Rufus BLODGETT, Congress, NJ (1834-1910)

BLODGETT, Rufus, a Senator from New Jersey; born in Dorchester, N.H., October 9, 1834; attended the common schools and Wentworth (N.H.) Academy; learned the machinist’s trade; moved to New Jersey in 1866 and settled in Long Branch; builder of railroad equipment; president of the Long Branch City Bank; member, State assembly 1878-1879; superintendent of the New York & Long Branch Railroad 1884-1910; elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1887, to March 3, 1893; was not a candidate for reelection; mayor of Long Branch 1893-1898; engaged in the railroad business and in banking; died in Long Branch, Monmouth County, N.J., October 3, 1910; interment in Village Cemetery, Wentworth, Grafton County, N.H.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present