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John Rinehart Blue

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John Rinehart Blue
Blue's portrait in the
West Virginia Blue Book (1955)
Member of the
West Virginia House of Delegates
from Hampshire County
In office
1953–1959
Preceded byWilliam L. Thompson
Succeeded byWilliam Basil Slonaker
Personal details
Born(1905-10-13)October 13, 1905
Romney, West Virginia, U.S.
DiedMay 27, 1965(1965-05-27) (aged 59)
Augusta, West Virginia, U.S.
Resting placeIndian Mound Cemetery
Political partyDemocratic Party
SpouseMadeline Stanford McDowell Blue
RelationsJohn David Blue (father)
Mary Buckner Rinehart (mother)
Lt. John Monroe Blue (grandfather)
Children3
Residence(s)261 East Main Street
Romney, West Virginia
Alma materPresbyterian College (B.S.)
West Virginia University
ProfessionEducator, businessperson, and politician
Military service
Branch/service United States Army
United States Army Reserve
Years of service1942–1946 (USA)
Rankfirst lieutenant
Battles/warsWorld War II

John Rinehart Blue (October 13, 1905 – May 27, 1965) was an American military officer, educator, businessperson, and politician in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Blue was a Democratic member of the West Virginia House of Delegates representing Hampshire County, from 1953 until 1959.

Born in 1905 in Romney, West Virginia, Blue was a grandson of Lieutenant John Monroe Blue, a member of the 11th Virginia Cavalry during the American Civil War. Blue graduated from Presbyterian College in 1928 and completed his graduate studies at West Virginia University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1942 until 1946, and afterward served as a first lieutenant in the 398th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 100th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army Reserve. From 1948 until his death, Blue operated a Ben Franklin five and dime variety store in Romney. He also served as principal of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind Advanced School for the Deaf.

In August 1953, West Virginia governor, William C. Marland, appointed Blue to fill William L. Thompson's seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates, and Blue was sworn in the following December. He was reelected to his seat in 1954 and 1956; however, he lost in the 1958 Democratic Party primary to William Basil Slonaker. Blue attempted to win back his seat in 1962 but lost to Slonaker in the primary. Blue continued to operate his Benjamin Franklin store and remained actively involved in Romney community organizations until his death in 1965.

Early life and education

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John Rinehart Blue was born on October 13, 1905, in Romney, West Virginia, to John David Blue and his wife Mary Buckner Rinehart Blue.[1][2] Blue's father, John David Blue, was a local businessperson, who served as the manager of Romney's Farmers Exchange for 25 years, and was a son of Lieutenant John Monroe Blue, a prominent member of the 11th Virginia Cavalry of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.[3] Blue's mother, Mary Buckner Rinehart Blue, was a homemaker and a member of local organizations, to include the Romney Women's Club.[4]

Blue attended the local Romney schools,[1] and subsequently attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, where he was a member of the Rapier Club and served as a corporal in the school's Reserve Officers' Training Corps.[1][5] Blue graduated from Presbyterian with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1928.[1][6][7] He later completed graduate studies at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.[6][7]

Early career

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Photograph of the Romney movie theater later used as a Ben Franklin Store
The old Romney theatre (photographed in 1938), which became the second location for Blue's Ben Franklin store

Blue became affiliated with the Advanced School for the Deaf of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind (WVSDB) in 1933.[8][9] He became principal of the Advanced School for the Deaf and served in this position until June 30, 1952.[1][10][11] While serving at WVSDB, Blue served as a member of the committee for the Deaf School's Boy Scout Troop No. 66.[12] In 1960, Blue unsuccessfully applied for the WVSDB superintendent's position.[13][14]

During World War II, Blue enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army at the age of 37 on November 20, 1942, in Clarksburg, West Virginia.[6][15] Following his enlistment, Blue was inducted into the U.S. Army in Columbus, Ohio.[16] He separated from the U.S. Army in May 1946 with the rank of first lieutenant.[1][6] Blue later served as a first lieutenant in Company G, 398th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 100th Airborne Division of the United States Army Reserve.[17][18][19]

In October 1948, Blue purchased the J. W. Jackson Store, a Ben Franklin five and dime variety store, which was housed in the Blue Building owned by his father John David Blue, on Main Street in Romney.[2][20][21] The Blue Building was later razed for the construction of the Pioneer Restaurant.[21] Between 1955 and 1956, Blue relocated the Ben Franklin store to a three-story building on Main Street, which had previously housed Romney's theater.[21] Following Blue's death, the Ben Franklin store was owned and operated by his wife, Madeline, until it ceased operation and closed in 1991.[21][22][23]

Political career

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Following the resignation of William L. Thompson from the West Virginia House of Delegates on August 28, 1953, West Virginia governor, William C. Marland, appointed Blue to fill Thompson's vacant delegate seat representing Hampshire County on September 23, 1953, until the end of the term on November 30, 1954.[24][25] He was sworn in as a house member on December 8, 1953.[26]

In May 1954, Blue filed for re-election to his seat in the Democratic Party primary election.[27] He was nominated for re-election to his delegate seat by Hampshire County Democratic voters in August 1954, having received 729 votes compared to 536 votes for James W. Short and 517 votes for Harold L. Welker, his Democratic opponents from the Romney area.[28][29] Blue subsequently ran in the general election on November 2, 1954 for his delegate seat and won, receiving 1859 votes compared to 1355 votes for his opponent, Republican candidate Earl A. Loy of Augusta.[30][31][32] As part of a West Virginia Legislature survey of state institutions, Blue participated in a delegation to inspect Potomac State College in 1955.[33]

Blue filed as a candidate for reelection to his seat in the Democratic primary election in 1956.[34] He won his primary election in May 1956,[35] and was reelected to his seat in November 1956 after beating his Republican challenger Ben F. Slane of Slanesville, with 2,804 votes to 1,738.[36][37] In January 1957, he was named to the House of Delegates' banking committee.[38] Blue filed for inclusion on the ballot in the Democratic Party primary election in 1958, but later lost in the primary to William Basil Slonaker of Dillons Run, who won Blue's delegate seat in the 1958 general election.[39][40][41] Blue attempted to recapture his delegate seat in 1962 but was defeated in the Democratic Party primary election by incumbent Slonaker, 579 to 1430 votes.[42][43][44] In February 1960, Blue filed to run in the Democratic primary for sheriff of Hampshire County.[45][46] Governor Wally Barron appointed Blue to a state committee on conservation education on August 24, 1962.[47] The committee was established to provide West Virginians with "an understanding, knowledge and appreciation of the importance" of the state's natural resources.[47]

Personal life

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Blue married Madeline Stanford McDowell on September 6, 1938. McDowell was the daughter of Angus and Madeline Stanford McDowell of Camden and Montgomery, Alabama.[22][23][48] Blue and his wife Madeline had three children together.[2][23][49] Blue's wife Madeline was a teacher for the primary grades at the WVSDB School for the Deaf for 35 years, served as president of the West Virginia Parent Teachers Association, and served as a member of the Hampshire County Board of Education for 28 years.[48]

Blue was a life-long member of the Romney Presbyterian Church, where he served as the church's treasurer and as chairperson of the church's board of deacons.[1] He was also a member of the Hampshire Post 91 of the American Legion and a member of Romney's Kiwanis club.[1]

Later life and death

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Blue died suddenly on May 27, 1965, of coronary thrombosis caused by coronary artery disease, on his farm in Augusta, West Virginia.[1][2] His funeral was held at the Romney Presbyterian Church, and he was interred at Indian Mound Cemetery in Romney on May 29, 1965.[1][2]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to John Rinehart Blue.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Prominent Citizen, John R. Blue, Dies Suddenly May 27". Hampshire Review. Romney, West Virginia. June 2, 1965. p. 1. Retrieved October 3, 2023 – via Potomac State College of West Virginia University, Mary F. Shipper Library, West Virginia Newspapers.
  2. ^ a b c d e "John R. Blue". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. May 28, 1965. p. 20. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "John D. Blue". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. April 13, 1951. p. 7. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Mrs. John D. Blue". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. January 31, 1970. p. 5. Retrieved May 29, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ McLendon 1927, pp. 78 & 210–211.
  6. ^ a b c d Myers 1955, p. 180.
  7. ^ a b Myers 1957, p. 188.
  8. ^ "Full-Scale Inquiry Slated At State School for Deaf". Beckley Post-Herald. Beckley, West Virginia. July 18, 1952. p. 1. Archived from the original on May 31, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Probe of Deaf School At Romney Scheduled". The Raleigh Register. Beckley, West Virginia. July 18, 1952. p. 9. Archived from the original on May 30, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "W. Va. School For Blind And Dead Opens Fall Session Monday, Sept. 13". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. September 9, 1948. p. 35. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  11. ^ "Romney Deaf School To Be Investigated". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. July 18, 1952. p. 11. Archived from the original on January 4, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "Scout Chartered Renewed At West Virginia School for the Deaf". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. January 18, 1941. p. 7. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ "Brady Will Head Romney Schools". Beckley Post-Herald. Beckley, West Virginia. August 30, 1960. p. 8. Archived from the original on May 30, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Georgia Native Chosen: Deaf-Blind School Supervisor Hired". Charleston Daily Mail. Charleston, West Virginia. August 30, 1960. p. 6. Archived from the original on May 31, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "Display Full Records: John R. Blue". Access to Archival Databases (AAD). National Archives and Records Administration. Archived from the original on September 28, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  16. ^ "News From Frostburg And Nearby Tri-State Sections: Romney". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. November 23, 1942. p. 10. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  17. ^ "Reservists Learn Parachute Know-How". Cumberland Sunday Times. Cumberland, Maryland. February 6, 1949. p. 29. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "Guard Unit To Leave Sunday For Kentucky". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. August 10, 1951. p. 8. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Parachute Shown To Reserve Unit". Cumberland Sunday Times. Cumberland, Maryland. January 23, 1949. p. 29. Archived from the original on January 6, 2021. Retrieved January 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "Blue Purchases Jackson Store". Cumberland Sunday Times. Cumberland, Maryland. October 31, 1948. p. 29. Archived from the original on January 6, 2021. Retrieved January 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ a b c d Pisciotta, Marla (March 18, 2009). "Madeline McDowell Blue: 'She was a Grand Dame – the grandest of them all'". Hampshire Review. Romney, West Virginia.
  22. ^ a b "Obituary for Madeline M. Blue". Cumberland Times-News. Cumberland, Maryland. March 13, 2009. Archived from the original on May 24, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  23. ^ a b c "Obituary for Madeline M. Blue". The Journal. Martinsburg, West Virginia. March 15, 2009. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  24. ^ Myers 1954, p. 196.
  25. ^ "Marland Names Blue To House Of Delegates". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. September 28, 1953. p. 12. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ "New Legislator". The Charleston Gazette. Charleston, West Virginia. December 9, 1953. p. 10. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  27. ^ "Hampshire Co. To Hold Primary Election Aug. 3: Board Releases List of Candidates". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. May 7, 1954. p. 3. Archived from the original on January 4, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ "Martin Loses In Hampshire Demo Voting". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. August 4, 1954. p. 9. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  29. ^ "West Virginians: Hampshire County". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. August 3, 1954. p. 3. Archived from the original on January 4, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ Myers 1955, p. 345.
  31. ^ "1954 General Election – Official Election Returns" (PDF). Historical Election Results and Turnout. Secretary of State of West Virginia. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  32. ^ "Democrats Lead In Early Returns From Hampshire: Neely, Staggers Both Gain Margins". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. November 3, 1954. p. 20. Archived from the original on January 4, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "Legislators Check Potomac State College". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. December 13, 1955. p. 14. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "32 Candidates On Hampshire Primary List". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. February 14, 1956. p. 14. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Hampshire County Returns Show Incumbents In Lead". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. May 10, 1956. p. 14. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "1956 General Election – Official Election Returns" (PDF). Historical Election Results and Turnout. Secretary of State of West Virginia. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  37. ^ "Hampshire Co. Shows Demos Cross Line". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. November 7, 1956. p. 22. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "Legislature". Hinton Daily News. Hinton, West Virginia. January 11, 1957. p. 2. Archived from the original on May 31, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "1958 General Election – Official Election Returns" (PDF). Historical Election Results and Turnout. Secretary of State of West Virginia. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 13, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  40. ^ "Hampshire County Backs Byrd, Randolph For Senate". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. August 6, 1958. p. 11. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ "Deadline For Candidates Set Tomorrow". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. May 2, 1958. p. 17. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  42. ^ "Hampshire School Unit Voting Close". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. May 9, 1962. p. 17. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  43. ^ "Board of Education Election Results Are Close In Hampshire Co". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. May 10, 1962. p. 26. Archived from the original on January 4, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ "Hampshire Co. Has 25% Vote In Primary". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. May 9, 1962. p. 33. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  45. ^ "Few File By Mail For Area Primaries". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. February 8, 1960. p. 12. Retrieved January 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ "Interest In Filing Lags In District: Little Time Left Before Deadline In West Virginia". Cumberland Evening Times. Cumberland, Maryland. January 21, 1960. p. 11. Archived from the original on January 6, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ^ a b "Marsh, Leeber Names To Governor's Group". The Raleigh Register and Beckley Post-Herald. Beckley, West Virginia. August 25, 1962. p. 10. Archived from the original on May 31, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ a b "Madeline McDowell Blue". The Winchester Star. Winchester, Virginia. March 17, 2009. p. A2. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  49. ^ "Romney Woman Heads W. Va. PTA Congress: Mrs. John R. Blue Wins Top Position". The Cumberland News. Cumberland, Maryland. October 27, 1961. p. 24. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2015.

Bibliography

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