James H. Blessing

James H. Blessing (April 17, 1837 – February 21, 1910) was an American inventor, engineer, and business executive from Albany, New York. A Republican, he served as a member of the Albany County Board of Supervisors from 1894 to 1896, and president of the board from 1895 to 1896. From 1900 to 1901, he served as Albany's mayor.

A native of Guilderland, New York, Blessing was raised and educated in Albany, and worked as a grocery store clerk before becoming an apprentice machinist. After completing his apprenticeship, Blessing worked at an Albany machine shop until the start of the American Civil War. After working as a ship design and construction engineer at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, he joined the Union Navy in 1864, and he served until the end of the war.

After the war, Blessing worked as the superintendent of an Albany foundry and machine works, and in 1870 he invented a steam trap that vastly improved the efficiency of the steam engines then largely in use in factories and other businesses. As the partner in an Albany company that built and sold his invention, Blessing became wealthy. He also continued to invent, and his efforts resulted in several more implements and tools that were used on steam engines.

A Republican in politics, Blessing served on the Albany County Board of Supervisors from 1894 to 1896 and was the board's president from 1895 to 1896. In 1899, he was the successful Republican nominee for mayor. he served one term, 1900 to 1901, and was not a candidate for reelection. After leaving office, he returned to his business interests. Blessing died in Albany on February 21, 1910, and was buried at Albany Rural Cemetery.

Early life James Henry Blessing was born in French Mills, part of the town of Guilderland, New York, on April 17, 1837, the son of Frederick I. Blessing and Lucinda (Smith) Blessing. His family moved to Albany when he was five years old, and he attended Albany's public schools. Blessing was granted sick leave after the battles, and was discharged at the end of the war. He did not run for reelection in 1900.