Blackledge, Oliver J.

BLACKLEDGE, PAXTON, TURCK, MOLER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/11/2009 at 09:31:02

~ Oliver J. Blackledge ~

Although he has resided in Palo Alto Township but a comparatively brief period, Mr. Blackledge has lived in Jasper County throughout almost the entire period of his active life, and he is, therefore, familiarly known to the majority of his fellow-citizens. Now in the prime of life, he has secured, through his unaided efforts, a large amount of success, and both as a farmer and a citizen has gained the confidence of his associates. His home is pleasantly situated on section 25, where he owns and cultivates two hundred acres of arable land.

A native of Jay County, Ind., the subject of this sketch was born July 15, 1852, being a son of Jason R. and Mary (Paxton) Blackledge, who were born in Ohio. He was a child of four years when brought by his parents to Jasper County, and here he has since resided. The family became early settlers of Elk Creek Township, whence, some years after locating there, they removed to Buena Vista Township, and later went to Newton, Iowa, where the father and mother still make their home, being now advanced in years. He is a prominent man in the town and is a devoted adherent of the People's Party.

The family of which our subject is a member consists of six surviving children, namely: Oliver J., Lindley, Eugene S., Owen S., Gertrude and Mattie. Oliver J. was reared to manhood in Jasper County, and in his youth assisted in clearing the land and tilling the soil, which he plowed with oxen. After completing the studies of the common schools, he entered Hazel Dell Academy, at Newton, where he conducted his literary studies for two years. Afterward he engaged in teaching school for two years, and upon abandoning that profession accepted a position as a clerk in a mercantile establishment in Newton, where he remained for some time.

The first marriage of Mr. Blackledge united him with Miss Ernie Turck, the wedding ceremony taking place in October 1874. One son, Virgil, was born of this union. In March 1877, Mr. Blackledge was united in marriage with the estimable lady who now bears his name and who presides with gracious hospitality over his pleasant home. She bore the maiden name of Lizzie Moler and has always been a resident of Jasper County, where she still lives. She has three children: Zeller O., Thad L., and Janet N. In the spring of 1888 Mr. Blackledge settled upon the farm where he has since made his home.

Since coming to Palo Alto Township our subject has been prominently identified with political affairs as a leader in the People's Party. He has served as Township Trustee for three years, and has occupied other positions of responsibility, where his ability and energy have been instrumental in promoting the interests of his fellow-citizens. In his religious connections he is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a faithful worker on behalf of that denomination. He has officiated as Sunday-school Superintendent, and is a prominent worker among the children. He is meeting with success as an agriculturist, and, richly merits the confidence of the community and the high regard of his acquaintances. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper,
Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA Page 423.