A Soldier, Settler, and Village Founder

BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF

Israel Blackburn

In the mid-1800s, a man named Israel “Larry” Blackburn made a journey few could have imagined—one that began in slavery in Kentucky and ended in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he became one of the village’s early founders. Born into bondage, Blackburn’s life reflects endurance, service, and a lasting civic legacy.

From Slavery to Soldier

Israel Larry Blackburn was born on May 3, 1818, in Mercer County, Kentucky, enslaved on the farm of John Bowman. He remained enslaved until 1864, when he was sold to the Union Army during the Civil War. Soon after, he enlisted in Company C of the 124th U.S. Colored Infantry, serving as a sergeant. Blackburn remained in service until his honorable discharge on June 23, 1865.

A New Life in Downers Grove

In 1866, with the war behind him, Blackburn traveled north to Illinois with his children and settled in the growing farming community of Downers Grove. That same year, he acquired 2.47 acres of land at the southwest corner of Forest and Curtiss Streets from Samuel Curtiss. He farmed the land for many years, growing vegetables—including celery—and selling produce locally.

Known fondly as “Uncle Larry,” he was remembered as a tall, gentle man with a long beard and a welcoming spirit. Though he had been born enslaved, in Downers Grove he became a respected landowner and citizen. On March 31, 1873, Blackburn’s signature appeared among the 38 residents who petitioned to officially incorporate the village, recognizing him as one of Downers Grove’s founding figures. He even ran for mayor that same year.

A Quiet Force for Service and Memory

Blackburn was also an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), the Union veterans’ organization. Each Decoration Day—now Memorial Day—he joined other veterans in placing flags and flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers at Main Street Cemetery, honoring the sacrifices of both Black and white servicemen.

His quiet acts of remembrance stood as early gestures of unity and shared purpose in a still-divided nation.

Legacy and Recognition

Israel Blackburn died on March 15, 1902, at the Old Soldiers Home in Danville, Illinois, and was laid to rest in Downers Grove’s Main Street Cemetery. For many years, his contributions faded from public memory until the Downers Grove Historical Society revived his story. In 2024, he was named the society’s “Founder of the Year,” bringing long-overdue recognition to his impact on the community.

Village leaders also honored Blackburn at the new Village Hall with a dedicated plaza bearing his name, The Blackburn Civil Rights Plaza, ensuring future generations learn about the man whose life journey from enslavement to community leader helped shape the character of Downers Grove.

More than a century after his passing, Israel Larry Blackburn’s story stands as a testament to perseverance, service, and the promise of belonging at the heart of the Downers Grove community.