Van E. Blanton was born on March 27, 1873 and died on July 21,1950.  Mr. Blanton relocated to the Miami area from Madison County, Florida in 1926. He served in several educational positions including, Dade County School Board Trustee, School Board Member and as Chairman of the School Board for several years. He was the father of seven children. The eldest, Ellis M. Blanton was a Dade County Public School teacher. Ellis served as Principal of Van E. Blanton Elementary School, which was named in honor of his father.