My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT M. BLACKBURN, coal-operator, Blair Station, son of Anthony and Hettie (McGrew) Blackburn, was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1813. His great-grandfather, Anthony Blackburn, was the first settler in the southern portion of that county. John Blackburn, grandfather of R. M., was born there. Anthony, father of R. M., was a native of Westmoreland county, where he always lived, dying within a mile and a half of the place of his birth. Hettie, his wife, also a native of Westmoreland county, is also deceased. There are but four of their children now living: William, who lives on the old homestead; Albira, also of Westmoreland county; Hadassa, who lives with Albira, and Robert M. Robert M., in 1858, married Mary J., daughter of David Megogney, of Jefferson township. Ten years before, he came to Mifflin township, this county, and five years later to Jefferson township. After marriage they located at Coal Valley, where he was engaged in operating mines, the firm name being R. M. Blackburn & Co. He is still interested in the mines, being the oldest coal-operator on the river. Three years ago Mr. Blackburn purchased what is now known as the Blackburn mills, near the mouth of Peters creek, where he now passes most of his time, depending upon his sons to properly superintend the other interests. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn are David B., married and engaged in the coal trade; Oliver A., of Pittsburgh, also engaged in the same business; Kate, Hattie, R. M., Jr., J. Dick, Pollie, Jennie, Mark and John, all of whom are at home except the first two. The parents are members of the M. E. Church.