Biographies | 1896 Bios
Joseph William Blackman
Our subject is descended from one of the early families of New England. His father, Edward Prindell Blackman, was born and reared in Vermont, and when a young man left his native State, emigrating Westward. Locating in Miami county, Indiana, he there engaged in the mercantile business and also carried on a hotel for four years. He was married while there to Miss Eliza Ann Williams, a native of Ohio, and they became parents of a son and daughter while living in the Hoosier State. In the year 1854 Mr. Blackman disposed of his business interests in Indiana and came with his family to Iowa, locating on a farm in Boone township, Dallas county, which he transformed from a raw tract into rich and fertile fields, and continued its cultivation until his death, which occurred in 1861.
The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch was born in Indiana, on the 11th of May, 1848, and was the eldest of the family of four children. His father died when he was thirteen years of age, and he remained at home, carrying on the farm for his mother until her death, in 1875. He then went to Waukee, Iowa, with his younger brother, whom he intended to place in school there, while he should devote his energies to mercantile pursuits. For four weeks he continued in that place. but found no favorable opening for business, and in consequence came to De Soto. He traded a farm which he owned, in Adel township, for a stock of goods, opened a store in this place, put his brother in school, and then devoted his energies untiringly to his business pursuits. In connection with his store he carried on a hotel and livery stable for a number of years. During the years 1887, 1888 and 1889 he owned a half interest in the large tile and brick factory of this place, and then sold out to his brother. In August, 1895, he also sold his extensive general mercantile establishment, and is now devoting his entire time to his cold-storage and butchering business. He runs a slaughterhouse in connection with his butcher shop. His cold-storage building has a capacity of over 2,000 cases of eggs, and his business place altogether covers an area of twenty-five acres. He has been very prosperous in his undertakings, and in addition to his other property he owns 200 acres of land in Boone township, Dallas county; and 162 acres in Guthrie county, Iowa,-all rented and under a high state of cultivation.
On the 11th of September, 1876, Mr. Blackman was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Smith, who was born in Ohio and reared in Illinois. Their wedding was celebrated in De Soto; and their union has been blessed with two children: Mabel, born October 15, 1879; and Dora Bere, born September 16, 1884. They also lost one daughter, Letha May, born in October, 1877. She lived only one month. The home of the family is one of the finest residences in De Soto and is tastefully and beautifully furnished, while its hospitable doors are ever open for the reception of their many friends.
Mr. Blackman is a stalwart Republican in politics and has held the offices of School Director and Town Councilman at different times, but seeks no political honors. He is a member of De Soto Lodge, No. 400, I. O. O. F., and both he and his wife hold membership with the Christian Church, and take an active part in its work and upbuilding. His reputation as a straightforward, honorable business man is one that might well be envied. He has ever pursued a business policy that commends him to the confidence and regard of all, while his capable management, energy and perseverance have brought to him a well deserved competence.
A Memorial and Biographical Record of Iowa, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company 1896, pg. 401.