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THE STORY AS I KNOW IT

James William Addison Blackburn was born Dec.25, 1878 in Caldwell County, Kentucky.  The front page story of his death in the Twice-A-Week Leader, Jan. 27, 1931 of Princeton Kentucky stated "Mr. Blackburn was fifty-three years old, celebrating his last birthday Dec. 25th, an anniversary that he delighted to keep, because it fell upon Christmas day."  His parents and place of birth were also given in the article.  His parents were George Walter Blackburn and Rosannabell Crowell. He was raised on a farm near Farmersville at Rufus.

James W.A. Blackburn wed Mabel Hubbard on Dec. 26, 1899 eloping to Metropolis, IL. They were married by Thomas Siggell. Their wedding certificate hangs on our wall. If anyone would like a copy CONTACT US

His son, Clinton, wrote most details in this piece in a Memoir in 1988.

Jim and Mabel lived on a farm. It was the same farm he was raised on. Piney Creek ran through their farm. There was a hickory grove, orchard, typical farm animals and produce. Mabel’s particular domain was the turkey flock, egg layers and tobacco, all cash endeavors. There were still a few scattered bands of Indians in the area. Jim and Mabel allowed them to camp for indefinite periods along the creek bank. Mabel said their property was never looted or damaged in any way. 

JWA paid his parents $500 for 55 acres "on the waters of Caney fork of Donaldson".....eastward to Buchanan creek thence down the same to the mouth of the same", on Nov. 16, 1900.  The Notary this transfer was made in his presence was W. W. Blackburn. I don't have the Deed Book Number, but the page number is 542./543.  Then on Page 544 is another deed from W. W. Blackburn to J.W.A. Blackburn for $250 dollars to be paid over a 2 + years.  The number of acres is not included but it too was on the water of Caney Fork, etc.   So must have been adjacent to the other parcel.  It was actually dated first.  Nov. 13 1900.  W.W. Blackburn was Jim's grandfather. He died in May of 1902.

Jim and Mabel had 4 children.   They are listed in the Hubbard Family Bible , which I have.
1. Alta Pauline, born Dec. 17, 1900 but died within 3 weeks on Jan. 3, 1901.
2. Alla or Allie Reba, born in March 13, 1902 married Fletcher Farmer, also of Caldwell County.  She died in May 1971.
3. George Oscar, born in July 1904 died a few months old in Sept 1904.
4. Clinton Hubbard, born August 24, 1916 lived to 1993

Jim and Mabel were members of the Farmersville Baptist Church. He served as a deacon. Later they became members of the Princeton First Baptist Church.

Jim's father, George Blackburn died in 1905.  At that time he was living and owned 39 acres of the farm.  On March 18, 1905 these 39 acres were deeded to Rosa Blackburn, George's widow by George's "heirs at law".  Rosa remarried in  1906, but her 2nd husband died in 1910.  We are not sure where she went to live at that time, but on Dec 10, 1910 the "Heirs at law" sold their interests in the 39 acres to their sister, Narlie Stallions.  Caldwell Deed Book, unknown, page 524 and 525.

In December 1919, Jim decided the family had to move to the county seat of Princeton. The specific reason given was that Jim was rather short and round and found summer farm work always produced an extensive heat rash. He built 2 houses near the edge of town, one to live in and one to rent. He also bought a third small house in a poor section of town, which they rented. Mabel refused to look at them until she moved in. Mabel regretted leaving the farm the rest of her long life. Years later, she admitted that the primary reason for the move was so that Clinton could get an education.

The Deed is found on page 250, Book # unknown, maybe Deed Book 29.  JWA Blackburn purchased a parcel of ground in the Highland addition , lot #2 on Nov. 3, 1919.  However, I have not found a deed where he sold his 55 acres of farmland.

Jim at first went to work for the I.C. railroad at the roundhouse. A year later the rail system went on strike. When the union leaders negotiated a settlement short of the stated reasons for the strike, Jim refused to return to work. He was a man of principal and compromise was not in his vocabulary. He joined the local police force and eventually became the chief of police. Mabel had an extensive garden and raised chickens.

Princeton was the county seat for Caldwell County. It was not large, 5000 population, but it had the railroad shops, and small industry. The small police force was known to everyone and to his son, Jim was always available. Clinton would stop by his office after school or see him on the street.

During Prohibition days there was a "War" in southwestern Kentucky. The stills in near-by Golden Pond shipped high-level moonshine to the eastern cities and Europe. The Feds worked to stop it. Still raids led to gun battles, which led to a series of dynamited buildings, including the courthouse and then home of the Prosecuting Attorney. When that blew out the windows of the Blackburn home Clinton was moved to safety but their home was not a target.

Jim developed diabetes in 1925. He dieted but did not take insulin. He must have written his will after learning that he was diabetic. It is dated March 10, 1925. It states that his wife, Mabel was to have and control all of his property of any kind. It further sates "I... do not want any lawyer to have any part in my estate." We have a copy of the will and the recording statement of Feb. 16, 1931.

On Sunday morning, Jan 25, 1931 Jim had a virus and sent Clinton on to church alone. Before church was over, Jim went into a coma and died that night. His death was the lead story of the Princeton newspaper, The Twice-A-Week Leader. It said this "Well known and popular city official suddenly stricken with diabetic ailment....He was honest to a fault, and a loyal Christian gentleman....."

Clinton wrote in the Memoire " the First Baptist church was a big church. It was packed. We were told later a large crowd had gathered outside....When the casket cleared the front door the court house bell started tolling and continued throughout the funeral procession through town, to the grave site and did not stop until the casket was lowered into the ground. Also, when the casket cleared the church doors all businesses emptied, owners, clerks and customers lined the sidewalks in a silent farewell gesture as the funeral procession crept through the center of town. He was a loved and respected man...." He was buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Princeton. His tombstone reads "J. W. A. Blackburn Dec 25, 1877 Jan 25, 1931"  on the side is the emblem of the Woodmen of the World Memorial.

The houses were paid for, but he had cosigned a loan for a brother. The brother never paid it and Mabel was left with a $5000 debt in the middle of the Depression. What little insurance he had only paid for his funeral and burial. Mabel could make a quarter last a month. They had chickens, a cow, a garden and the rental properties. It was hard, but they made it. The debt was finally paid for when Clinton was grown and he bought the rental house. The third house was sold.

Mabel lived as a widow for 40 years. She was laid to rest beside him in August 1971.

If you know the answer please CONTACT US

1. what were the deed book #s,
2.  get the sale of the farm in 1919.