Biography of Kelsey Blanton, Lakeland, Polk County, FL

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Transcribed from:  The History of Florida:  Past & Present, The Lewis Publishing Co., Vol. 
III, page 301, 1923.

BLANTON, Judge KELSEY, former county judge of Polk County, is a native of Florida, and has 
enjoyed a career of exceptional success in the law and in public affairs.  He is regarded 
as one of the strongest men of the bar at Lakeland.

Judge BLANTON was born in Hillsboro County, Florida, May 29, 1876, son of JAMES JARED and 
MARY FRANCES (WILDER) BLANTON.  His parents were born in Georgia.  His mother was an infant 
when her family came to Florida, where her father was a pioneer.  He died when she was very 
young.  She is now living in Hillsboro County.  JAMES J. BLANTON died in 1917.  Of a family 
of nine children all are living except two, and all are residents of Florida.

KELSEY BLANTON was the fourth in age in the family, and he was reared and acquired his early 
educational advantages in Hillsboro County.  He graduated in law from Stetson University in 
1905, and was admitted to practice in the state courts the same year, and has since been 
admitted to the Federal courts.  Judge BLANTON practiced at Tampa for several years, but 
in 1911 moved to Lakeland and in connection with his private practice has taken a public-
spirited part in local affairs.  He was elected and served as county judge from 1917 to 1921.

Judge BLANTON is affiliated with the Elks Lodge and the Modern Woodmen of America.  In 1915 
he married Miss MAY WILLIAMS of Winchester, Tennessee.  Mr. And Mrs. BLANTON have one son, 
JAMES KELSEY, Jr.  JAMES J. BLANTON, father of Judge BLANTON, served as a private in the 
Confederate army.  He was wounded in the left arm during one of the battles around Richmond.