04/29/1837 - Born, Woodford Co., KY [Father: Dr. Luke Pryor Blackburn II (1816-1887); Mother: David Ella Gist Boswell (1817-1856)]
07/17/1850 - Lived with parents, Natchez, Adams Co., MS (indexed in the 1850 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
11/11/1856 - Mother, Ella, died (buried: Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY; FindAGrave #59767234)
1859-1861 - Attended, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA
07/10/1860 - Medical student, Ward 8, Philadelphia, PA (indexed in the 1860 U. S. Census as Cary B. Blackburn)
03/09/1861 - M.D. degree, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA (from: Natchez, Adams Co., MS; preceptor: Dr. Samuel W. Gross; thesis: "Hydrocele")
08/15/1861 - Elected, 2nd Lt., Capt. Alfred V. Davis' Co. (Natchez Rifles), 4th Battalion, LA Infantry, Natchez, MS
10/31/1861 - 2nd Lt., Co. E, 4th Battalion LA Infantry
12/00/1861 - Resigned as 2nd Lt., Co. E, 4th Battalion LA Infantry
05/15/1862 - Enlisted as Pvt., Co. B, 10th MS Infantry, Confederate States Army, Corinth, MS
05/20/1862 - Detailed as Acting Asst. Surgeon, State Hospital, Natchez, MS, "by Medical Director, C. J. Ford" [Note: He was probably detailed by Med. Director A. J. Foard.]
06/02/1862 - Absent sick in hospital, Jackson, MS
11/26/1862 - Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
02/28/1863 - On detail as Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
04/20/1863 - Gen. A. S. Johnston requested that Private C. B. Blackburn, Co. B., 10th MS Infantry, who was serving as a "Nurse at State Hospital at Natchez, Miss", be returned to his regiment, "where it can be done without manifest injuries to the service".
04/30/1863 - On detail as Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
05/25/1863 - Purchased a cavalry horse for $350.00 while stationed near Natchez, MS
07/02/1863 - Note: On a document related to Dr. Blackburn's discharge as a Private, Co. B, 10th MS Infantry, so as to accept an appointment as Asst. Surgeon the following description is given - age: 26 years; height: 5 ft., 9 1/2 in.; complexion: fair; eyes: blue; hair: light; and by profession: physician.
07/02/1863 - "Assistant Surgeon Cary B. Blackburne [sic] will report to Surgeon W. W. Anderson, Medical Director &c. for assignment to duty." [S.O. 157/2]
07/12/1863 - Lost his papers and orders, Natchez, MS
08/14/1863 - In a letter to Col. Ewell, Asst. Adjutant General, "Medl Directors Office, Aug. 14, 63, Sir, F. A. Ross, Medl Director, Genl Mauray's [sic - Gen. D. H. Maury's] command has applied for Medical Officers. Respectfully ask that Assistant Surgeon Cary Blackburn be directed to report to Genl. Mauray [sic] for duty in Dept. Mobile. Yr. obt. svt. D. W. Yandell, Medl Dir"
08/18/1863 - "Medical Director's Office, Mobile, Aug 17th , 1863, The following Medical Officers will report without delay as follows: Asst. Surg C. B. Blackburn to Col. [George A.] Smith at Fort Gaines for duty until further orders. Signed, F. A. Ross, Medical Director" [At the bottom of these orders, "I Certify that the above is a true copy, Geo. A. Smith, Col. Comdg. 1st Confederate Regt, Ga. Vols."]
12/01/1863 - On a receipt "Hospital, Fort Gaines, Fla., To C. B. Blackburn, Dr. To hire a negro man, "Aurther", from Sept. 15 to Dec 1 at $25 per month $62.50. signed C. B. Blackburn" [At bottom of the letter, "I certify that the above is correct and necessary for Hospital use. J. M. Heard, Surg In Chg"]
12/01/1863 - Passed Confederate Army Board of Medical Examination for the position of Asst. Surgeon, Macon, MS
02/02/1864 - Appointed Asst. Surgeon, Provisional Army of the Confederate States, to rank from 07/02/1863
02/02/1864 - Confirmed as Asst. Surgeon from KY by the Confederate States Senate
02/29/1864 - Asst. Surgeon in charge of hospital, Fort Gaines, AL
04/01/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers
05/01/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers, near Dalton, GA
08/13/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers, near Jonesboro, GA
08/13/1864 - Transferred to Stout Hospital, Macon, GA, by order of a Medical Examining Board
08/18/1864 - Received official notice of his promotion to Asst. Surgeon
08/20/1864 - Relieved from duty with the 1st Confederate Regiment, being considered "unfit for field service" and ordered to the Hospital Department [S.O. 83 H.Q. Army of Tennessee, Gen. Hood]
02/13/1865 - Relieved from duty in Columbus, MS
02/28/1865 - Asst. Surgeon, Newsom Hospital, Forsyth, GA
1865 - Practiced medicine, Natchez, MS
1870 - 2nd M.D. degree, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY [This may have been an honorary degree.]
06/11/1870 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY (lived in a boarding house; indexed in the 1870 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
10/31/1872 - Published a professional advertisement for his medical services at 147 Walnut Street, Louisville, KY [Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, Oct. 31, 1872, p. 3, c. 6.]
1874 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY
1874 - Member, Kentucky Medical Society
09/13/1874 - As Secretary of the Louisville Board of Health, Dr. Blackburn reported the following death records in Louisville, KY "There were forty-eight deaths in the city during the past week, six of which were without medical attention. One death occurred from broncho-pneumonia, seven from cholera infantum, eight from consumption, two from convulsions, one from croup, one from cyanosis, one from diabetes, one from dysentery acute, one from delirium tremens, one from dropsy general, two from intermittent fever, one from remittent fever, two from typhoid fever, one from meningitis, one from peritonitis, one from septicemia, one from suffocation, two from teething, four from trismus vascentium [sic - trismus nascentium = lockjaw of infants], one from tonsilitis, one from drowning, one from a fall, one from gunshot, one premature birth, two unknown and two still-born. . . " [Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, Sept. 13, 1874.]
1875 - Member, Louisville Academy of Medicine
02/23/1875 - "Thieves daily prowl about doctors' offices and pick up such plunder as silk hats, fine shoes, canes, umbrellas, etc. They recently raided Dr. Cary Blackburn's house and made away with his shoes." [Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Feb. 23, 1875, p. 4. c. 1.]
04/10/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. J. M. Keller, "Sir: I am informed you said publicly at Henderson [KY], before the State Medical Society, that the Louisville Academy of Medicine ought not be recognized by the State Society, because of my being a member of said academy, and that I was an irregular and disreputable practitioner. I now most respectfully ask you to furnish written charges and specifications to the President of the academy on or before Friday evening, April 16, 1875. I am sir, respectfully, Cary B. Blackburn, M.D."
04/10/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. C. B. Blackburn, "Sir, Your communication is just handed me by Dr. Wathen. What I did and said at Henderson in my effort to shut the Academy of Medicine out from representation was this: I stated that said society was composed in part of doctors who took contracts with certain societies in this city to attend their members for (I believe) one dollar per head per year, and, I believe, gave your name among others who are reported to me by members of said societies as making such contracts. I am not a member of the Academy of Music (Medicine), and will, therefore, prefer no charges, failing as I do to recognize it as other than a bogus concern, Very respectfully, J. M. Keller, M.D."
04/12/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. J. M. Keller, "Sir: You say you gave my name among others, &c. in reference to a charge you mad in a public manner at Henderson. Your remarks about the Academy of Medicine require no notice. I repeat my request for the charges and specifications. Sir, you must know about the first section of Sixth Article on 'Duties of Physicians to each other,' &c. of the Code of Ethics, requires you to submit your charges against me to a 'Court Medical.' I am, sir, a member of the State Society as well as of the academy, and demand as a matter of justice that you give me, on paper the substance, if not the words, of your charges against me, that I may ask an investigation of the same by the Louisville Academy of Medicine. Trusting that your sense of justice to both you and me will impel you to this course, I am, sir, truly yours, Cary B. Blackburn, M.D."
04/12/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. C. B. Blackburn, "Dr. C. B. Blackburn - Sir: Your second note at the hands of Dr. Wathen is just handed me. I repeat my assertions as to your contracts with societies, and at the same time politely decline to bring you before a tribunal such is as afforded by the so-called 'Academy of Medicine,' knowing full well the force of the old saying, 'It is like going to h_ll for justice for justice when the Devil is judge.' It will afford me pleasure at any time, before a properly constituted Court Medical, to give you an opportunity of disproving your society contracts; and in order that you may not despair of having an opportunity, I will intimate to you that, in all probability, the occasion will very soon offer, Respectfully yours, J. M. Keller, M.D."
04/16/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to the President and Members of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, "Whereas, My professional character has been assailed by J. M. Keller, M.D., a member of the profession of this city, and whereas, the said J. M. Keller, M.D., has, as will appear from the inclosed correspondence, positively declined to prefer written charges and specifications against me before your honorable body; and whereas, the said Keller and your petitioner are note both members of any local society in this city, where we reside, I request that you will appoint a Court Medical to investigate the truth or falsity of the charge against me; and I would further pray that the said Court Medical be instructed to make the fullest possible investigation of the whole matter, at their earliest convenience, in order that full justice may be done to all parties concerned, and ask that the said Dr. Keller be summoned to appear before the court to substantiate his charges, With great respect, I am your humble servant, Cary B. Blackburn."
04/23/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to the President and Members of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, "The undersigned committee, appointed to investigate the charges against Dr. C. B. Blackburn (a fellow of this society), of violating the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Association, and the rules and regulations of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, would respectfully state, that in obedience to your behest, the Chairman of the committee gave notice to the members of the same, bearing date of 22d inst., to meet at 1 o'clock on the following day at the office of Dr. J.
M. Keller, who had been notified of the meeting, and requested to be present. The Chairman and members of the committee met at or near the hour and at the place designated, and remained some half an hour or more, but Dr. Keller did not make his appearance. All of which is respectfully submitted.
Thomas J. Griffith
R. M. Alexander
Daniel Gober
[Note: After adopting the report of the committee the following resolution was adopted by the Louisville Academy of Medicine: "Resolved, That after a full and fair investigation of the charges preferred against Dr. C. B. Blackburn, the society find the same are not sustained." The preceding six letters and the conclusion of the Louisville Academy of Medicine are in the Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, May 23, 1875.]
1876 - Practiced medicine, 147 Walnut, Louisville, KY
1876 - Secretary, Louisville [KY] Board of Health
06/01/1880 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY (lived with a housekeeper; indexed in the 1880 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
1884 - Commissioner, Central Lunatic Asylum, Louisville, KY
05/29/1884 - Performed the duties of accepting a new Louisville fire department engine-house and Fire Company No. 18, "in his own peculiarly modest and kindly manner" [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, May 30, 2884, p. 8, c. 2.]
1886 - Practiced medicine, 419 W. Walnut St., Louisville, KY
03/23/1887 - Received a telegram telling him that his father, former Governor of Kentucky, was dangerously ill In Frankfort, KY, and that he should hasten to his father's bedside. [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Mar. 25, 1887, p.1., c. 8.]
07/30/1887 - President, Board of Councilmen, Louisville, KY
09/14/1887 - Father, Luke, died in Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY (buried: Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY; FindAGrave #10042)
04/10/1888 - Member, Board of Councilmen from the Seventh Ward, Louisville, KY
07/19/1889 - Chairman, Democratic Central Executive Committee of Louisville, KY
11/06/1889 - Candidate for re-election as Councilman from the Seventh Ward, Louisville, KY
12/03/1889 - An editorial in a Louisville, KY, newspaper, "Dr. Cary B. Blackburn is too honest a man, too zealous a stickler for what is right, too fearless and free from domination by ringsters and boodlers to suit the taste of some people, and they would give a large part of their profits to get him out of the way. Dr. Blackburn is therefore opposed by all the 'influence' that the Water Company, the Sinking Fund and the administration can bring to bear in favor of the aspiring ring candidates who would like to down him. If the Democrats go to the polls and vote, Dr. Blackburn will get a rousing majority. A vote for Blackburn is a vote for Democracy and honesty against the ring, and is a vote to turn the light on the Water Company's affairs." [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Dec. 3, 1889, p. 1, c. 2.]
- Member, Catholic Church
- Member, American Medical Association
- Member, Confederate Association of Kentucky
12/04/1895 - Died, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY, (buried: Frankfort Cemetery; FindAGrave #59767154) "Dr. Cary B. Blackburn, of Louisville, died very suddenly of acute pneumonia, Wednesday. He was on the street the evening before in his usual health, except a slight pain in the side. He went to bed at 8:30 o'clock and before noon the next day he was dead. He was 58 years old and unmarried. Dr. Blackburn was the only child of the late Gov. Blackburn and a nephew of Senator Blackburn. He was one of Louisville's most prominent physicians and had for many years been in one branch or the other of the city council. [Hopkinsville Kentuckian, Hopkinsville, KY, Dec. 6, 1895, p. 4, c. 1.] "A special train with 275 persons conveyed the remains of Dr. Cary B. Blackburn from Louisville to Frankfort, where the burial took place by the side of his father, late Gov. Luke P. Blackburn" [Climax, Richmond, KY, Dec. 11, 1895, p. 4, c. 5.]
Michael Angelo provided input to this biography.
This biographical sketch is from:
Hambrecht, F. T. & Koste, J. L., Biographical
register of physicians who served the
Confederacy in a medical capacity.
04/29/2022. Unpublished database.
07/17/1850 - Lived with parents, Natchez, Adams Co., MS (indexed in the 1850 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
11/11/1856 - Mother, Ella, died (buried: Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY; FindAGrave #59767234)
1859-1861 - Attended, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA
07/10/1860 - Medical student, Ward 8, Philadelphia, PA (indexed in the 1860 U. S. Census as Cary B. Blackburn)
03/09/1861 - M.D. degree, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA (from: Natchez, Adams Co., MS; preceptor: Dr. Samuel W. Gross; thesis: "Hydrocele")
08/15/1861 - Elected, 2nd Lt., Capt. Alfred V. Davis' Co. (Natchez Rifles), 4th Battalion, LA Infantry, Natchez, MS
10/31/1861 - 2nd Lt., Co. E, 4th Battalion LA Infantry
12/00/1861 - Resigned as 2nd Lt., Co. E, 4th Battalion LA Infantry
05/15/1862 - Enlisted as Pvt., Co. B, 10th MS Infantry, Confederate States Army, Corinth, MS
05/20/1862 - Detailed as Acting Asst. Surgeon, State Hospital, Natchez, MS, "by Medical Director, C. J. Ford" [Note: He was probably detailed by Med. Director A. J. Foard.]
06/02/1862 - Absent sick in hospital, Jackson, MS
11/26/1862 - Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
02/28/1863 - On detail as Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
04/20/1863 - Gen. A. S. Johnston requested that Private C. B. Blackburn, Co. B., 10th MS Infantry, who was serving as a "Nurse at State Hospital at Natchez, Miss", be returned to his regiment, "where it can be done without manifest injuries to the service".
04/30/1863 - On detail as Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
05/25/1863 - Purchased a cavalry horse for $350.00 while stationed near Natchez, MS
07/02/1863 - Note: On a document related to Dr. Blackburn's discharge as a Private, Co. B, 10th MS Infantry, so as to accept an appointment as Asst. Surgeon the following description is given - age: 26 years; height: 5 ft., 9 1/2 in.; complexion: fair; eyes: blue; hair: light; and by profession: physician.
07/02/1863 - "Assistant Surgeon Cary B. Blackburne [sic] will report to Surgeon W. W. Anderson, Medical Director &c. for assignment to duty." [S.O. 157/2]
07/12/1863 - Lost his papers and orders, Natchez, MS
08/14/1863 - In a letter to Col. Ewell, Asst. Adjutant General, "Medl Directors Office, Aug. 14, 63, Sir, F. A. Ross, Medl Director, Genl Mauray's [sic - Gen. D. H. Maury's] command has applied for Medical Officers. Respectfully ask that Assistant Surgeon Cary Blackburn be directed to report to Genl. Mauray [sic] for duty in Dept. Mobile. Yr. obt. svt. D. W. Yandell, Medl Dir"
08/18/1863 - "Medical Director's Office, Mobile, Aug 17th , 1863, The following Medical Officers will report without delay as follows: Asst. Surg C. B. Blackburn to Col. [George A.] Smith at Fort Gaines for duty until further orders. Signed, F. A. Ross, Medical Director" [At the bottom of these orders, "I Certify that the above is a true copy, Geo. A. Smith, Col. Comdg. 1st Confederate Regt, Ga. Vols."]
12/01/1863 - On a receipt "Hospital, Fort Gaines, Fla., To C. B. Blackburn, Dr. To hire a negro man, "Aurther", from Sept. 15 to Dec 1 at $25 per month $62.50. signed C. B. Blackburn" [At bottom of the letter, "I certify that the above is correct and necessary for Hospital use. J. M. Heard, Surg In Chg"]
12/01/1863 - Passed Confederate Army Board of Medical Examination for the position of Asst. Surgeon, Macon, MS
02/02/1864 - Appointed Asst. Surgeon, Provisional Army of the Confederate States, to rank from 07/02/1863
02/02/1864 - Confirmed as Asst. Surgeon from KY by the Confederate States Senate
02/29/1864 - Asst. Surgeon in charge of hospital, Fort Gaines, AL
04/01/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers
05/01/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers, near Dalton, GA
08/13/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers, near Jonesboro, GA
08/13/1864 - Transferred to Stout Hospital, Macon, GA, by order of a Medical Examining Board
08/18/1864 - Received official notice of his promotion to Asst. Surgeon
08/20/1864 - Relieved from duty with the 1st Confederate Regiment, being considered "unfit for field service" and ordered to the Hospital Department [S.O. 83 H.Q. Army of Tennessee, Gen. Hood]
02/13/1865 - Relieved from duty in Columbus, MS
02/28/1865 - Asst. Surgeon, Newsom Hospital, Forsyth, GA
1865 - Practiced medicine, Natchez, MS
1870 - 2nd M.D. degree, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY [This may have been an honorary degree.]
06/11/1870 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY (lived in a boarding house; indexed in the 1870 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
10/31/1872 - Published a professional advertisement for his medical services at 147 Walnut Street, Louisville, KY [Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, Oct. 31, 1872, p. 3, c. 6.]
1874 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY
1874 - Member, Kentucky Medical Society
09/13/1874 - As Secretary of the Louisville Board of Health, Dr. Blackburn reported the following death records in Louisville, KY "There were forty-eight deaths in the city during the past week, six of which were without medical attention. One death occurred from broncho-pneumonia, seven from cholera infantum, eight from consumption, two from convulsions, one from croup, one from cyanosis, one from diabetes, one from dysentery acute, one from delirium tremens, one from dropsy general, two from intermittent fever, one from remittent fever, two from typhoid fever, one from meningitis, one from peritonitis, one from septicemia, one from suffocation, two from teething, four from trismus vascentium [sic - trismus nascentium = lockjaw of infants], one from tonsilitis, one from drowning, one from a fall, one from gunshot, one premature birth, two unknown and two still-born. . . " [Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, Sept. 13, 1874.]
1875 - Member, Louisville Academy of Medicine
02/23/1875 - "Thieves daily prowl about doctors' offices and pick up such plunder as silk hats, fine shoes, canes, umbrellas, etc. They recently raided Dr. Cary Blackburn's house and made away with his shoes." [Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Feb. 23, 1875, p. 4. c. 1.]
04/10/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. J. M. Keller, "Sir: I am informed you said publicly at Henderson [KY], before the State Medical Society, that the Louisville Academy of Medicine ought not be recognized by the State Society, because of my being a member of said academy, and that I was an irregular and disreputable practitioner. I now most respectfully ask you to furnish written charges and specifications to the President of the academy on or before Friday evening, April 16, 1875. I am sir, respectfully, Cary B. Blackburn, M.D."
04/10/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. C. B. Blackburn, "Sir, Your communication is just handed me by Dr. Wathen. What I did and said at Henderson in my effort to shut the Academy of Medicine out from representation was this: I stated that said society was composed in part of doctors who took contracts with certain societies in this city to attend their members for (I believe) one dollar per head per year, and, I believe, gave your name among others who are reported to me by members of said societies as making such contracts. I am not a member of the Academy of Music (Medicine), and will, therefore, prefer no charges, failing as I do to recognize it as other than a bogus concern, Very respectfully, J. M. Keller, M.D."
04/12/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. J. M. Keller, "Sir: You say you gave my name among others, &c. in reference to a charge you mad in a public manner at Henderson. Your remarks about the Academy of Medicine require no notice. I repeat my request for the charges and specifications. Sir, you must know about the first section of Sixth Article on 'Duties of Physicians to each other,' &c. of the Code of Ethics, requires you to submit your charges against me to a 'Court Medical.' I am, sir, a member of the State Society as well as of the academy, and demand as a matter of justice that you give me, on paper the substance, if not the words, of your charges against me, that I may ask an investigation of the same by the Louisville Academy of Medicine. Trusting that your sense of justice to both you and me will impel you to this course, I am, sir, truly yours, Cary B. Blackburn, M.D."
04/12/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. C. B. Blackburn, "Dr. C. B. Blackburn - Sir: Your second note at the hands of Dr. Wathen is just handed me. I repeat my assertions as to your contracts with societies, and at the same time politely decline to bring you before a tribunal such is as afforded by the so-called 'Academy of Medicine,' knowing full well the force of the old saying, 'It is like going to h_ll for justice for justice when the Devil is judge.' It will afford me pleasure at any time, before a properly constituted Court Medical, to give you an opportunity of disproving your society contracts; and in order that you may not despair of having an opportunity, I will intimate to you that, in all probability, the occasion will very soon offer, Respectfully yours, J. M. Keller, M.D."
04/16/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to the President and Members of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, "Whereas, My professional character has been assailed by J. M. Keller, M.D., a member of the profession of this city, and whereas, the said J. M. Keller, M.D., has, as will appear from the inclosed correspondence, positively declined to prefer written charges and specifications against me before your honorable body; and whereas, the said Keller and your petitioner are note both members of any local society in this city, where we reside, I request that you will appoint a Court Medical to investigate the truth or falsity of the charge against me; and I would further pray that the said Court Medical be instructed to make the fullest possible investigation of the whole matter, at their earliest convenience, in order that full justice may be done to all parties concerned, and ask that the said Dr. Keller be summoned to appear before the court to substantiate his charges, With great respect, I am your humble servant, Cary B. Blackburn."
04/23/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to the President and Members of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, "The undersigned committee, appointed to investigate the charges against Dr. C. B. Blackburn (a fellow of this society), of violating the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Association, and the rules and regulations of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, would respectfully state, that in obedience to your behest, the Chairman of the committee gave notice to the members of the same, bearing date of 22d inst., to meet at 1 o'clock on the following day at the office of Dr. J.
M. Keller, who had been notified of the meeting, and requested to be present. The Chairman and members of the committee met at or near the hour and at the place designated, and remained some half an hour or more, but Dr. Keller did not make his appearance. All of which is respectfully submitted.
Thomas J. Griffith
R. M. Alexander
Daniel Gober
[Note: After adopting the report of the committee the following resolution was adopted by the Louisville Academy of Medicine: "Resolved, That after a full and fair investigation of the charges preferred against Dr. C. B. Blackburn, the society find the same are not sustained." The preceding six letters and the conclusion of the Louisville Academy of Medicine are in the Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, May 23, 1875.]
1876 - Practiced medicine, 147 Walnut, Louisville, KY
1876 - Secretary, Louisville [KY] Board of Health
06/01/1880 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY (lived with a housekeeper; indexed in the 1880 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
1884 - Commissioner, Central Lunatic Asylum, Louisville, KY
05/29/1884 - Performed the duties of accepting a new Louisville fire department engine-house and Fire Company No. 18, "in his own peculiarly modest and kindly manner" [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, May 30, 2884, p. 8, c. 2.]
1886 - Practiced medicine, 419 W. Walnut St., Louisville, KY
03/23/1887 - Received a telegram telling him that his father, former Governor of Kentucky, was dangerously ill In Frankfort, KY, and that he should hasten to his father's bedside. [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Mar. 25, 1887, p.1., c. 8.]
07/30/1887 - President, Board of Councilmen, Louisville, KY
09/14/1887 - Father, Luke, died in Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY (buried: Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY; FindAGrave #10042)
04/10/1888 - Member, Board of Councilmen from the Seventh Ward, Louisville, KY
07/19/1889 - Chairman, Democratic Central Executive Committee of Louisville, KY
11/06/1889 - Candidate for re-election as Councilman from the Seventh Ward, Louisville, KY
12/03/1889 - An editorial in a Louisville, KY, newspaper, "Dr. Cary B. Blackburn is too honest a man, too zealous a stickler for what is right, too fearless and free from domination by ringsters and boodlers to suit the taste of some people, and they would give a large part of their profits to get him out of the way. Dr. Blackburn is therefore opposed by all the 'influence' that the Water Company, the Sinking Fund and the administration can bring to bear in favor of the aspiring ring candidates who would like to down him. If the Democrats go to the polls and vote, Dr. Blackburn will get a rousing majority. A vote for Blackburn is a vote for Democracy and honesty against the ring, and is a vote to turn the light on the Water Company's affairs." [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Dec. 3, 1889, p. 1, c. 2.]
- Member, Catholic Church
- Member, American Medical Association
- Member, Confederate Association of Kentucky
12/04/1895 - Died, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY, (buried: Frankfort Cemetery; FindAGrave #59767154) "Dr. Cary B. Blackburn, of Louisville, died very suddenly of acute pneumonia, Wednesday. He was on the street the evening before in his usual health, except a slight pain in the side. He went to bed at 8:30 o'clock and before noon the next day he was dead. He was 58 years old and unmarried. Dr. Blackburn was the only child of the late Gov. Blackburn and a nephew of Senator Blackburn. He was one of Louisville's most prominent physicians and had for many years been in one branch or the other of the city council. [Hopkinsville Kentuckian, Hopkinsville, KY, Dec. 6, 1895, p. 4, c. 1.] "A special train with 275 persons conveyed the remains of Dr. Cary B. Blackburn from Louisville to Frankfort, where the burial took place by the side of his father, late Gov. Luke P. Blackburn" [Climax, Richmond, KY, Dec. 11, 1895, p. 4, c. 5.]
Michael Angelo provided input to this biography.
This biographical sketch is from:
Hambrecht, F. T. & Koste, J. L., Biographical
register of physicians who served the
Confederacy in a medical capacity.
04/29/2022. Unpublished database.
04/29/1837 - Born, Woodford Co., KY [Father: Dr. Luke Pryor Blackburn II (1816-1887); Mother: David Ella Gist Boswell (1817-1856)]
07/17/1850 - Lived with parents, Natchez, Adams Co., MS (indexed in the 1850 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
11/11/1856 - Mother, Ella, died (buried: Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY; FindAGrave #59767234)
1859-1861 - Attended, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA
07/10/1860 - Medical student, Ward 8, Philadelphia, PA (indexed in the 1860 U. S. Census as Cary B. Blackburn)
03/09/1861 - M.D. degree, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA (from: Natchez, Adams Co., MS; preceptor: Dr. Samuel W. Gross; thesis: "Hydrocele")
08/15/1861 - Elected, 2nd Lt., Capt. Alfred V. Davis' Co. (Natchez Rifles), 4th Battalion, LA Infantry, Natchez, MS
10/31/1861 - 2nd Lt., Co. E, 4th Battalion LA Infantry
12/00/1861 - Resigned as 2nd Lt., Co. E, 4th Battalion LA Infantry
05/15/1862 - Enlisted as Pvt., Co. B, 10th MS Infantry, Confederate States Army, Corinth, MS
05/20/1862 - Detailed as Acting Asst. Surgeon, State Hospital, Natchez, MS, "by Medical Director, C. J. Ford" [Note: He was probably detailed by Med. Director A. J. Foard.]
06/02/1862 - Absent sick in hospital, Jackson, MS
11/26/1862 - Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
02/28/1863 - On detail as Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
04/20/1863 - Gen. A. S. Johnston requested that Private C. B. Blackburn, Co. B., 10th MS Infantry, who was serving as a "Nurse at State Hospital at Natchez, Miss", be returned to his regiment, "where it can be done without manifest injuries to the service".
04/30/1863 - On detail as Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
05/25/1863 - Purchased a cavalry horse for $350.00 while stationed near Natchez, MS
07/02/1863 - Note: On a document related to Dr. Blackburn's discharge as a Private, Co. B, 10th MS Infantry, so as to accept an appointment as Asst. Surgeon the following description is given - age: 26 years; height: 5 ft., 9 1/2 in.; complexion: fair; eyes: blue; hair: light; and by profession: physician.
07/02/1863 - "Assistant Surgeon Cary B. Blackburne [sic] will report to Surgeon W. W. Anderson, Medical Director &c. for assignment to duty." [S.O. 157/2]
07/12/1863 - Lost his papers and orders, Natchez, MS
08/14/1863 - In a letter to Col. Ewell, Asst. Adjutant General, "Medl Directors Office, Aug. 14, 63, Sir, F. A. Ross, Medl Director, Genl Mauray's [sic - Gen. D. H. Maury's] command has applied for Medical Officers. Respectfully ask that Assistant Surgeon Cary Blackburn be directed to report to Genl. Mauray [sic] for duty in Dept. Mobile. Yr. obt. svt. D. W. Yandell, Medl Dir"
08/18/1863 - "Medical Director's Office, Mobile, Aug 17th , 1863, The following Medical Officers will report without delay as follows: Asst. Surg C. B. Blackburn to Col. [George A.] Smith at Fort Gaines for duty until further orders. Signed, F. A. Ross, Medical Director" [At the bottom of these orders, "I Certify that the above is a true copy, Geo. A. Smith, Col. Comdg. 1st Confederate Regt, Ga. Vols."]
12/01/1863 - On a receipt "Hospital, Fort Gaines, Fla., To C. B. Blackburn, Dr. To hire a negro man, "Aurther", from Sept. 15 to Dec 1 at $25 per month $62.50. signed C. B. Blackburn" [At bottom of the letter, "I certify that the above is correct and necessary for Hospital use. J. M. Heard, Surg In Chg"]
12/01/1863 - Passed Confederate Army Board of Medical Examination for the position of Asst. Surgeon, Macon, MS
02/02/1864 - Appointed Asst. Surgeon, Provisional Army of the Confederate States, to rank from 07/02/1863
02/02/1864 - Confirmed as Asst. Surgeon from KY by the Confederate States Senate
02/29/1864 - Asst. Surgeon in charge of hospital, Fort Gaines, AL
04/01/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers
05/01/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers, near Dalton, GA
08/13/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers, near Jonesboro, GA
08/13/1864 - Transferred to Stout Hospital, Macon, GA, by order of a Medical Examining Board
08/18/1864 - Received official notice of his promotion to Asst. Surgeon
08/20/1864 - Relieved from duty with the 1st Confederate Regiment, being considered "unfit for field service" and ordered to the Hospital Department [S.O. 83 H.Q. Army of Tennessee, Gen. Hood]
02/13/1865 - Relieved from duty in Columbus, MS
02/28/1865 - Asst. Surgeon, Newsom Hospital, Forsyth, GA
1865 - Practiced medicine, Natchez, MS
1870 - 2nd M.D. degree, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY [This may have been an honorary degree.]
06/11/1870 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY (lived in a boarding house; indexed in the 1870 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
10/31/1872 - Published a professional advertisement for his medical services at 147 Walnut Street, Louisville, KY [Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, Oct. 31, 1872, p. 3, c. 6.]
1874 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY
1874 - Member, Kentucky Medical Society
09/13/1874 - As Secretary of the Louisville Board of Health, Dr. Blackburn reported the following death records in Louisville, KY "There were forty-eight deaths in the city during the past week, six of which were without medical attention. One death occurred from broncho-pneumonia, seven from cholera infantum, eight from consumption, two from convulsions, one from croup, one from cyanosis, one from diabetes, one from dysentery acute, one from delirium tremens, one from dropsy general, two from intermittent fever, one from remittent fever, two from typhoid fever, one from meningitis, one from peritonitis, one from septicemia, one from suffocation, two from teething, four from trismus vascentium [sic - trismus nascentium = lockjaw of infants], one from tonsilitis, one from drowning, one from a fall, one from gunshot, one premature birth, two unknown and two still-born. . . " [Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, Sept. 13, 1874.]
1875 - Member, Louisville Academy of Medicine
02/23/1875 - "Thieves daily prowl about doctors' offices and pick up such plunder as silk hats, fine shoes, canes, umbrellas, etc. They recently raided Dr. Cary Blackburn's house and made away with his shoes." [Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Feb. 23, 1875, p. 4. c. 1.]
04/10/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. J. M. Keller, "Sir: I am informed you said publicly at Henderson [KY], before the State Medical Society, that the Louisville Academy of Medicine ought not be recognized by the State Society, because of my being a member of said academy, and that I was an irregular and disreputable practitioner. I now most respectfully ask you to furnish written charges and specifications to the President of the academy on or before Friday evening, April 16, 1875. I am sir, respectfully, Cary B. Blackburn, M.D."
04/10/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. C. B. Blackburn, "Sir, Your communication is just handed me by Dr. Wathen. What I did and said at Henderson in my effort to shut the Academy of Medicine out from representation was this: I stated that said society was composed in part of doctors who took contracts with certain societies in this city to attend their members for (I believe) one dollar per head per year, and, I believe, gave your name among others who are reported to me by members of said societies as making such contracts. I am not a member of the Academy of Music (Medicine), and will, therefore, prefer no charges, failing as I do to recognize it as other than a bogus concern, Very respectfully, J. M. Keller, M.D."
04/12/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. J. M. Keller, "Sir: You say you gave my name among others, &c. in reference to a charge you mad in a public manner at Henderson. Your remarks about the Academy of Medicine require no notice. I repeat my request for the charges and specifications. Sir, you must know about the first section of Sixth Article on 'Duties of Physicians to each other,' &c. of the Code of Ethics, requires you to submit your charges against me to a 'Court Medical.' I am, sir, a member of the State Society as well as of the academy, and demand as a matter of justice that you give me, on paper the substance, if not the words, of your charges against me, that I may ask an investigation of the same by the Louisville Academy of Medicine. Trusting that your sense of justice to both you and me will impel you to this course, I am, sir, truly yours, Cary B. Blackburn, M.D."
04/12/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. C. B. Blackburn, "Dr. C. B. Blackburn - Sir: Your second note at the hands of Dr. Wathen is just handed me. I repeat my assertions as to your contracts with societies, and at the same time politely decline to bring you before a tribunal such is as afforded by the so-called 'Academy of Medicine,' knowing full well the force of the old saying, 'It is like going to h_ll for justice for justice when the Devil is judge.' It will afford me pleasure at any time, before a properly constituted Court Medical, to give you an opportunity of disproving your society contracts; and in order that you may not despair of having an opportunity, I will intimate to you that, in all probability, the occasion will very soon offer, Respectfully yours, J. M. Keller, M.D."
04/16/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to the President and Members of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, "Whereas, My professional character has been assailed by J. M. Keller, M.D., a member of the profession of this city, and whereas, the said J. M. Keller, M.D., has, as will appear from the inclosed correspondence, positively declined to prefer written charges and specifications against me before your honorable body; and whereas, the said Keller and your petitioner are note both members of any local society in this city, where we reside, I request that you will appoint a Court Medical to investigate the truth or falsity of the charge against me; and I would further pray that the said Court Medical be instructed to make the fullest possible investigation of the whole matter, at their earliest convenience, in order that full justice may be done to all parties concerned, and ask that the said Dr. Keller be summoned to appear before the court to substantiate his charges, With great respect, I am your humble servant, Cary B. Blackburn."
04/23/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to the President and Members of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, "The undersigned committee, appointed to investigate the charges against Dr. C. B. Blackburn (a fellow of this society), of violating the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Association, and the rules and regulations of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, would respectfully state, that in obedience to your behest, the Chairman of the committee gave notice to the members of the same, bearing date of 22d inst., to meet at 1 o'clock on the following day at the office of Dr. J.
M. Keller, who had been notified of the meeting, and requested to be present. The Chairman and members of the committee met at or near the hour and at the place designated, and remained some half an hour or more, but Dr. Keller did not make his appearance. All of which is respectfully submitted.
Thomas J. Griffith
R. M. Alexander
Daniel Gober
[Note: After adopting the report of the committee the following resolution was adopted by the Louisville Academy of Medicine: "Resolved, That after a full and fair investigation of the charges preferred against Dr. C. B. Blackburn, the society find the same are not sustained." The preceding six letters and the conclusion of the Louisville Academy of Medicine are in the Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, May 23, 1875.]
1876 - Practiced medicine, 147 Walnut, Louisville, KY
1876 - Secretary, Louisville [KY] Board of Health
06/01/1880 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY (lived with a housekeeper; indexed in the 1880 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
1884 - Commissioner, Central Lunatic Asylum, Louisville, KY
05/29/1884 - Performed the duties of accepting a new Louisville fire department engine-house and Fire Company No. 18, "in his own peculiarly modest and kindly manner" [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, May 30, 2884, p. 8, c. 2.]
1886 - Practiced medicine, 419 W. Walnut St., Louisville, KY
03/23/1887 - Received a telegram telling him that his father, former Governor of Kentucky, was dangerously ill In Frankfort, KY, and that he should hasten to his father's bedside. [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Mar. 25, 1887, p.1., c. 8.]
07/30/1887 - President, Board of Councilmen, Louisville, KY
09/14/1887 - Father, Luke, died in Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY (buried: Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY; FindAGrave #10042)
04/10/1888 - Member, Board of Councilmen from the Seventh Ward, Louisville, KY
07/19/1889 - Chairman, Democratic Central Executive Committee of Louisville, KY
11/06/1889 - Candidate for re-election as Councilman from the Seventh Ward, Louisville, KY
12/03/1889 - An editorial in a Louisville, KY, newspaper, "Dr. Cary B. Blackburn is too honest a man, too zealous a stickler for what is right, too fearless and free from domination by ringsters and boodlers to suit the taste of some people, and they would give a large part of their profits to get him out of the way. Dr. Blackburn is therefore opposed by all the 'influence' that the Water Company, the Sinking Fund and the administration can bring to bear in favor of the aspiring ring candidates who would like to down him. If the Democrats go to the polls and vote, Dr. Blackburn will get a rousing majority. A vote for Blackburn is a vote for Democracy and honesty against the ring, and is a vote to turn the light on the Water Company's affairs." [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Dec. 3, 1889, p. 1, c. 2.]
- Member, Catholic Church
- Member, American Medical Association
- Member, Confederate Association of Kentucky
12/04/1895 - Died, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY, (buried: Frankfort Cemetery; FindAGrave #59767154) "Dr. Cary B. Blackburn, of Louisville, died very suddenly of acute pneumonia, Wednesday. He was on the street the evening before in his usual health, except a slight pain in the side. He went to bed at 8:30 o'clock and before noon the next day he was dead. He was 58 years old and unmarried. Dr. Blackburn was the only child of the late Gov. Blackburn and a nephew of Senator Blackburn. He was one of Louisville's most prominent physicians and had for many years been in one branch or the other of the city council. [Hopkinsville Kentuckian, Hopkinsville, KY, Dec. 6, 1895, p. 4, c. 1.] "A special train with 275 persons conveyed the remains of Dr. Cary B. Blackburn from Louisville to Frankfort, where the burial took place by the side of his father, late Gov. Luke P. Blackburn" [Climax, Richmond, KY, Dec. 11, 1895, p. 4, c. 5.]
Michael Angelo provided input to this biography.
This biographical sketch is from:
Hambrecht, F. T. & Koste, J. L., Biographical
register of physicians who served the
Confederacy in a medical capacity.
04/29/2022. Unpublished database.
07/17/1850 - Lived with parents, Natchez, Adams Co., MS (indexed in the 1850 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
11/11/1856 - Mother, Ella, died (buried: Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY; FindAGrave #59767234)
1859-1861 - Attended, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA
07/10/1860 - Medical student, Ward 8, Philadelphia, PA (indexed in the 1860 U. S. Census as Cary B. Blackburn)
03/09/1861 - M.D. degree, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA (from: Natchez, Adams Co., MS; preceptor: Dr. Samuel W. Gross; thesis: "Hydrocele")
08/15/1861 - Elected, 2nd Lt., Capt. Alfred V. Davis' Co. (Natchez Rifles), 4th Battalion, LA Infantry, Natchez, MS
10/31/1861 - 2nd Lt., Co. E, 4th Battalion LA Infantry
12/00/1861 - Resigned as 2nd Lt., Co. E, 4th Battalion LA Infantry
05/15/1862 - Enlisted as Pvt., Co. B, 10th MS Infantry, Confederate States Army, Corinth, MS
05/20/1862 - Detailed as Acting Asst. Surgeon, State Hospital, Natchez, MS, "by Medical Director, C. J. Ford" [Note: He was probably detailed by Med. Director A. J. Foard.]
06/02/1862 - Absent sick in hospital, Jackson, MS
11/26/1862 - Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
02/28/1863 - On detail as Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
04/20/1863 - Gen. A. S. Johnston requested that Private C. B. Blackburn, Co. B., 10th MS Infantry, who was serving as a "Nurse at State Hospital at Natchez, Miss", be returned to his regiment, "where it can be done without manifest injuries to the service".
04/30/1863 - On detail as Acting Asst. Surgeon, Mississippi State Hospital, Natchez, MS
05/25/1863 - Purchased a cavalry horse for $350.00 while stationed near Natchez, MS
07/02/1863 - Note: On a document related to Dr. Blackburn's discharge as a Private, Co. B, 10th MS Infantry, so as to accept an appointment as Asst. Surgeon the following description is given - age: 26 years; height: 5 ft., 9 1/2 in.; complexion: fair; eyes: blue; hair: light; and by profession: physician.
07/02/1863 - "Assistant Surgeon Cary B. Blackburne [sic] will report to Surgeon W. W. Anderson, Medical Director &c. for assignment to duty." [S.O. 157/2]
07/12/1863 - Lost his papers and orders, Natchez, MS
08/14/1863 - In a letter to Col. Ewell, Asst. Adjutant General, "Medl Directors Office, Aug. 14, 63, Sir, F. A. Ross, Medl Director, Genl Mauray's [sic - Gen. D. H. Maury's] command has applied for Medical Officers. Respectfully ask that Assistant Surgeon Cary Blackburn be directed to report to Genl. Mauray [sic] for duty in Dept. Mobile. Yr. obt. svt. D. W. Yandell, Medl Dir"
08/18/1863 - "Medical Director's Office, Mobile, Aug 17th , 1863, The following Medical Officers will report without delay as follows: Asst. Surg C. B. Blackburn to Col. [George A.] Smith at Fort Gaines for duty until further orders. Signed, F. A. Ross, Medical Director" [At the bottom of these orders, "I Certify that the above is a true copy, Geo. A. Smith, Col. Comdg. 1st Confederate Regt, Ga. Vols."]
12/01/1863 - On a receipt "Hospital, Fort Gaines, Fla., To C. B. Blackburn, Dr. To hire a negro man, "Aurther", from Sept. 15 to Dec 1 at $25 per month $62.50. signed C. B. Blackburn" [At bottom of the letter, "I certify that the above is correct and necessary for Hospital use. J. M. Heard, Surg In Chg"]
12/01/1863 - Passed Confederate Army Board of Medical Examination for the position of Asst. Surgeon, Macon, MS
02/02/1864 - Appointed Asst. Surgeon, Provisional Army of the Confederate States, to rank from 07/02/1863
02/02/1864 - Confirmed as Asst. Surgeon from KY by the Confederate States Senate
02/29/1864 - Asst. Surgeon in charge of hospital, Fort Gaines, AL
04/01/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers
05/01/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers, near Dalton, GA
08/13/1864 - Asst. Surgeon, 1st Confederate Regiment, Georgia, Volunteers, near Jonesboro, GA
08/13/1864 - Transferred to Stout Hospital, Macon, GA, by order of a Medical Examining Board
08/18/1864 - Received official notice of his promotion to Asst. Surgeon
08/20/1864 - Relieved from duty with the 1st Confederate Regiment, being considered "unfit for field service" and ordered to the Hospital Department [S.O. 83 H.Q. Army of Tennessee, Gen. Hood]
02/13/1865 - Relieved from duty in Columbus, MS
02/28/1865 - Asst. Surgeon, Newsom Hospital, Forsyth, GA
1865 - Practiced medicine, Natchez, MS
1870 - 2nd M.D. degree, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY [This may have been an honorary degree.]
06/11/1870 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY (lived in a boarding house; indexed in the 1870 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
10/31/1872 - Published a professional advertisement for his medical services at 147 Walnut Street, Louisville, KY [Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, Oct. 31, 1872, p. 3, c. 6.]
1874 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY
1874 - Member, Kentucky Medical Society
09/13/1874 - As Secretary of the Louisville Board of Health, Dr. Blackburn reported the following death records in Louisville, KY "There were forty-eight deaths in the city during the past week, six of which were without medical attention. One death occurred from broncho-pneumonia, seven from cholera infantum, eight from consumption, two from convulsions, one from croup, one from cyanosis, one from diabetes, one from dysentery acute, one from delirium tremens, one from dropsy general, two from intermittent fever, one from remittent fever, two from typhoid fever, one from meningitis, one from peritonitis, one from septicemia, one from suffocation, two from teething, four from trismus vascentium [sic - trismus nascentium = lockjaw of infants], one from tonsilitis, one from drowning, one from a fall, one from gunshot, one premature birth, two unknown and two still-born. . . " [Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, Sept. 13, 1874.]
1875 - Member, Louisville Academy of Medicine
02/23/1875 - "Thieves daily prowl about doctors' offices and pick up such plunder as silk hats, fine shoes, canes, umbrellas, etc. They recently raided Dr. Cary Blackburn's house and made away with his shoes." [Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Feb. 23, 1875, p. 4. c. 1.]
04/10/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. J. M. Keller, "Sir: I am informed you said publicly at Henderson [KY], before the State Medical Society, that the Louisville Academy of Medicine ought not be recognized by the State Society, because of my being a member of said academy, and that I was an irregular and disreputable practitioner. I now most respectfully ask you to furnish written charges and specifications to the President of the academy on or before Friday evening, April 16, 1875. I am sir, respectfully, Cary B. Blackburn, M.D."
04/10/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. C. B. Blackburn, "Sir, Your communication is just handed me by Dr. Wathen. What I did and said at Henderson in my effort to shut the Academy of Medicine out from representation was this: I stated that said society was composed in part of doctors who took contracts with certain societies in this city to attend their members for (I believe) one dollar per head per year, and, I believe, gave your name among others who are reported to me by members of said societies as making such contracts. I am not a member of the Academy of Music (Medicine), and will, therefore, prefer no charges, failing as I do to recognize it as other than a bogus concern, Very respectfully, J. M. Keller, M.D."
04/12/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. J. M. Keller, "Sir: You say you gave my name among others, &c. in reference to a charge you mad in a public manner at Henderson. Your remarks about the Academy of Medicine require no notice. I repeat my request for the charges and specifications. Sir, you must know about the first section of Sixth Article on 'Duties of Physicians to each other,' &c. of the Code of Ethics, requires you to submit your charges against me to a 'Court Medical.' I am, sir, a member of the State Society as well as of the academy, and demand as a matter of justice that you give me, on paper the substance, if not the words, of your charges against me, that I may ask an investigation of the same by the Louisville Academy of Medicine. Trusting that your sense of justice to both you and me will impel you to this course, I am, sir, truly yours, Cary B. Blackburn, M.D."
04/12/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to Dr. C. B. Blackburn, "Dr. C. B. Blackburn - Sir: Your second note at the hands of Dr. Wathen is just handed me. I repeat my assertions as to your contracts with societies, and at the same time politely decline to bring you before a tribunal such is as afforded by the so-called 'Academy of Medicine,' knowing full well the force of the old saying, 'It is like going to h_ll for justice for justice when the Devil is judge.' It will afford me pleasure at any time, before a properly constituted Court Medical, to give you an opportunity of disproving your society contracts; and in order that you may not despair of having an opportunity, I will intimate to you that, in all probability, the occasion will very soon offer, Respectfully yours, J. M. Keller, M.D."
04/16/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to the President and Members of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, "Whereas, My professional character has been assailed by J. M. Keller, M.D., a member of the profession of this city, and whereas, the said J. M. Keller, M.D., has, as will appear from the inclosed correspondence, positively declined to prefer written charges and specifications against me before your honorable body; and whereas, the said Keller and your petitioner are note both members of any local society in this city, where we reside, I request that you will appoint a Court Medical to investigate the truth or falsity of the charge against me; and I would further pray that the said Court Medical be instructed to make the fullest possible investigation of the whole matter, at their earliest convenience, in order that full justice may be done to all parties concerned, and ask that the said Dr. Keller be summoned to appear before the court to substantiate his charges, With great respect, I am your humble servant, Cary B. Blackburn."
04/23/1875 - In a letter written from Louisville, KY, to the President and Members of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, "The undersigned committee, appointed to investigate the charges against Dr. C. B. Blackburn (a fellow of this society), of violating the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Association, and the rules and regulations of the Louisville Academy of Medicine, would respectfully state, that in obedience to your behest, the Chairman of the committee gave notice to the members of the same, bearing date of 22d inst., to meet at 1 o'clock on the following day at the office of Dr. J.
M. Keller, who had been notified of the meeting, and requested to be present. The Chairman and members of the committee met at or near the hour and at the place designated, and remained some half an hour or more, but Dr. Keller did not make his appearance. All of which is respectfully submitted.
Thomas J. Griffith
R. M. Alexander
Daniel Gober
[Note: After adopting the report of the committee the following resolution was adopted by the Louisville Academy of Medicine: "Resolved, That after a full and fair investigation of the charges preferred against Dr. C. B. Blackburn, the society find the same are not sustained." The preceding six letters and the conclusion of the Louisville Academy of Medicine are in the Daily Louisville Commercial, Louisville, KY, May 23, 1875.]
1876 - Practiced medicine, 147 Walnut, Louisville, KY
1876 - Secretary, Louisville [KY] Board of Health
06/01/1880 - Practiced medicine, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY (lived with a housekeeper; indexed in the 1880 U. S. Census as Cary Blackburn)
1884 - Commissioner, Central Lunatic Asylum, Louisville, KY
05/29/1884 - Performed the duties of accepting a new Louisville fire department engine-house and Fire Company No. 18, "in his own peculiarly modest and kindly manner" [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, May 30, 2884, p. 8, c. 2.]
1886 - Practiced medicine, 419 W. Walnut St., Louisville, KY
03/23/1887 - Received a telegram telling him that his father, former Governor of Kentucky, was dangerously ill In Frankfort, KY, and that he should hasten to his father's bedside. [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Mar. 25, 1887, p.1., c. 8.]
07/30/1887 - President, Board of Councilmen, Louisville, KY
09/14/1887 - Father, Luke, died in Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY (buried: Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY; FindAGrave #10042)
04/10/1888 - Member, Board of Councilmen from the Seventh Ward, Louisville, KY
07/19/1889 - Chairman, Democratic Central Executive Committee of Louisville, KY
11/06/1889 - Candidate for re-election as Councilman from the Seventh Ward, Louisville, KY
12/03/1889 - An editorial in a Louisville, KY, newspaper, "Dr. Cary B. Blackburn is too honest a man, too zealous a stickler for what is right, too fearless and free from domination by ringsters and boodlers to suit the taste of some people, and they would give a large part of their profits to get him out of the way. Dr. Blackburn is therefore opposed by all the 'influence' that the Water Company, the Sinking Fund and the administration can bring to bear in favor of the aspiring ring candidates who would like to down him. If the Democrats go to the polls and vote, Dr. Blackburn will get a rousing majority. A vote for Blackburn is a vote for Democracy and honesty against the ring, and is a vote to turn the light on the Water Company's affairs." [The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Dec. 3, 1889, p. 1, c. 2.]
- Member, Catholic Church
- Member, American Medical Association
- Member, Confederate Association of Kentucky
12/04/1895 - Died, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY, (buried: Frankfort Cemetery; FindAGrave #59767154) "Dr. Cary B. Blackburn, of Louisville, died very suddenly of acute pneumonia, Wednesday. He was on the street the evening before in his usual health, except a slight pain in the side. He went to bed at 8:30 o'clock and before noon the next day he was dead. He was 58 years old and unmarried. Dr. Blackburn was the only child of the late Gov. Blackburn and a nephew of Senator Blackburn. He was one of Louisville's most prominent physicians and had for many years been in one branch or the other of the city council. [Hopkinsville Kentuckian, Hopkinsville, KY, Dec. 6, 1895, p. 4, c. 1.] "A special train with 275 persons conveyed the remains of Dr. Cary B. Blackburn from Louisville to Frankfort, where the burial took place by the side of his father, late Gov. Luke P. Blackburn" [Climax, Richmond, KY, Dec. 11, 1895, p. 4, c. 5.]
Michael Angelo provided input to this biography.
This biographical sketch is from:
Hambrecht, F. T. & Koste, J. L., Biographical
register of physicians who served the
Confederacy in a medical capacity.
04/29/2022. Unpublished database.
Family Members
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
