Transcript:Indiana, United States. Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties/B/Blacklidge, Alfred

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Alfred Blacklidge (p 656)

For just half a century Alfred Blacklidge has been engaged in business in Metamora, during which period he has materially aided in maintaining the high financial standing of this place. He enjoys a truly enviable reputation as a merchant and citizen, his honorable, straightforward course in life meriting the commendation of those with whom he has dealings.

Among the first pioneers of Franklin County was the paternal grandfather of our subject, Jacob Blacklidge, who settled in what is now known as Blooming Grove Township in 1813. He was a native of Virginia, his birth having occurred August 17, 1770, and when he arrived at man's estate, he immigrated to Kentucky, where he spent a few years, prior to his removal to this county. Here he cleared a farm in the forest and made a comfortable home for his family. A typical frontiersman, he endured hardships to which his descendants are utter strangers, yet without a murmur of complaint, and helped to pave the way for the prosperity and civilization that followed. Late in life, he settled in Rush County, where his death took place December 13, 1849, and within a month his faithful wife joined him in the spirit world, her death occurring January 7, 1850, when she was nearly seventy-eight years of age. Both are sleeping their last sleep in the peaceful cemetery at Metamora. Mrs. Blacklidge was a native of Kentucky and in her girlhood bore the name of Charlotte Laville. Of their five sons and a daughter, four were born before the removal of the family to Indiana, and all have been summoned to the silent land. They were named as follows: James, Joel, John, Harvey, Alvin and Drusilla, and each of them married and left children.

Harvey Blacklidge, the father of our subject, was the last of his parents' family to pass away. Born in Somerset, Kentucky, September 17, 1802, he was about eleven years of age when he came to this county, and here he grew to manhood, sharing the privations and labors necessary in a new country. After his marriage to Selina Gordon, who was born January 29, 1809, a daughter of William Gordon, he located in Metamora Township, and dwelt upon one farm there until 1857. That year he removed to Decatur County, Indiana, where he resided until he was bereft of his wife, who died September 14, 1868. Returning then to Metamora, he lived with his unmarried daughter, Albina, until his death, February 18, 1889. Another daughter, Angeline, became the wife of Peter C. Woods and died at her home in Illinois, several years ago. Albina also died a few years ago. Elizabeth, the third daughter, married William Stout and is a resident of Oklahoma. William and John are citizens of Metamora, and Milton lives in Madison County, Indiana. Henry gave his life to his country during the Civil War. He enlisted as a member of the Eighteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in the battle of Foster's Farm, near Richmond, Virginia, May 10, 1864.

Alfred Blacklidge, the eldest of his parents' children, was born on the old homestead in Metamora Township, October 30, 1827. Though he was reared to agricultural pursuits, he early decided to enter the mercantile field of endeavor, and obtained a position as a clerk in a Metamora store in 1848. Having become thoroughly familiar with the business and having carefully accumulated a small capital, he invested it in a stock of goods in September 1861. Since that time, nearly two-score years, he has been one of the leading merchants of the town, just and fair in all his transactions, and highly esteemed by every one.

In his early manhood Mr. Blacklidge was united in marriage to Elizabeth Edgerton, a daughter of Mortimer Edgerton, who with his wife came to this state from Penn Yan, New York, being numbered among the pioneers of Laurel Township, Franklin County. Four daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Blacklidge, of whom Ella is the wife of William Chidester, of Indianapolis; and Miss Kate is at home. Mary became the wife of Dr. E. L. Patterson, and died at their home in Brookville, June 6, 1898. Grace died at the age of twenty-six years. Mrs. Blacklidge and daughters are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

One of the oldest Odd Fellows in Indiana, Mr. Blacklidge joined the order on the 5th of April 1849, only ten days after the Protection Lodge was organized, that event having taken place March 24. In his political convictions he is a Republican. A high standard of morality and elevated principles have always governed the actions of this worthy citizen, and he may well be proud of the fact that he has never tasted liquor nor tobacco in any form. His example, in every particular, might well serve as a model to the younger generation, who are soon to take the places so long and honorably filled by those of his own.