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Blackburn Family Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Coll. 045

Scope Note

The collection, documenting this most unusual relationship between slaveowner and his slave family, measures 1/4 linear foot and spans the period of 1849-1937.

Although small in size, the collection contains several historical documents of interest. There are two documents of manumission; one for Francis Randol and her seven children, the other for Robert Blackburn her adult son. A major portion of the materials relate to John R. Blackburn (1841-1927), one of the noted Black educators of nineteenth century. Included are an autobiographical sketch written in 1923, several biographical sketches about John R. Blackburn, correspondence from his father William Blackburn and newsclippings. Also included are a family history, an account of Robert Blackburn's escape from slavery, Francis Randol Blackburn's bank book and several photographs.

Dates

  • Creation: 1849-1937

Biographical Sketch

The Blackburns were a family born into slavery. Francis Randol bore several offspring who were fathered by the slave owner, William Blackburn. He recognized paternity, freed the entire family, transported them out of the south, and continued to support them financially until his death.

Source: Blackburn Family Papers, autobiography of John R. Blackburn and obituaries. Box 45-1 Folder 2

John R. Blackburn

1841 April
Born a slave in Essex County, Virginia. Son of Fanny Randol, slave; and William Blackburn, slave owner.
1849
Emancipated along with his mother and six sisters and brothers by his father, William Blackburn.
1859-1861
Attended Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
1861-1871
Served as Principal of Xenia Public Schools, Evansville, Indiana.
1864
Joined the Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Ohio in 1864 in Wilberforce Lodge No. 21, Xenia,
1872
Received an Honorary AM Degree from Alcorn University.
1873
Became Principal of the Xenia High School, Evansville, Indiana.
1875
Married Lottie J. Needham of Xenia.
1879 Dec. 23
Lottie Needham Blackburn died.
1880 Aug. 9
Married Estelle C. Yates.
1883
Received an Honorary AM Degree from Dartmouth College.
1884-1891
Served as Trustee of Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.
1889
Served as Principal and Instructor of Mathematics in the public school system of Ohio.
1917
Became Professor of Mathematics at McCall's Industrial School, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1920-1937
Taught Mens Bible Class at Bethel Colored Baptist Church.
1926
Retired.
1937
Died

Extent

0.25 Linear feet

Language of Materials

English

Source

This collection was donated in 1976 to Howard University by Mrs. Dolly Blackburn (a descendent by marriage).

Subtitle
Collection 045
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Sharon Green
Date
August 1986
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center Repository

Contact:
500 Howard Place NW
Washington DC 20059 United States
202-806-7480