Born in Blackville, South Carolina, February 27, 1895. Died May 14, 1986. He received his L.LB degree from his beloved University of South Carolina in 1917. Married Ethel Green on March 20, 1920. Except for service in World War I in France, he was an active trial lawyer from 1917–1986, first with the late Govenor J. Emile Harley in the firm of Harley & Blatt from 1917 until 1934, and, thereafter, as the senior partner in the firm of Blatt & Fales until his death. He represented Barnwell County for 54 consecutive years in the South Carolina House of Representatives, serving as Speaker of that distinguished body for 32 of those years.
The son of Jewish immigrant parents, Molly and Nathan Blatt, his God given talent, his integrity and his character, enabled him to achieve legal and political success far beyond that which he ever dreamed would be possible. He was indeed a statesman and his love and dedication for all mankind had no parameters.