John B. Corliss
John B. Corliss was a member of Congress and electric railroad promoter.
Youth
John Blaisdell Corliss was born on June 7, 1851, in Richford, Vt. He was schooled at the Fairfax Preparatory School. In 1871, he received his B.A. from Vermont Methodist University at Montpelier. Thereafter he enrolled in the Law Department of Columbian College, Washington D.C., graduating in 1875.
Politics
After graduation, Corliss moved to Detroit, Michigan, passed the bar and started a law practice. Within seven years he was appointed the city attorney of Detroit, which he held for the next four years. Among his accomplishments as city attorney was the writing of the city's first complete charter which was passed by the Michigan Legislature in 1884.
In 1895, he was elected to Congress and served four terms (until 1903). While in Congress, he chaired the Committee on Election of President, Vice President, and Representatives.
He was defeated for re-election in the 1902 election, whereupon he returned to his law practice in Detroit.
Death
He died in Detroit on December 24, 1929 and is interred in Woodlawn Cemetery.
- "Corliss, John Blaisdell," Biographical Dictionary of the United States Congress
- Clarence M. Burton, ed. "Corliss, John B." The City of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922.