 18, 1864, and is a son of Zerah T. and Ann E. (Tuttle) Blakeslee, natives of this place. The father was engaged in business with his father in the manufacture of carts and wagons and both were skilled workmen, the grandfather especially being known as one of the finest woodworkers in this part of the state. Zerah T. Blakeslee at length turned his attention to farming, in which line he was successful and prospered.

     John H. Blakeslee received a public school education but when sixteen years old began learning the printer’s trade, which he followed for a time. He then had charge of the first rural route out of North Haven and later became a clerk in the postoffice. Since 1904, however, he has been town clerk and is also justice of the peace. He gives the most careful attention to the discharge of his duties in these connections and the greater part of his time is taken up with that work. He tries nearly all cases arising in the village and town and it is generally recognized that he is judicial in temperament and strictly impartial in his decisions. He is also filling the office of tax collector and in 1909 and 1910 he was a member of the state legislature.

     Mr. Blakeslee was married in North Haven to Miss Etta A. Stiles, of this town, a daughter of George W. and Mary (Way) Stiles, the father a carpenter and builder by occupation. To this union have been born two children: Ruby A., the wife of M. E. Woodruff, of Berlin, Connecticut; and Waldo S., a traveling salesman representing the American Tobacco Company. He is married and has a son, John William.

     Mr. Blakeslee is one of the leaders in republican circles in New Haven county and is a prime mover in all civic projects. He is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to Corinthian Lodge, of which he has been master, Pulaski Chapter and Crawford Council, and he is deeply interested in the work of the order. He is also a prominent member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His wife takes quite an active part in the social, civic and religious affairs of the community and both are held in high esteem.