Ephraim Blaine facts for kids

Ephraim Blaine (born 1741, died 1804) was an important person in early Pennsylvania. He helped feed the Continental Army during the American Revolution. This army was led by General George Washington. Ephraim Blaine's great-grandson, James G. Blaine, later became a famous politician.

Growing Up in Early Pennsylvania

Ephraim Blaine was born in County Londonderry, Ireland in 1741. When he was four years old, his family moved to Pennsylvania in 1745. They first lived in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, which was then a frontier area. Later, they moved east to Cumberland County.

Ephraim went to school at New London Academy. This school was in Chester County. After his schooling, he returned home.

Early Military Service and Business

When Ephraim was in his early twenties, he fought in the French and Indian War. He also helped defend Fort Pitt during Pontiac's War. This was a conflict with Native American tribes.

After these wars, Blaine started a business. He traded goods with Native American tribes. This business made him one of the richest men in western Pennsylvania.

Family and Local Government

In 1765, Ephraim Blaine married Rebecca Galbraith. They had three sons: Robert, James, and David.

Blaine stayed in Cumberland County. He became involved in local government. In 1770, he was chosen to be part of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. From 1771 to 1773, he worked as the county sheriff. In 1774, he joined the county's Committee for Observation. This group watched for problems with the British government.

Helping the Continental Army

When the American Revolutionary War began in 1776, Blaine played a key role. He became the chief officer for supplies for the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment. Soon after, General George Washington gave him a bigger job. Blaine became the commissary of purchases for the northern part of the Continental Army.

Feeding the Troops

In his new role, Blaine was responsible for getting food for the army. This was a very difficult job. He helped feed the soldiers who spent the cold winter at Valley Forge in 1777–1778. He often used his own money to pay for food deliveries.

Blaine also became a colonel in the Cumberland County militia in 1777. He traveled across the colonies to arrange food supplies for the army.

After the War

After the war ended, Blaine went back to Carlisle. He continued his trading business. He also bought and sold land. He did not get involved in politics again.

However, he remained friends with George Washington. In 1794, Washington visited Blaine's home. This was when Washington was traveling west to deal with the Whiskey Rebellion. Blaine and Washington stayed good friends until Washington's death in 1799.

Later Life and Family

Ephraim Blaine's first wife, Rebecca, died in 1795. In 1797, he married Sarah Elizabeth Postlethwaite. They had one son, also named Ephraim.

Ephraim Blaine died at his home in 1804. He is buried at Meetinghouse Springs Church near Carlisle.

Notable Descendants

Ephraim Blaine's most famous descendant was his great-grandson, James G. Blaine. James G. Blaine became a very important politician. He served as the Speaker of the House and ran for president several times. Ephraim Blaine was also the great-great-grandfather of Walker Blaine.