Blodgett Family Genealogy & History

Katharine Burr Blodgett was a pioneering American physicist and chemist renowned for her groundbreaking work in surface chemistry and the invention of nonreflective glass at General Electric. She made history as the first woman to earn a PhD in physics from the University of Cambridge in 1926. Blodgett collaborated extensively with Nobel laureate Irving Langmuir, developing the Langmuir-Blodgett trough technique, which enabled the creation of ultra-thin monomolecular coatings. Her work significantly advanced the understanding of molecular films and had implications for fields like optics and materials science.

Katharine Blodgett was born on January 10, 1898, in Schenectady, New York, to Katharine Buchanan (Burr) and George Reddington Blodgett. Her father, a patent attorney at General Electric, tragically died before her birth. Following his death, her mother ensured financial stability and moved the family to Europe to provide a bilingual upbringing for Katharine and her brother George Jr.

Michael Blodgett (1939–2007) was a multifaceted American actor, novelist, and screenwriter best known for his role as Lance Rocke in Russ Meyer's cult classic "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" (1970). After a career in acting, with appearances in films like "There Was a Crooked Man..." and TV series including "Barnaby Jones," Blodgett transitioned to writing. His novels "Captain Blood" and "Hero and the Terror" marked his entry into the literary world, with the latter adapted into a film. Collaborating with Dennis Shryack, he co-wrote screenplays for notable movies like "Rent-A-Cop" and "Turner & Hooch," enhancing his reputation in Hollywood.

Blodgett was married four times and had three daughters, one of whom, Lucette, is married to actor Miles Fisher. No further familial or ancestral details are specified.

Cindy Lee Blodgett, born on December 23, 1975, is a renowned former collegiate and professional basketball player known for her outstanding achievements. A four-time Kodak All-American, she made history at the University of Maine by leading the nation in scoring for four consecutive seasons. Her stellar college career saw her amass 3,005 points, setting 20 school records and leading Maine to its first NCAA tournament appearances. Drafted by the Cleveland Rockers in the 1998 WNBA draft, Blodgett also played for the Sacramento Monarchs and the Springfield Spirit. Transitioning to coaching, she served as head coach at the University of Maine and held various assistant coaching roles, now leading the Physical Education Department at Lincoln School in Providence, RI.

John Wood Blodgett Sr. (1860-1951) was a prominent lumberman, civic leader, and philanthropist known for his significant contributions to the lumber industry. As president of the National Lumber Manufacturers Association in the early 20th century and the first chairman of the American Lumber Standard Committee in 1922, Blodgett played a crucial role in shaping industry standards. His efforts during the Great Depression, including the consolidation of three banks to form the American Home Security Bank, safeguarded many clients' finances. Together with his wife, Minnie, he supported numerous philanthropic ventures, such as the Blodgett Memorial Hospital and Vassar College's Minnie Cumnock Blodgett Hall of Euthenics.

Born in Hersey, Michigan, John W. Blodgett was the son of Delos A. and Jane Wood Blodgett. His father owned a logging and sawmill operation and contributed to the community by building a local school where John received his early education. The Blodgett family, originally from a frontier farm setting, became influential in the logging industry across Michigan, Mississippi, California, Oregon, and Vancouver Island with companies like the Blodgett Company and the Wright-Blodgett Company.