Attended the public schools of Mauch Chunk, and pursued a course of civil engineering. After putting aside his textbooks he became a civil engineer in connection with the corps employed by the Montrose Railroad Company. From 1873 until 1898 he was connected with the Montrose Railway Company, and served successively as general freight and passenger agent, general superintendent, and as secretary and treasurer of the company. He afterward entered the passenger service of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, and ultimately was transferred to the freight department, preceding his appointment to the position of general car agent. He acted in the last named position until 1892, when he entered the real estate department of the corporation, with which he was connected until 1898. He then resigned and accepted the position of general superintendent of the Switchback Railroad Company, and is now serving in that capacity. His business relations also identified him with the Mauch Chunk Water Company and the Mauch Chunk Gas Company, and he is a director in both these corporations.

Mr. Blakslee is influential in political circles as a supporter of the Democratic Party. For seven years he has been a councilman of Mauch Chunk, and at the present time is president the board. As an official he is practical, progressive and public-spirited, and his efforts have resulted in substantial benefit to the community he represents. Since 1879 he has been a member of the Marion Hose Company No. 1, and has served as chief engineer and president of the organization. He belongs to Carbon Lodge, No. 242, Free and Accepted Masons; to Lilly Chapter, No. 181, Royal Arch Masons; and to Packer Commandery, No. 23, K. T. He also holds membership with the Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum, and the Mohegan Club. He is one of the active workers in St. Mark's Episcopal church, and has served as treasurer and vestrymen for many years.