From: KyArchives [Archives@genrecords.org]
Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 8:47 AM
To: Ky-Footsteps
Subject: Blackburn.Joseph.C.S.b1838.Woodford.BIOS


Joseph C.s. Blackburn October 1 1838 - unknown
Woodford County KyArchives Biography

Author: The Biographical Encyclopaedia of Kentucky, J. M. Armstrong & Company, 1878
Hon. Joseph C. S. Blackburn, Lawyer, was born in Woodford County, Ky., October 
1, 1838. His ancestors were of Scotch-Irish extraction, but for several 
generations were residents of Virginia, whence they emigrated at an early day 
to Kentucky. His father, E. M. Blackburn became one of the most extensive 
farmers and raisers of thoroughbred stock in Woodford County, and was widely 
known and esteemed for his sterling qualities. He died at his homestead shortly 
after the close of the war at an advanced age, leaving a large family of 
descendants; the subject of this sketch being the younger child. Having been 
reared on a farm, in such rural pursuits as engaged the country boy of that 
day, he was, at the age of fifteen, sent to the classical school of B. B. 
Sayre, at Frankfort, where he developed such proficiency as to enable him to 
graduate with honor at Center College in 1857. Selecting the law as his 
profession, he studied under the direction of Judge George B. Kinkead of 
Lexington, and in 1858 entered upon the practice of Chicago. He returned, 
however, to his native county in 1860, and made his debut as a speaker in the 
Presidential canvass of that year, having stumped a number of counties of 
Central Kentucky as an assistance elector for Breckinridge and Lane. In 1861, he
went South and espoused the Confederate cause, serving in the army as
aid-de-camp to Gen. William Preston, until the winter of 1864, when he was
intrusted with an independent command in Mississippi where he rendered
efficient service until the close of the war. For two years after the
surrender he resided in Arkansas as lawyer and planter; but, in 1868, he
returned to his native county, where he has since remained engaged in
farming and the practice of law. In 1871, he was elected to represent
Woodford County in the Legislature, and was re-elected in 1873, achieving
brilliant success as a legislator, both as a practical worker and as a
skillful parliamentary leader. In 1874, he was nominated for Congress by
the Democracy of the Ashland District, to succeed Hon. James B. Beck, and,
after a canvass notable for its activity, he was elected by a majority of
over six thousand over his competitor, Hon. E. C. Marshall; and, in 1876,
being re-nominated without opposition, he was re-elected by an increased
majority. Of his career in Congress it is not our purpose to speak further
than to say that, at its very threshold, he achieved a national reputation
by his speed in the Belknap case, at its incipiency, and sustained it by
the skill he exhibited as a temporary presiding officer of the House during
a great part of Mr. Speaker Kerr's term, and by his bold speech upon the
bill to establish the electoral commission. Mr. Blackburn possesses great
power as a speaker, having fine command of language, a pleasing and fluent
delivery, a singular clearness and direction in the statement of his
propositions, and a peculiarly logical as well as magnetic force in
convincing his hearers of their truth. As a popular orator, he is not
excelled in a State which numbers many in its list; while, as an advocate
at the bar, his service is only limited by his political duties. He is
prominent in many of the social organizations of the day, and is personally
as popular in his intercourse with his fellow-men as he is officially
prominent. In 1858, he was married to Therese, daughter of Dr. C. C.
Graham, of Louisville, Kentucky, and has four children.



Submitted by: Sandi Gorin
http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00002.html#0000404



This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/kyfiles/