Question 1

Who invented the Zippo lighter?

Accepted Answer

George Grant Blaisdell (1895–1978) of Bradford, Pennsylvania invented the world-famous Zippo lighter in 1932. He was a descendant of Ralph Bleasdale, the Blaisdell family patriarch who arrived in America in 1635. Since its invention, over 300 million Zippo lighters have been produced with a lifetime guarantee.

Question 2

Who was the first woman sea captain in North America?

Accepted Answer

Molly Kool Blaisdell (1916–2009) was the first woman in North America to become a licensed ship captain. She earned her captain's papers in 1939 at age 23 after graduating from the Merchant Marine Institute in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and sailed the Atlantic Ocean between Alma, New Brunswick and Boston for five years.

Question 3

Who was Nevada's first governor?

Accepted Answer

Henry Goode Blasdel (1825–1900) was Nevada's first governor. A devout Methodist and temperance advocate, he used the state's silver-rich wealth to help support the Union in the final years of the Civil War. He was a descendant of Ralph Bleasdale through his father, Jacob Blasdel.

Question 4

Who invented the Blaisdell Pencil?

Accepted Answer

Frederick Elijah Blaisdell (1864–1918) invented the Blaisdell Pencil after wrapping a strip of newspaper around a broken pencil lead. He patented the idea, formed The Blaisdell Pencil Company, and built factories in London, Canada, and the United States. The company continues operating today from Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania.

Question 5

Are there any famous Blaisdell descendants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Notable Blaisdell descendants include George Grant Blaisdell (inventor of the Zippo lighter), Frederick Elijah Blaisdell (inventor of the Blaisdell Pencil), Henry Goode Blasdel (Nevada's first governor), Neal Shaw Blaisdell (Mayor of Honolulu), Daniel Blaisdell (U.S. Congressman from New Hampshire), Molly Kool Blaisdell (first woman sea captain in North America), and Dr. F. William Blaisdell (father of the modern trauma center). All trace their lineage to Ralph Bleasdale, who arrived at Pemaquid Point, Maine in 1635.

Notable Blaisdells