Sylvanus was the eldest son of Josiah and Rachael Bryant Blackburn. He married Catherine Brewer 15 Dec 1827 in Maury, TN. They were childhood sweethearts who married at age 16.
Sylvanus and Catherine became the first settlers in the valley of War Eagle River in 1832. He built the first grist mill that was used by all the settlers. It was rebuilt and served the community until the Civil War when it was burned by the Confederates to prevent it from falling into Union hands. Their son rebuilt it in 1874, this mill burned down in 1924. The fourth War Eagle Mill now stands on the foundation of the other 3 mills.
Sylvanus built a large two story house for his family of 9 children and 8 adopted children. This home still stand across the river from War Eagle Mill. He built a prayer room and led a worship service every Sunday morning. He was the spiritual and educational leader of the community and formed the first school. He also operated a saw mill, carpentry shop and blacksmith.
When Catherine died 13 Mar 1890 after 63 years of marriage, Sylvanus instructed her grave to be dug wide and left open. He said that he had been with her since they were 16 and he had no desire to live without her. He retired to his prayer room for prayer and meditation and died in his sleep five days later.
Sylvanus was the eldest son of Josiah and Rachael Bryant Blackburn. He married Catherine Brewer 15 Dec 1827 in Maury, TN. They were childhood sweethearts who married at age 16.
Sylvanus and Catherine became the first settlers in the valley of War Eagle River in 1832. He built the first grist mill that was used by all the settlers. It was rebuilt and served the community until the Civil War when it was burned by the Confederates to prevent it from falling into Union hands. Their son rebuilt it in 1874, this mill burned down in 1924. The fourth War Eagle Mill now stands on the foundation of the other 3 mills.
Sylvanus built a large two story house for his family of 9 children and 8 adopted children. This home still stand across the river from War Eagle Mill. He built a prayer room and led a worship service every Sunday morning. He was the spiritual and educational leader of the community and formed the first school. He also operated a saw mill, carpentry shop and blacksmith.
When Catherine died 13 Mar 1890 after 63 years of marriage, Sylvanus instructed her grave to be dug wide and left open. He said that he had been with her since they were 16 and he had no desire to live without her. He retired to his prayer room for prayer and meditation and died in his sleep five days later.
Gravesite Details
Son of Josiah H. and Rachel "Bryant" Blackburn.
Family Members
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Josiah Hackney "Joseph" Blackburn II
1829–1895
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Rachel Elizabeth Blackburn Burks
1834–1918
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CPT William Jasper Blackburn
1836–1899
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Daniel Newton Blackburn
1839–1884
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COL James Alexander Cameron Blackburn
1841–1919
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Louisa K. Blackburn Burks
1844–1888
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Zimri Jackson Blackburn
1846–1888
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Margaret Ann Blackburn
1849–1860
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Records on Ancestry
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