WI BIO – Lafayette County BLACKSTONE, Augustus, John W., John Wilford, Joseph & Theodore E. Biography of John Wilford BLACKSTONE (father of Augustus, John W., Joseph & Theodore E., whose bios also follow) History of Lafayette County, WI. Chicago: Western Historical, 1881, p 653-654 Judge John Wilford BLACKSTONE, son of Stephen F. and Elizabeth (BAKER) BLACKSTONE, was a descendant of the family of that name who immigrated to America from England six years after the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, and located on the site of Boston [now in Suffolk County, Massachusetts]. The parents of John Wilford BLACKSTONE settled in Madison County, New York, when the State was comparatively a wilderness. [Madison County, New York, was created on 21 March 1806 from part of Chenango County, New York.] They [Stephen F. and Elizabeth (BAKER) BLACKSTONE] were originally from Connecticut. John Wilford BLACKSTONE was born 18 October 1796. The characteristics of the race that settled the now historic places of Boston and Providence manifested themselves in this removed offspring of William BLACKSTONE [the first settler in both Boston and Rehoboth, MA], who left Boston and founded Providence plantation because of differences with the Puritans, and made a home for the persecuted Quakers on Blackstone River [in Providence County], Rhode Island. The germs of religious freedom which there took root, grew into wide-spreading branches throughout the land. The name is preserved in numerous historical localities in the East. [The Blackstone River, named for William BLACKSTONE, begins in Worcester County, Massachusetts, and runs southeast into Providence County, Rhode Island. On the Blackstone River is the community of Blackstone, Massachusetts. The Blackstone River becomes the Seekonk.] The subject of this sketch [John Wilford BLACKSTONE] attended the public schools of Madison [New York] until about the age of seventeen years, at which time he entered Hamilton College. The catalogue shows that he was a graduate of the class of 1819. Gerret SMITH graduated the previous year. Three months prior to his [John Wilford BLACKSTONE's] graduation, being led by the spirit of adventure, he engaged to go with a gentleman named HART to the then far West. Embarking at Olean Point [Cattaraugus County, New York] in keel boats laden with miscellaneous merchandise, they followed the Allegheny, Ohio and Mississippi [Rivers] to Memphis [Shelby County], Tennessee, trading at the little towns on the banks until their stock was exhausted; thence returning to his native place, he entered upon the study of law, and three year later was admitted to the bar and commenced practice, but the adventurous spirit still possessed him. Two years were spent in Canada, when he again embarked at Olean Point in a skiff, with a single companion, and brought up at Shawneetown [Gallatin County, Illinois], where at that time were the principal salt works of the West. In 1828 he [John Wilford BLACKSTONE] removed to the Galena [Jo Daviess County, Illinois] lead mines, and in the winter of 1828-1829, to Mineral Point. After remaining here for some two or three years, he removed to New Diggings and settled near the place where the village of that same name now stands [now in Lafayette County, WI]. In the spring of 1835 he purchased the farm near the White Oak Springs [now in Lafayette County, WI], known as the Judge Blackstone farm, and now occupied by his son, Augustus. Before leaving New York, Judge BLACKSTONE studied medicine, and received his diploma as Doctor of Medicine. In 1832 he took part in the Black Hawk War, and held a Lieutenant's commission in Captain CLARK's Company, under General Henry DODGE. In 1838 he [John Wilford BLACKSTONE] was a member of the Second Territorial Legislature, [p 654] convened at Madison [Dane County, then in the Territory of Wisconsin], 26 November 1838, and was elected the Speaker of the Assembly, according to the "Blue Book" of Wisconsin. Judge [John Wilford] BLACKSTONE was married to Katharine HAMMOND, in Galena [Jo Daviess County, Illinois], 04 April 1833; her parents were of Scotch descent, and she was the mother, by her first marriage, of Mrs. S. N. SCOLES, of White Oak Springs [Lafayette County, Wisconsin]. Judge [John Wilford] BLACKSTONE had, by this marriage [to Katharine HAMMOND], seven children: (1) Theodore E., (2) John W., now a member of the State senate; (3) Isabel, died in 1891; (4) Joseph, (5) Augustus, (6) Eugene, died in 1868; and (7) Jennette, wife of R. A. BEQUETTE, of White Oak Springs. Judge BLACKSTONE was a member of the County Board, and Chairman for many years; was a good presiding officer, and as a man, he has many friends and but few enemies. Was warm and genial in his friendships, liberal and hospitable at his house, as the following incident will fully illustrate: An old lady on her way from Wiota [Lafayette County, Wisconsin] to Galena [Jo Daviess County, Illinois] was thrown from her buggy, or little wagon, near the Judge's house, and her ankle broken or dislocated. The Judge took her at once to his house, sent for the doctor, and had the best of care taken of her and her team for eight or ten days before she could be removed home; but when the time came that she could be sent home, the good man sent her free of charge or any expense, even for the doctor's bill. The old lady was of some importance and a strong Democrat, but said, as strong a Democrat as she was, she would support Judge BLACKSTONE if he ever ran for office in that county. He was a man of thorough mental training, calm, cool judgment, and through a long life enjoyed the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact. Of powerful build physically, and resolute courage, he won from the then wilderness a handsome competency, and at the ripe age of seventy-two, Judge [John Wilford BLACKSTONE] died, 15 October 1868, and was buried on the old homestead farm, honored and beloved by all good people. 1st Biography of Joseph BLACKSTONE (son of John Wilford; brother of Augustus, John W. & Theodore E.) Commemorative Biographical Record of Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, and of Many of the Early Settled Families. Chicago: Beers, 1901, pp 181-183 Joseph BLACKSTONE, half owner and manager of the creamery at Shullsburg, Lafayette County [Wisconsin], and one of the foremost citizens and enterprising business men of the town, was born in December 1839 in White Oak Springs, Lafayette County [which was then part of Iowa County, Territory of Wisconsin; Lafayette County created 1846], where his father was one of the prominent pioneers. John W[ilford] BLACKSTONE, his father, was born in Madison County, New York, 08 October 1796, son of Stephen F. and Elizabeth (BAKER) BLACKSTONE, both of English descent. He received his education in the public schools of that county, and later entered Hamilton College, New York, being graduated therefrom in the class of 1819. For three years he studied law, was admitted to the Bar at the end of that time, and commenced practice. Being possessed of an adventurous spirit, however, the glowing tales of the West interfered with his interest in his legal work, and he resolved to personally investigate the wonders of the Northwest. He passed two years in Canada before locating in Wisconsin, and in 1827 reach Lead Mine, going the following year to Mineral Point, where he remained two years, and then moved to New Diggings [in Michigan Territory until the Territory of Wisconsin was created on 20 April 1836]. In 1835 he [John Wilford BLACKSTONE] purchased a farm near White Oak Springs, long since known as the "Judge Blackstone Farm," and that became his home until his death, which occurred in 1868. [From the 1881 History of Lafayette County, Wisconsin: "The first village White Oak Springs was situated one-half mile southwest of the present village, and was begun as early as 1827." The present village was platted in 1834.] He [John Wilford BLACKSTONE] became a prominent factor in the development of that region, and was always looked upon as one of the leading spirits in any enterprise for the good of the community. During the Black Hawk War he held a lieutenant's commission in Captain CLARK's company, under General Henry DODGE, and proved himself an intrepid soldier. In 1838 [John W. BLACKSTONE] he became a member of the Territorial Legislature, which convened at Madison [Dane County, Territory of Wisconsin] in November 1838, and according to the "Blue Book" of Wisconsin was made Speaker of the Assembly. In 1833 Mr. [John Wilford] BLACKSTONE was married to Miss Catherine TOMLINSON, who died in 1866, the mother of seven children: (1) Theodore E., born in New Diggings, in 1834 [New Diggings was then in Iowa County, Michigan Territory], was educated in the Platteville schools [now in Grant County, WI], and studied medicine. He opened a drug store in Shullsburg [now in Lafayette County, WI], but after three years engaged in farming, until his removal to a ranch in Montana, where he died in 1891. He [Theodore E. BLACKSTONE] married Miss Mary E. HARDY, of Platteville, who was born in Pottsville [Schuykill County], Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of nine children: Ernest W., Harry R., John G., David, Mary D., Daisy, Katie, Minnie, and Josie. [Note the biography of Theodore E. BLACKSTONE, which follows, lists the children as Ernest W., Harry R., John D., Theo E., Mary B., Daisie, Katie, Mintie, and Josie.] (2) John W., born 22 December 1835, former editor of the Shullsburg "Local," is one of the leading lawyers of the town. (3) Isabel, born at White Oak Springs, died in early womanhood. (4) Joseph is the fourth in order of birth. (5) Augustus [whose portrait is on page 595 of the 1881 History of Lafayette County, WI], for a time farmed the old homestead, but later moved to Shullsburg, where he engaged in the hardware business for some years, and then retired. He [Augustus BLACKSTONE] married Miss Mary Jane RICHARDSON, of Platteville, and has two children: Adelbert and Bertram [Bertrand], the former of whom [Adelbert BLACKSTONE] is a lawyer at Waukesha [Waukesha formerly in Milwaukee County, which was created 06 September 1834, but now in Waukesha County, created 31 January 1846], and the latter [Bertrand BLACKSTONE] a photographer at Platteville [now in Grant County, Wisconsin]. (6) Eugene died in early manhood. (7) Janette, born in White Oak Springs, in 1868 married H. A. BECKWITH, who was born in Vermont, and they now live on a farm in White Oak Springs. Eight children have been born to them [to H. A. and Janette (BLACKSTONE) BECKWITH]: Frank, Charles L., Joseph W., Ethel, Harry, Blanche, Maud, and David. Joseph BLACKSTONE [the subject of this biography] passed his early years on the home farm, enjoying superior advantages in the way of cultured and educated parents, who encouraged him in every way to make the best of his talents with which nature had endowed him. He secured a good education in the old Platteville Academy. In 1862 he [Joseph BLACKSTONE] enlisted [from the Town of White Oak Springs] in Company K, 20th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, was sergeant major of his regiment for a time, later was elected lieutenant of Company B, and served under General GRANT. His first engagement was at Prairie Grove, Arkansas, which ended disastrously for the young soldier, as he was wounded there so seriously that he still at times suffers intensely from the effects. The would healed at the time, however, and he rejoined his regiment, participating in a number of engagements, with bushwhackers in Missouri, the siege of Vicksburg, and other battles in that section. His regiment was sent to Brownsville, Texas, for nine months, and thence to the siege of Mobile, Alabama, whence after some time they were stationed at Galveston, Texas, and there, on 14 July 1865, mustered out of the United States service. Upon his return from the war, Mr. [Joseph] BLACKSTONE engaged in farming, locating on his fine farm at White Oak Springs, where he erected a fine modern house and large barn, and made other valuable improvements, proving himself a most progressive agriculturalist. In 1883 he purchased real estate in Shullsburg [Lafayette County, Wisconsin], and there erected a commodious home, finely finished in hard wood, and furnished with every modern convenience. Since locating in Shullsburg, Mr. [Joseph] BLACKSTONE has engaged in the creamery business with his son-in-law, W. H. LOOK, his business ability manifesting itself in his unvarying success. In January 1867, Mr. [Joseph] BLACKSTONE was united in marriage with Miss Emma POOL, daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (BASTIAN) POOL. She was born in January 1848, and was educated at Mount Morris Seminary in Illinois. To their marriage have come four [p 183] sons and two daughters: (1) Nettie, born in September 1867, was graduated in 1884 from the Shullsburg high school. She [Nettie BLACKSTONE] married W. H. LOOK [see also the Lafayette County, WI, biography of William LOOK, whose son, William H., is likely the W. H. mentioned here], a dry goods merchant of Shullsburg, who was also engaged in with his father-in-law in the creamery business, and they have two children, Frederick W. and Florence. (2) Dr. Wilfred R., born in November 1868, was graduated from the Shullsburg high school, and later entered the Atlanta (Georgia) Dental School, whence he was graduated in 1897; he is now a leading dentist in Shullsburg. In 1900 he [Dr. Wilfred R. BLACKSTONE] wedded Miss Effie OATES, a graduate of the Platteville Normal, and for two years a popular teacher in the Shullsburg high school. (3) Herbert Lee, born in August 1870, was graduated from the Shullsburg high school, and is now [1901] a resident of Butte [Silver Bow County], Montana, where he holds the position of freight solicitor for the Great Northern Railroad Company. He [Herbert Lee BLACKSTONE] married Miss Freda [Frieda?] BAUM, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. (4) Eva M., born in 1873, was graduated in 1892 from the Shullsburg high school. (5) Joseph R., born in 1874, was graduated from the home [Shullsburg] high school, and for two years engaged in teaching there, at present being a conductor on a railroad in Anaconda [Deer Lodge County], Montana [Territory]. (6) Samuel L., born in January 1877, like the rest of the family graduated from the home [Shullsburg] high school, and is now a telegraph operator in Sibley [Osceola County], Iowa. In his political affiliations, Mr. [Joseph] BLACKSTONE has always been identified with the Republican party, and he has held a number of offices in the gift of his admiring townsmen, among them being that of chairman of White Oak Springs [1871 and 1872]. After the incorporation of Shullsburg as a borough [village of Shullsburg platted 1846; town of Shullsburg organized 12 January 1849; village of Shullsburg incorporated 30 March 1861] he [Joseph BLACKSTONE] was elected the first mayor of the town, and also chairman of the board of the city, and for two years was chairman of the county. For a number of years he has been a member of the school board. In religious belief the family are all Congregationalists, and Mrs. BLACKSTONE has ever been found at the front in any Christian work. Socially our subject [Joseph BLACKSTONE] is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Order of Eastern Star, and Post No. 96, G. A. R. The name BLACKSTONE is synonymous with enterprise and progress; the people of the town take if for granted that Mr. BLACKSTONE will always be ready, and certain it is they will always find him so, to do his utmost to advance the moral and material interests of the town, county, or State. Francis and Elizabeth (BASTIAN) POOL, parents of Mrs. [Joseph] BLACKSTONE [nee Emma POOL], were both natives of England. They emigrated from England in 1839, being among the old pioneer families of Jo Daviess County, Illinois, and later located in White Oak Springs [now in Lafayette County], Wisconsin, remaining there until they erected the home near that of Mr. [Joseph] BLACKSTONE, which proved to be their last earthly residence. Both [Francis and Elizabeth (BASTIAN) POOL] died in the same year, 1881. Their children were as follows: (1) Hannibal, of California, married Miss Sophie ADAMS, and has seven children. (2) Robert enlisted in the 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War, and attained the rank of Captain; he was seriously wounded in one of the engagements, and was then retired, taking charge, as conductor, of a military train. After the war he returned to Galena [Jo Daviess County, Illinois], where for eight years he served as sheriff of Jo Daviess County. He married Miss Amelia LOWE, who bore him three children, Alice, Zera and Robert. He removed to Portland [Multnomah County], Oregon, where his death occurred in 1898, from the effects of his old wounds, and his family now reside in Grant's Pass [Josephine County], Oregon. (3) John, now a resident of Grant's Pass, Oregon, is a miner. He wedded a Miss FARR, of Galena [Jo Daviess County, Illinois]. (4) Frank also became a member of the 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and died five months later, at Harrodsburg [Mercer County], Kentucky. (5) Phillippa now makes her home in Shullsburg [Lafayette County, Wisconsin]. (6) Jennie E. died at the age of eighteen [years], her early death cutting short a life of great promise. (7) Emma is the wife of Mr. [Joseph] BLACKSTONE. 2nd Biography of Joseph BLACKSTONE (son of John Wilford; brother of Augustus, John W. & Theodore E.) History of Lafayette County, Wisconsin. Chicago: Western Historical, 1881, p 750 Joseph BLACKSTONE, farmer, Section 20, P. O. Shullsburg [White Oak Springs Township, Lafayette County, Wisconsin] was born 17 December 1839, in the town of White Oak Springs; he owns 320 acres of land, well improved; his house was built in 1875, and cost about $3,000; his barn was built in 1870, and cost about $1,500; he also owns one-fifth interest in the White Oak Springs Creamery. He has been Chairman and member of the Town Board. He [Joseph BLACKSTONE] was married to Emma POOL in 1867; she was born in Jo Daviess County [Illinois]; they have six children: Nettie, Wilferd [Wilfred R.], Lee [Herbert Lee?], Eva [Eva M.], Ray [Joseph Ray?] and Samuel [Samuel L]. Biography of Augustus BLACKSTONE (son of John Wilford; brother of John W., Joseph & Theodore E.) History of Lafayette County, WI. Chicago: Western Historical, 1881, pp 749-750 Augustus BLACKSTONE, farmer, Section 28, Town of White Oak Springs; P. O. White Oak Springs, was born 21 December 1842, in this town [which was then in Iowa County, Wisconsin Territory]. He owns the homestead, consisting of 320 acres of land, also 25 acres of [p 750] mining land, and one-fifth interest in the [White Oak Springs] Creamery. He has been Clerk and Treasurer to this town. He [Augustus BLACKSTONE] was married to Miss M. J. RICHARDSON in 1870; she was born in Platteville [now in Grant County, Wisconsin]; they [Augustus and M. J. (RICHARDSON) BLACKSTONE] have two children: Adelbert and Bertrand. Biography of Theodore E. BLACKSTONE (son of John Wilford; brother of Augustus, John W. & Joseph) History of Lafayette County, Wisconsin. Chicago: Western Historical, 1881, p 750 Theodore E. BLACKSTONE, farmer, Section 21; P. O. White Oak Springs, was born 15 January 1834, in the town of New Diggings [then in Iowa County, Michigan Territory]; he has always followed farming; in 1862 he opened a drug store in Shullsburg [Lafayette County, Wisconsin], having previously studied medicine; he continued this business about two years, then sold out his interest to George SMALL; since then he [Theodore E. BLACKSTONE] has been engaged in farming and mining; he owns 200 acres of land, which he has improved, also one-fifth interest in the White Oak Springs Creamery. He has been Chairman of the Town Board, and has held about all the offices. He [Theodore E. BLACKSTONE] was married to Mary E. HARDY in 1855; she was born in Pottsville [Schuykill County], Pennsylvania; they have nine children: Ernest W., Harry H., John D., Theo E., Mary B., Daisie, Katie, Mintie, and Josie. [Note that the children are listed in the 1st biography of Joseph BLACKSTONE as Ernest W., Harry R., John G., David, Mary D., Daisy, Katie, Minnie, and Josie.] Biography of John W. BLACKSTONE (son of John Wilford; brother of Augustus, Joseph & Theodore E.) History of Lafayette County, Wisconsin. Chicago: Western Historical, 1881, p 735 Hon. John W. BLACKSTONE, farmer, Section 3, Town of Shullsburg [Lafayette County, Wisconsin], P. O. Shullsburg, was born 23 December 1835 in White Oak Springs [then in Iowa County, Michigan Territory]. He commenced reading law in 1857 with John K. WILLIAMS; was admitted to the bar in 1861. The following year he was elected District Attorney; served two years. In 1878 he represented this county [Lafayette] in the [Wisconsin] Legislature. He was elected State Senator in 1879, representing Greene [Green] and La Fayette Counties. He owns 285 acres of land. [John W. BLACKSTONE] married Miss Ellen E. HARDY, 20 June 1862; she was born in Platteville [Grant County], Wisconsin. They [John W. and Ellen E. (HARDY) BLACKSTONE] have four children: Roccey, Jessie, John, and Ralph. Submitted by Cathy Kubly