Caleb S. Blanchard facts for kids

Caleb Slye Blanchard (May 8, 1818 – November 10, 1893) was an American doctor and politician. He served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly. This is like being a state representative. He also worked as a surgeon for the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Life and Early Career

Caleb Blanchard was born on May 8, 1818. His hometown was Victory, Cayuga County, New York. When he was 19, he started learning to be a doctor. He trained with his older brother, Orin W. Blanchard. This was like an apprenticeship. After three years, he went to Berkshire Medical College in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. There, he finished his medical studies.

In 1843, Caleb moved to Racine, Wisconsin. At that time, it was part of the Wisconsin Territory. He opened his own medical office there. After a time when he wasn't feeling well, he left Racine. In December 1848, he moved to East Troy, Wisconsin. This town was in Walworth County, Wisconsin, right next door. He kept working as a doctor in East Troy. He stayed there until he joined the army during the American Civil War.

Military Service in the Civil War

In 1862, Caleb Blanchard decided to join the army. He volunteered to serve with the 22nd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. This group was mostly made up of soldiers from Racine and Walworth counties. He became the 1st assistant surgeon for the regiment. He traveled with his unit for about a year. In July 1863, he had to leave the army. He resigned because of a disability.

After the war ended, he went back to East Troy. He continued his work as a doctor for another 30 years. Around 1890, he moved west to Mazomanie, Wisconsin. This town is in Dane County, Wisconsin. He passed away there in 1893.

Political Work

Caleb Blanchard was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1879. He ran as a member of the Republican Party. He served one term. When he tried to get re-elected in 1880, he did not win. He was defeated by Lindsey J. Smith. Smith ran as an independent Republican.

Besides serving in the state assembly, Caleb also held other public jobs. He was a member of the East Troy Board of Supervisors. This group helped manage the town. He also worked as a justice of the peace. A justice of the peace handles minor legal matters.

Family Life

Caleb Blanchard's father was Willard Blanchard. Willard was a captain in the New York Militia. He fought in the War of 1812. Caleb was one of seven children. His parents were Willard Blanchard and Sallie Platt. Two of Caleb's brothers also became medical doctors.

His brother Orin also moved to the Wisconsin Territory in 1843. Orin served as the chief surgeon for the 40th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. Orin's son, Charles, was a private in the 22nd Wisconsin Infantry. He served with Caleb Blanchard. Later, Charles worked as a hospital steward with his father in the 40th Wisconsin Infantry.

Caleb Blanchard married Susan G. Ames on June 14, 1852. She passed away on January 19, 1860. Later, Caleb married Jennette D. Park on July 27, 1861. Jennette was a school teacher and a principal in East Troy. Caleb and Jennette had four children together. Two of their sons, Charles and Albert, also became doctors.