The National tribune., 1888-01-05

carpenter g trade.
While there, and at the age of il, ne was con-
verified, and joined the NJ. E. Church, in which
faith he was an earnest and consistent disciple
until death called him home.
In 1850 he went to Richmond, Va. to work
at his trade and from there to Charleston, S. O.,
at which latter place he was working when the
rebellion broke out. He was always outspoken,
and was spotted :" by the Secession leaders.
He was closely watched, and plans were laid to
kidnap him, but fortunately q note of warning
reached him, and he made his escape from
the city the night before the time set for
his capture. He was followed on his way to-
ward Washington, making several narrow
escapes; but by great good fortune he eluded
his pursuers, and at last had the satisfaction of
standing on loyal soil and among relatives and
friends.
On the first call for three-months volunteers
he enlisted in the 10th Ohio, and was mustered
out with his company at the expiration OF the
term. Again, May %, 1852, he entered the serv-
ice as Second Lieutenant, Co. J. S6th Ohio, to
serve three months. He served faithfully and
honorably, and was mustered out with his COM
pany Sept. %, 1862. For some time subsequent
to this he was engaged in the recruiting service
in his State, and March %, 1864, was commits
stoned by the Governor as First Lieutenant In
the Goth Ohio. He was assigned to Co. III of
that regiment, and mustered in with the COM
pany April l, 1854, at Columbus, for three
OF the Potomac, where he rendered valiant
service during the great campaigns which end
ed in the investment of Petersburg and finally
in the overthrow of the rebellion In the as
sault on Petersburg he received severe wound
in the head, and also had his left arm shattered,
necessitating amputation near the shoulder,
which took him from the field for a time. But
his was not nature long to remain idle, and
he was soon again at the front, dealing heavy
blows with his strong right arm for the sup
preston Of treason. April IL, 1865 he was
commissioned and mustered in as Captain in
| the Goth Ohio was assigned to Co. A. and serv-
ed in that capacity until July %, 1865, when
he was mustered cut with his company at
| Washington, ID. G.
! Returning to his home in Ohio he remained
! there until the Winter of 1862, when he came
| 60 Washington and obtained position as Chief
1 of the Capitol Police, which under his direc-
/ tions was reorganized and placed on a far more
| efficient basis He filed this position some
/ eight years with entire satisfaction to all and
it was while serving in this capacity, and at the
| time of the Hayes-Tilden controversy, that he
discovered plot to capture and spirit away
| the ballot boxes, aud thus prevent the seating
| of the President-eleet.
This plan was frustrated by the prompt and
intelligent action of Capt Blaekford, who inn
mediately put numerous detectives at work
among the crowds of corners and goers aud
|
Capitol with heavy details Of police. Had it
not been for his prompt and energetic action
and his untiring personal attention at that
time, the history of the Electoral Commission
and of the Presidents of the United States
might, and doubtless would, be far different
from what it is to-day.
Subsequent to his connection with the Capt.
toll Police he has occupied different positions of
responsibility in the Departments at Washing
ton, and at the time of his death was Chief of a
Division in the Agricultural Department. His
fidelity and loyalty to the Government and to
every trust confided to him was never question:
ed and be was noted for the faithful discharge
of every duty of life.
In all his home and social life the Captain
was free and open-hearted, honest and honora-
bic in all things. Brave almost to Iashness,
generous to fault, he was aetuated only by
principle, and was therefore never afraid to
act. A soldier of soldiers, a man of men, a
Christian of Christians, he was ever found on
the side of law, order, justice and humanity
and his life went out in work which he had,
by sheer force circumstances, esponsed while
yet very young, and his interest in which the
experiences of later years had but served TO
| intensity and deepen with love toward all
and malice toward none" he expired, not in a
war ON his fellow-men, but against the &C
cursed traffic which had been the blight of his
life from earliest childhood. Reqaiescat IN pace.