Excerpt
of the book "Writer and Engraver's Picture of Graham County's Progress
Since Its Organization" (1906)
(page 9)
The
subject of this sketch, Superintendent Frank Blackburn, was born in
Pennsylvania in 1870, and in 1885 came to Graham county with his parents who
homesteaded in Hill City township. He received his education in the schools of
Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. In 1887, when he was but 17 years of age, Mr.
Blackburn received a teacherŐs certificate and began what proved to be his life
work.
No man has
been so closely in touch with the educational life of Graham county for the
past 18 years as has Mr. Blackburn. 16 years of that time he taught with marked
success in the country schools during the winter months, and attended to the
duties of the farm, the remaining months of the year. The winter of 1904 and
1905, he was the superintendent of the Hill City schools and was the same year
elected to the County Superintendency.
His term
in the Hill City schools was decidedly successful, but the office of County
Superintendent needed him and he was chosen by the people to fill that place.
Our people
recognized that Graham county is a county of homes, and they realized the
importance of their educational institutions in fostering the growth of these
homes.
The
schools of the county have done and are doing more to promote the healthy
growth and desirable citizenship than all other agencies combined.
The
success of these important institutions depend much upon the Superintendent and
in selecting Mr. Blackburn for the place the people chose wisely and well.
He is
thoroughly alive to the interests of each and every one of the schools, and his
practical knowledge has been of unestimable value to the teachers of the
county.
Mr.
Blackburn has a strong personality and genial manner, and would have risen in
any vocation or profession. His sterling quality of head and heart have won for
him a high standing among Graham county people.
In 1893
Mr. Blackburn was married to Miss Essie Worcester and to them have been born 3
bright boys. Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn live in their neat 5 roomed cottage in Hill
City, but still own their fine 480 acre farm which was formerly their home.