The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1922-04-13

Known throughout the state as an
able orator and student of econom-
les, national an international affairs,
as well as being honest and fearless,
many people believe Mr.. Blackney
will be a great credit to his district if
elected.
Because of his fair attitude to lab
or, the farmers and common people
in general, it is expected that he will
make an exceptionally strong race.
Mr.. Blackney's biography reads
like pages out of books concerning
other self-made men.
A. shadow of pathos hung over the
Blackney home the day William w.
was born, for his father died that
very same day. Not leaving a great
deal of wealth, it was a hard struggle
for the Blackney family in the years
after the fathers death.
William w. Blackney has lived in
the Sixth Congressional District all of
his life. He was born in the village
of Clio, Genesee County, August
28th, 1876, the youngest of eight
children, born to William w. and
Frances M. (BelD Blackney.
Working at odd jobs from the time
he was able, such as clerking in
stores and selling books after school
hours and during vacations, young
Blackney graduated from the Clio
high school in 1894. 1t was hard
struggle on the part of Mrs. Blackney
to keep her young son in school on
account of financial difficulties, but
being a wonderful mother and highly
educated she sacrificed much to have
her young son obtain at least high
school education.
After graduating from the Clio
high school, Mr.. Blackney taught
school for ten years. the last year
of which he was superintendent of
schools at Clio.
In that year, 1904, he was nomi-
mated by the Republicans of Genesee
County for the office Of county clerk
and was elected in November of the
same year. He was twice reelected
to that office.
Upon the completion of his third
term. at the age of 80 years, he en-
tered the University of Michigan at
Ann Arbor to study law
So strong in his quest for learn
ing, Mr.. Blackney entered the Uni
versity the day after his term as
county clerk expired. 1t will be not
ed that Mr.. Blackney had worked for
13 years after leaving high school to
obtain enough money to pay for his
college education and was 32 years of
age at the time of his matriculation,
the age when most graduated attor-
neys have had seven or eight years ex-
perience practicing law. 1t is an un-
usual case and very striking illus
tration of how Mr.. Blackney has al
ways sought to better himself mental
ly.
Mr.. Blacknev graduated from the
University of Michigan in 1912 with
the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and
was admitted to the bar shortly after
wards, and formed partnership with
Clifford A. Bishop. prosecuting at
torney of Genesee County, under the
firm name Of Bishop e. Blackney.
The firm name was changed few
years ago when Leo M. Church was
admitted to the partnership and now
it is Bishop. Blackney & Church.
Mr.. Blackney served as assistant
prosecutor unoer his partner in law,
Mr.. Bishop. lie was also a member
Of the school board, and gave that
office his most thoughtful attention.
Mr.. Blackney married Cassie F..
Miller of Swartz Creek and three
children have been born to them.
At the present time Mr.. Blackney
has one of the largest law practices in
Flint, and If he is elected to Con-
gress he will lose financially by so
doing. However, he is keenly inter-