Quick Facts
Biography
Thomas M. Blackstock (January 12, 1834 – February 27, 1913) was an Irish-American Republican politician and businessman who spent most of his life in Wisconsin.
Born in County Armagh, in what is now Northern Ireland, Blackstock settled first in Canada and then in 1849 moved to Sheboygan, Wisconsin. There, he bought a drug store and eventually owned a farm, a bank (the Sheboygan Mutual Loan, Saving, and Building Association), and real estate (via the South Sheboygan Land Company). Blackstock participated in the establishment of the Phoenix Chair Company, serving as Secretary, then as President and General Manager, and ultimately gaining a controlling interest in the company.
In November 1861, Blackstock married Bridget Denn, of Waterford, Ireland. In 1882, the Blackstocks had an Italianate style home built for them on a small hilltop site in the Ellis Addition area of Sheboygan, which is now listed on U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Thomas and Bridget Blackstock were childless, but around 1890 adopted three of Bridget's brother's children, Mary, Nellie, and Annie, after the death of their mother.
In 1868, Blackstock served a term in the Wisconsin State Assembly. In 1883-1885, Blackstock was mayor of Sheboygan and also served on the Sheboygan Common Council.