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Below is a family biography included in The History of Darke County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1880.  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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JOHN BLACKBURN, farmer and stock-raiser. The subject of this sketch was born in this township, Jan. 23, 1835, and is a son of Moses Blackburn, who settled here about 1830, and made the first opening on this side. Our subject was reared on the farm, and assisted his father in the duties of the farm till he was 26 years of age, when he began life for himself and engaged in farming, which pursuit he has always followed; purchased 80 acres of land in 1871, and moved on it in 1872; it was mostly cleared, and his land is in good cultivation, with fair improvements; he has since purchased 40 acres adjoining the old home place, and now owns 120 acres. He was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Hall, Oct. 13, 186-. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are natives of South Carolina, and came here in a very early day; her mother died at the age of 60 years; her father is still living and resides in this township, aged 81 years; they were parents of sixteen children, of whom nine are living—James, John, Tamer, Eliza, Mary, Amos, Joseph, William and Ezekiel Hall. Our subject began the battle of life empty-handed, and he has, by hard work, industry and good management, with the assistance rendered by his industrious and amiable wife, succeeded in making a good home; they are the parents of eight children, of whom seven are living— Amanda, born Dec. 8, 1861; Andrew J., July 7, 1863; Lydia A., Jan. 13, 1865; Laura Bell. Sept. 25, 1870; Harley, Aug. 17, 1872; Hezekiah, Feb. 27. 1875; Lola, July 25, 1877; Harvey, Feb. 9, 1867, and departed this life Oct. 13, 1871. Both Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn have been members of the Brethren of Christ Church for three years, and are exemplar Christian people. Mr. Blackburn only had the advantage of such education as he could procure by his own exertions. Mrs. Blackburn was born May 3, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Hall were both born in 1809; Mrs. Hall departed this life Jan. 12, 1870; Lydia is a member of the same church; is a co-worker with her parents in doing good, and is a very exemplary young lady.

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This family biography is one of 659 biographies included in The History of Darke County, Ohio published in 1880 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Darke County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Darke County, Ohio family biographies here: Darke County, Ohio Biographies

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