Francis A. Blackburn, P. O. Blackburn. Son of Dr. Churchill J. and Eleanor M. Blackburn, of Woodford county, Kentucky, and Paris, Kentucky; was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, where he lived to his thirteenth year of age, when he moved with his parents to Covington, Kentucky. In August, 1859, he was married in Covington, to Miss Lydia Paxton, daughter of A. M. and Sallie B. Paxton. The fruits of this union were six boys, three of whom are now living: Marshall P., Churchill J., and John D. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Blackburn was a wholesale grocer, conducting business in Cincinnati, and continued so engaged until the war broke out, when he bought a mill in Covington. In 1863 he moved to Woodford county, where he purchased a large estate, and went to farming and stock-raising. In 1858 he moved to Missouri, and settled on a farm in the western part of this county, on part of which the town of Blackburn now stands. Saline county is, perhaps, more indebted to Mr. Blackburn for improved stock, horses and cattle, than to any other one man. Among the horses imported from Kentucky by him, were Mambrino, Champion and Donerail and Tom Paine. He also owned Greenwood and Boone Chief. He dealt also in Short-horn and Jersey cattle, and in Cotswold sheep. He was first master of the Grange, and founder of the town of Blackburn, the place being named for him. He was greatly instrumental in bringing the C. & A. R. R. through Elmwood township. The sad circumstances of his death were thus: While preparing for a hunting expedition, and while exhibiting the working of a new pistol to a friend, it was accidentally discharged, the ball entering his left breast, and killing him instantly. His widow, Mrs. Lydia A. Blackburn, still lives upon, and carries on the farm, aided by her sons.
