John Elijah Blunt

Sir John Elijah Blunt (14 October 1832 – 19 June 1916) was a British diplomat who served as consul-general in Boston from 1899 to 1902.

Early life and education

Blunt was born on 14 October 1832, the son of Charles Blunt, who was British consul at Smyrna, and Caroline Vitalis. He was educated privately and at Kensington Grammar School.

Career

Blunt joined the consular service in 1850, and served in various consular posts in Turkey. When the Crimean War broke out he was acting vice-consul at Rhodes and in recognition of his linguistic skills was appointed chief interpreter to the British Cavalry Division commanded by General Lord Lucan. He also acted as his secretary, and was present at the battles of the Alma, Balaclava, and Inkerman. In 1879, he was promoted to consul-general at Salonika, a post he held until 1899. He also acted temporarily as French vice-consul on two occasions at Volos and twice at Monastir; as German consul; and twice as Belgian consul at Salonika. In 1897, he provided valuable assistance to the Turks during the Greco-Turkish War for which he received the gold medal of the Imtiaz from the Sultan.

Personal life and death

Blunt married in 1858 Fanny Janet Sandison, daughter of the British consul at Bursa. He was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 1878.