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Below is a family biography from the book, History of Kentucky, Edition 8a by J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin and G. C. Kniffin and published by F. A. Battey Publishing Company in 1888.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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THOMAS W. BLACKHART. Although Thos. W. Blackhart is a son of Ohio, yet so intimately has he identified himself with the development of the State, that Kentucky claims him by right of adoption. Youngest son of Barkley and Martha (Walters) Blackhart, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, he was born in Ohio, October 26th, 1859. His father was a farmer, and Thomas spent his early life on the farm. He received a good common-school education, finishing his course at the age of fifteen; he then came to Louisville and was engaged on the city newspapers until 1876, when he entered the service of Price & Lucas, manufacturers of cider and vinegar. Here he soon evinced superior business talents and judgment and soon became the head of their office, conducting a large business successfully until 1887, when he retired to devote all his time to his private interests. He is president of the Daisy Realty Co., and treasurer of the Westview Building Co., and the largest stockholder in both companies; vice-president of the West Louisville Land & Improvement Co., president of a coal and lumber company; a director in the Pine Mountain Iron & Coal Co., and mayor at the town of Parkland, where he resides, and is first in all movements for advancement of town and state. He has great force, energy and determination, and that thorough going disposition which takes right hold of great projects with both hands and drives into thick and thin in spite of all obstacles and opposition, however great, and thus accomplishes wonders. He has a natural love for hard work, and capacity for carrying forward great undertakings, and will make a decided mark in the business world, or in whatever department these energies may be exercised. Mr. Blackhart was married, in 1877, to Miss Anna M. Brown, of Elmira, N. Y., who proved a devoted and loving help meet and judicious adviser. She died March 9, 1888.

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This family biography is one of 195 biographies included in the Jefferson County, Kentucky section of the book, The History of Kentucky, Edition 8a published in 1888 by F. A. Battey Publishing Company.  For the complete description, click here: History of Kentucky, Edition 8a

View additional Jefferson County, Kentucky family biographies here: Jefferson County, Kentucky Biographies

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