Thomas Rolander Blackburn was born Dec. 23, 1794 in Jefferson County, West Virginia to William and Mary Adham Blackburn. Thomas was the 6th child born. Thomas married Mary Ann H. Wright April 6th 1817 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. To this union there was 8 children born. Thomas R. Blackburn, 73 years old died at the Staunton residence of Capt. J. C. Marquis on August 28 1867.