Henry Blow

Henry Taylor Blow was a prominent American politician and businessman who served as a U.S. Representative from Missouri during the mid-19th century. A member of the Republican Party, he was known for his abolitionist views and played a significant role in the political landscape of his time. His tenure in the House of Representatives spanned from 1863 to 1867, during which he contributed to important legislative efforts, including the drafting of the Fourteenth Amendment. In addition to his political career, Blow was involved in various business ventures, including manufacturing and mining, and served as an ambassador to both Venezuela and Brazil.

Early life and career

Henry Taylor Blow was born on July 15, 1817, in Southampton County, Virginia, to Captain Peter Blow and Elizabeth Taylor Blow. He was the eighth of ten children in a family that owned the enslaved man Dred Scott, who would later become a central figure in a landmark Supreme Court case. The Blow family moved to Huntsville, Alabama, in search of better opportunities, but Peter Blow's attempts at farming were unsuccessful. In 1830, the family relocated again, this time to St. Louis, Missouri, where Peter Blow opened a boarding house and hired out his slaves, including Dred Scott, who worked as a roustabout.

Tragedy struck the family when Henry's mother passed away in 1831, followed by his father's death the next year. At just fifteen years old, Henry was thrust into adulthood, taking on responsibilities to support himself and his family. He graduated from Saint Louis University and began an apprenticeship in a law office. However, the deaths of his parents forced him to shift his focus to a business career. He became a clerk in the wholesale drug and paint company owned by his brother-in-law, Joseph Charless Jr. Following Charless Sr.'s retirement in 1836, Blow became a partner in the business, which was renamed Charless, Blow, and Company in 1838. By 1844, the partnership dissolved, with Blow retaining ownership of the manufacturing firm that would later be known as the Collier White Lead and Oil Company, one of the largest factories in St. Louis.

In addition to his work in manufacturing, Blow and his brother, Peter, founded the Granby Mining and Smelting Company. He also served as president of the Iron Mountain Railroad and was instrumental in establishing a furnace for the iron industry in Carondelet, further solidifying his reputation as a successful businessman.

House tenure

Blow's political career began in earnest when he joined the Republican Party in 1854, motivated by his strong abolitionist beliefs. He was elected to the Missouri Senate that same year, serving until 1858. In 1860, he represented Missouri as a delegate at the Chicago convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln for president. Following Lincoln's election, Blow was appointed as the Minister to Venezuela in 1861, where he worked to enhance trade relations between Venezuela and the Mississippi Valley. However, he returned to the United States to support the Union during the Civil War.

In 1862, Blow was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served two terms until 1867. His legislative efforts were marked by his commitment to immediate emancipation and civil rights. During his time in Congress, he served on the Joint Committee on Reconstruction, which was responsible for drafting the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at ensuring citizenship rights for formerly enslaved individuals.

Despite his significant contributions to the legislative process, Blow chose not to seek re-election in 1867, opting instead to return to his business interests in St. Louis. His decision reflected a desire to focus on his entrepreneurial endeavors after a period of intense political engagement.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his tenure in the House of Representatives, Henry Blow was a staunch advocate for civil rights and social justice, particularly in the context of the Reconstruction era. His commitment to abolitionism was rooted in his upbringing and personal experiences, particularly his family's ownership of Dred Scott. Blow's involvement in Scott's legal battle for freedom underscored his dedication to the cause of emancipation and civil rights.

As a member of the Joint Committee on Reconstruction, Blow played a crucial role in shaping the legislative framework that would define the post-Civil War United States. The Fourteenth Amendment, which he helped draft, was instrumental in granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including formerly enslaved individuals. This amendment laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements and remains a foundational element of American constitutional law.

In addition to his work on civil rights, Blow's legislative focus included issues related to economic development and infrastructure, reflecting his background in business and industry. His experience as a businessman informed his understanding of the economic challenges facing the nation during the Reconstruction era, and he sought to promote policies that would facilitate growth and recovery.

After leaving Congress, Blow continued to engage in public service, being appointed as the ambassador to Brazil by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1869. He later took on a role in reorganizing the government of the District of Columbia, although he resigned after a short period due to personal considerations.

Henry Taylor Blow's legacy is marked by his contributions to both business and politics, as well as his commitment to civil rights and social justice. He passed away on September 11, 1875, in Saratoga, New York, just three months after the death of his wife, Minerva Grimsley Blow. The couple had nine children, and Blow's influence extended beyond his immediate family, as he encouraged his daughters to pursue education, a progressive stance for the time. His contributions to St. Louis included the establishment of various organizations and institutions, reflecting his commitment to community development. Today, his legacy is remembered through various memorials, including Blow Street in St. Louis and the H.T. Blow School, which honor his impact on the region and the nation.