JOHN F. BLANDY
History of Arizona, 1896

One of the representative engineers, dong an extensive business 
and representing some of the largest companies in this country 
is John F. Blandy, who has been a resident of Prescott, Arizona 
since 1880.  He is a thoroughly practical engineer and is noted 
for his ability, both technical and practical.  Mr. Blandy is a 
product of Delaware, born at Newark, April 24, 1833, and inherits 
sturdy English blood on the paternal side. His mother was of old 
Maryland stock.  Young Blandy first attended school in his native 
place, but subsequently entered college, although he did not take 
a literary course.  when eighteen years old he entered the 
engineer corps of the Reading Railroad, but later left there 
and spent two years in an engineering school in Germany.  After 
returning to this country he went to Lake Superior copper mines 
and was actively engaged in his duties as an engineer there for 
six years.

In 1863 he went to the anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania 
and took charge of the Little Schoolkill Company's works.  This 
was a badly crippled company, but Mr. Blandy, by his able and 
skillful management brought it out of trouble and the stock has 
stood at 130 ever since and is considered as good as a bond. He 
remained with that company as president and manager until 1872
having disposed of the mining property and closed up the 
company's active business.

After this he was in the coal fields of Pennsylvania until 1880 
when he came to Arizona. He is well known all over the Territory 
as a practical and thorough engineer, and his long career in that 
capacity entitles him to the highest commendation.  He was 
Territorial geologist for two years and the following is an 
extract from the Governor's report for 1890: "John F. Blandy 
of Yavapai County was appointed to the office of Territorial 
geologist April 10, 1889 and resigned November 1, 1890 and no 
other appointment to the office has been made.  In my judgment 
a more capable and efficient man for the office cannot be found 
in Arizona."

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