Obituary for Charles Mathers Blackburn

(Obit taken from Herald Star, Sat. April 18, 1942) Death Summons C. M. Blackburn- County’s Last Civil War Veteran Stricken.  Taps sounded Friday afternoon for Charles Mathers Blackburn, 96, of Smithfield- Jefferson County’s last Civil War Veteran…[Enlisted in 1863] The last of more than 2,500 Jefferson County “boys in blue” who battled for the North in its struggle against the South.  Mr. Blackburn enlisted on December 17, 1863 in the 98th regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He was 18 years of age.  He served until the end of the Civil War, being transferred to Company G. 74th OVI on May 30, 1865….

He returned to Smithfield and farmed until the death of his wife, Mrs. Mary Naylor Blackburn…He was the honored guest in the Memorial Day Parades in Steubenville.  Mr. Blackburn was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Dan McCook post.  The son of Thomas and Margaret Blackburn and was born near Harrisville on August 12, 1845… A member of the Friends church at Smithfield, Mr. Blackburn also was interested in the religious welfare of the community.

He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Parks, Smithfield, Mrs. James Shane, Martins Ferry, and one son, Denzel Blackburn of Seattle, Washington.  Nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren also survive. 

Funeral services will be held at 2p.m. Tuesday at the Friends church in Smithfield.  Rev. Charles Ball will officiate. Burial will be made in Smithfield Cemetery.

Charles Mathers Blackburn
(Saturday, April 18, 1942 Pg. 1 Herald Star)