The New Student's Reference Work/Blennerhassett, Harman

Blennerhas′sett, Harman, known in connection with Aaron Burr's conspiracy, was born in England about 1764. He was of an Irish family, but, becoming dissatisfied with Ireland, sold his Irish estates for a sum exceeding $100,000 and came to America. He bought an island of 170 acres in the Ohio River near Parkersburg, W. Va., and built on it a fine mansion and adorned his home with all the comforts and refinements which culture could suggest and wealth supply. Many visitors enjoyed his hospitality, and among them Aaron Burr, still bitter because of his political defeat. He filled Blennerhassett's mind with plans of forming an empire in Mexico, for which he made extensive preparations. When Burr was arrested and brought to trial, Blennerhassett was arrested, but on the acquittal of Burr, he was released. His fine property was sold to creditors, and his later life was clouded and unhappy. He died on the Island of Guernsey in 1831.