A Confederate general during the American Civil War, later serving as a US Senator and Representative from Kentucky, known for his military and political leadership.
William Joel Blass, an American war veteran, attorney, educator, and politician, left an indelible mark on the legal and political landscape of Mississippi. Best known for his service on the Supreme Court of Mississippi, Blass's remarkable career spanned over five decades, earning him numerous accolades and distinctions.
Born on October 19, 1917, in Clinton, Mississippi, Blass grew up during the Great Depression. He pursued his education in Louisiana and Mississippi, graduating from Louisiana State University School of Law in 1940. Through the LSU ROTC program, he received a commission as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry.
During World War II, Blass served with the Third Army in Europe, participating in the historic campaign leading up to VE Day. For his bravery and dedication, he was awarded the Bronze Star and attained the rank of major. Later, he also served during the Korean War.
In 1947, Blass moved to Wiggins, Mississippi, where he established his law practice. He was elected to Stone County's legislative seat in 1953, serving two terms during a tumultuous period marked by the racist White Citizens Council, which he opposed. After retiring from the State legislature in 1960, Blass continued his law practice, maintaining offices in Wiggins and Gulfport, Mississippi.
Blass served on the faculty at the University of Mississippi School of Law from 1960 to 1966, earning the Teachers Excellence Award in 1969. He was appointed Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1965. In 1989, he was appointed by the Governor of Mississippi to fill an unexpired term on the Supreme Court of Mississippi, although he was defeated in a 1990 election for a full term on the Court.
In 1992, Blass returned to the University of Mississippi School of Law, serving as a distinguished lecturer on Admiralty law in the Whitten Chair of Law and Government. In 1995, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Inns of Court was organized, with one of its chapters named in his honor.
Through his extraordinary life, William Joel Blass embodied the spirit of service, justice, and education, leaving an indelible mark on the state of Mississippi and the legal profession as a whole.
Born in 1822
Led the Union Army to victory in the Civil War and later became President, known for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation and strengthening federal authority.
Born in 1820
A renowned Union general during the American Civil War, he's infamous for his scorched earth tactics and march through the Confederacy, leaving destruction in his wake.
Born in 1826
A Union general during the American Civil War, he's infamous for his cautious tactics and disagreements with President Lincoln, later becoming a governor of New Jersey.
Born in 1824
A Union general during the American Civil War, known for his distinctive sideburns and leading the Army of the Potomac to a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Born in 1814
Union general who played a crucial role in the American Civil War, particularly at the Battle of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
Born in 1815
Led the Union Army to victory in the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the American Civil War, and later oversaw the construction of the Washington Aqueduct.
Born in 1828
A heroic figure who led the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment to victory at Gettysburg, and later served as Governor of Maine, known for his bravery and leadership during the American Civil War.
