M.W. John C. Blackman 1859

John C. Blackman

The twenty-fifth occupant of the Grand Master's chair, John C. Blackman, was born in Danbury, September 11, 1807, his father being· John Blackman and his mother Laura Clark. We know nothing of his education but believe that he was early associated in business with his father who was a jeweler and silversmith. In 1829, or nearly as soon as possible, Union Lodge, No. 40, opened its doors to· him and made him its Master in 1833 and 1834.

In 1837 he left Danbury and continued his jewelry business iI, Bridgeport under the firm name of Blackman & Warner. He soon affiliated with St. John's Lodge, No.3, and again served as Master, this time for the years 1844 and 1845. It is recorded that he was High Priest of Jerusalem Chapter, No. 13, R. A. M., Treasurer of Jerusalem Council, No. 16, R. and S. M., Treasurer of Hamilton Commmandery, No.5, K. T., and a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies.

After serving two years on the committee on By-Laws in the Grand Lodge, Brother Blackman was elected Grand Senior Warden in 1856. In May, 1859, he became Grand Master and served but one year.

Records of the City of Bridgeport show that he took an active interest in the municipal government serving on the City Council from 1854 to 1861. For a large part of this time he was a member of the Finance Committee. This agrees with a statement which described him as a "substantial citizen in public affairs.” We close this account with his death December 8, 1872, and burial in Danbury.