Alexander BLACKMORE, farmer, section 8, is one of the old pioneers of Monroe Township. He was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, December 18, 1830. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth (THOMPSON) BLACKMORE, the former a native of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Beaver County. They had five children - Alexander, Martha, Jane, Elizabeth and Samuel. When Mr. BLACKMORE was eight years of age the family removed to Richland, now Ashland County, Ohio, where his early life was spent upon a farm and in attending the subscription schools held in log schoolhouses.

In September, 1856, he was married to Miss Ann SNEER, a native of Huron County, Ohio, daughter of John and Elizabeth (SIMMONS) SNEER. A short time after his marriage he started for Iowa, with a team, and spent the winter of 1856-'7 in Monroe Township with his brother-in-law Isaac OLIVER. The following spring he located in Union Township where he bought eighty acres of land and resided upon it six years. He then sold, and purchased his present farm of 138 acres, of his father. Here he has since resided and further improved the farm until he has on of the best improved farms in his township. He owns 199 acres, a fine residence built in 1883, modern style, bay windows, and porticos, and well furnished. He has also a good barn, and out-buildings for stock, a good orchard, and everything about the premises shows the industry and thrift of its owner. He also owns eighty acres of improved land on section 16.

Mr. and Mrs. BLACKMORE are the parents of five children but two are living - John and Nellie. Three died in infancy.

He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, and politically is a Republican. He started in life without means, but by industry and good management he has accumulated a fine property. Postoffice, Blackmore.

NOTE: Alexander BLACKMORE died at the age of 66 years on December 5, 1897, with interment at Johnston Cemetery near Kellerton, Ringgold County, Iowa.

Samuel BLACKMORE, Alexander's father, was born in 1803, and died at the age of 77 years, 7 months and 6 days on May 12, 1880. Elizabeth (THOMPSON) BLACKMORE was born in 1813, and died at the age of 67 years in 1880. Samuel and Elizabeth were interred at Johnston Cemetery near Kellerton, Iowa.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, Pp. 325-26, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009

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