Charles Minor Blackford was an American lawyer and writer. He served as president of the People's National Bank of Lynchburg.
Background
Charles Blackford was born on October 17, 1833, at Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States. He came of a family of which there is no American record prior to Benjamin Blackford who was born in New Jersey in 1767, and went to Virginia in 1789. His son, William Matthews Blackford, editor and part owner of the Lynchburg Virginian, married Mary Berkeley Minor, daughter of Gen. John Minor, and Charles Minor Blackford was their second son.
Education
Charles obtained an excellent education from his father, who was a noted scholar, and at private schools at Fredericksburg and Lynchburg. Entering the University of Virginia October 1, 1850, he passed to the Law School, graduating LL. B. in 1855.
Career
On the outbreak of the Civil War Blackford was commissioned first lieutenant in the 2nd Virginia Cavalry, the first mounted regiment organized in Virginia, and took part in the battles of Manassas, Slaughter's Mountain, and Fredericksburg. During the winter of 1863 he was appointed judge advocate of the 16t Army Corps under Longstreet and was present at Gettysburg, Chickamauga, and the Wilderness. On the conclusion of the war he resumed practise at Lynchburg, being the only lawyer in town who kept his office open, for there were no courts and no business.
In 1866 Blackford entered into partnership with Col. T. J. Kirkpatrick and the firm gradually acquired the most extensive legal connection in Virginia, being engaged in much heavy corporation litigation, including Gilbert vs. Washington City Virginia Midland Electric Railway Company, which involved the powers and duties of a court of equity in dealing with foreclosure and receivership where there was a plurality of mortgages on different parts of a railway - the largest case up to that time tried in a Virginia court. His cases were always elaborately prepared and in court he was strong and aggressive, though ever courteous to his opponents and deferential to the bench.
Blackford always took a keen interest in local administration, occupying the position of city solicitor from 1869 to 1881 and being for a time a member of the city council and school board. He died at Lynchburg, March 10, 1903.
Achievements
Religion
Blackford was also an influential and active supporter of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Politics
In his early years a Whig and later a Democrat, B; ackford never aspired to office; and the adoption of the free silver plank at the Chicago convention caused him to vote for McKinley at the ensuing presidential election.
Membership
Blackford was an original charter member of the Virginia State Bar Association, he was elected its president in 1894.
Connections
Blackford married Susan Leigh, daughter of Thomas M. Colston of Fauquier County, Virginia, February 19, 1856.