BLACKFORD, EDWIN

BLACKFORD, CALL, PAINE, TUTTLE, JONES

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 5/24/2004 at 13:49:49

Biography reproduced from page 326 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

Edwin Blackford, secretary of the Kossuth County Mutual Fire Insurance Association, has spent much of his life in Algona, although for several years he resided upon the Pacific coast. His salient characteristics are such as commend him to the confidence and good will of his fellow townsmen and he is held in high esteem in Kossuth county, his warmest friends being those who have known him longest. This indicates an upright, honorable life. Mr. Blackford was born in St. Joseph county, Indiana, September 26, 1846, his parents being J. E. and Mary M. (Call) Blackford. The father was one of the earliest settlers of Kossuth county and was prominently identified with those events which shaped the early annals of this part of the state. The son pursued his education in the public schools of Algona, and afterward took up the study of law being admitted to the bar in Indiana in 1872. In the fall of the following year he removed westward to California, where he engaged in various pursuits until he returned to Algona in the fall of 1884. Here he took up merchandising and later became one of the organizers of the Kossuth County Mutual Fire Insurance Association, of which he was made the secretary. He has been active in systematizing and developing this business, his energy and industry being prime factors in its success. He readily recognizes and improves opportunities and in guiding the destinies of the insurance association has given proof of his sound judgment and keen discrimination.

While residing in California Mr. Blackford was married to Miss Emily E. Paine, a daughter of Captain H. E. Paine, of Omaha, Nebraska, who was prominently connected with the building of the Union Pacific Railroad up to the time of his death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blackford were born three children. Ellison E. enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war and died in 1904 from disease contracted at Chickamauga, Tennessee, while encamped with his regiment there. Alice M. is the wife of E. B. Tuttle, an electrical engineer connected with the Bell Telephone Company at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Katy M. is the wife of Horace D. Jones, of Boise, Idaho. Mr. Blackford holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Algona and has passed through all the chairs, his brethren of the fraternity recognizing in him one who is always loyal to its interests and ideals. He has a wide acquaintance in Algona, is esteemed for many sterling traits of character and justly deserves to be classed with the leading citizens here.