21 Facts About Timothy Blackstone

Timothy Beach Blackstone was an American railroad executive, businessman, philanthropist, and politician.

Timothy Blackstone is descended from William Blaxton, an early settler of New England.

Timothy Blackstone worked in the railroad industry for most of his life after dropping out of school.

Timothy Blackstone was the benefactor of the James Blackstone Memorial Library in Branford, Connecticut, and his widow donated the Blackstone Memorial Library to the Chicago Public Library in 1902, the first dedicated branch of the Chicago Public Library system.

Timothy Blackstone was born in Branford, Connecticut, the sixth child, and fourth son, of James Timothy Blackstone and Sarah Beach.

William Timothy Blackstone, an English judge and jurist, is a distant cousin.

In 1851, Roswell invited Timothy Blackstone to supervise construction of the Illinois Central Railroad between Bloomington and Dixon, Illinois.

Timothy Blackstone accepted the job and moved to La Salle, Illinois.

Timothy Blackstone was elected mayor of LaSalle in 1854 and served a single term, his only foray into politics.

Timothy Blackstone became president of the Joliet and Chicago Railroad in 1861, and he kept the line solvent while other divisions were filing for bankruptcy.

Harriman wanted to purchase the Alton Railroad but Timothy Blackstone disapproved of the sale.

In 1868, Timothy Blackstone married Isabella Farnsworth Norton, the daughter of a successful businessman from Norwich, Connecticut.

Timothy Blackstone died of pneumonia on May 26,1900, in Chicago, Illinois.

Timothy Blackstone's funeral was held at the Second Presbyterian Church and was then transported to Norwich, Connecticut for burial.

Timothy Blackstone built a 19th-century mansion for himself at 252 Michigan Avenue in Chicago in what is the Historic Michigan Boulevard District.

Crerar donated the John Crerar Library and Timothy Blackstone continued to donate funds toward the maintenance of the building throughout his life.

Timothy Blackstone donated a library of 5,000 books and a building to the city of Branford, Connecticut with the only stipulation that it be named in honor of his father.

Timothy Blackstone Avenue running along the 1436 east block from 4900 south to 10350 south is named after him.

Also, the Timothy Blackstone's funded Timothy Blackstone Hall in the Art Institute of Chicago Building.

When Timothy Blackstone died, his will directed the disposition of his assets that amounted to US$6 million.

Timothy Blackstone was a close associate of his cousin, William Eugene Timothy Blackstone.