Blackburn, Gideon, 1772-1838

Gideon Blackburn, a Presbyterian clergyman, was born in Virginia and settled in Maryville, Tennessee. He established a mission to the Cherokee Indians in 1803. After resigning from missionary work in 1810, Blackburn continued working as minister and educator. He died in Carlinville, Illinois, after raising an endowment for a school to be located there, later called Blackburn College.

From the description of Letter : Maryville, Tenn., to an unidentified recipient, 1809 Dec 12. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 78495001

From the description of Letter : Maryville, Tenn., to an unidentified recipient, 1809 Dec 12. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702150495

Presbyterian minister, missionary to the Cherokees, 1804-1810.

In 1804, supported by the U.S. and Tennessee governments, and private contributors, Gideon Blackburn opened a mission school for Cherokee children near Tellico. A second school was established in 1808 near Sale Creek. His schools a success, Blackburn was also an influential adviser to the Cherokees, persuading them to alter their laws and government to resemble those of the U.S. In 1810, battling poor health and financial difficulties, Blackburn retired from missionary work.

From the description of Letter : Maryville, T[enn.], to Jedediah Morse, Charlesto[w]n, Mass., 1808 Dec. 17. (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 36210218