Blaine, Burchard and Belshazzar: 1884

James G. Blaine was one of the more charismatic Republicans of the 19^th Century.

Blaine: A Brief Bio

James Gillespie Blaine

James Gillespie Blaine (1830-93) was Pennsylvania born and raised, but once married, moved to Maine. A sometime journalist, he purchased a newspaper in Kennebec, managed it into one of Maine’s finest, and became involved in politics, which by the Civil War (and Maine) was predominantly Republican. They sent him to Congress.

Tall, slim, relatively nice looking (by Victorian bearded standards), what JGB had in abundance was charisma. He was a charmer. He was an engaging speaker. He had an easy going disposition and good sense of humor. He was disinclined to take anything too seriously – even the Presidency, which he wanted very much. His politics were generally middle-of-the-road.

The Gilded Age that blossomed into a virtual garden of gold after the Civil War, was predominantly centered around…