History of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, 1887
James
Black Biography
James L. Black, merchant and borough treasurer, Chambersburg, was born in Adams County, Penn., December 8, 1808, eldest son of James and Jane (Lindsay) Black. He grew up on a farm and in about 1820 went to live with his uncle in Guilford Township, this county. At the age of sixteen he began serving an apprenticeship of five years at the trade of tanner and currier.
After finishing his apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman in Manchester, Va., one year; then returned to Chambersburg and began clerking in the store of James S. Eyster. About the year 1836, he, in company with his cousin, John V. Lindsay, purchased the business from Mr. Eyster, and carried it on for some years, when Mr. Black purchased the interest of his partner, and has since conducted the concern. During the fire in 1864, he suffered greatly, losing his building and much of his stock. His books were saved, he having buried them in the garden. He rebuilt on the same site in 1865-66.
In 1836 Mr. Black was married to Mary B., daughter of James K. Harper, one of the early editors and newspaper men of Chambersburg. To this marriage were born eight children, six of whom are living -three daughters and three sons - and are residents of Chambersburg, except one, Rev. J. Harper Black, now pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Clearfield, Penn. Mrs. Black died April 6, 1885.
Our subject served as an associate judge of this county for a period of five years, having been elected at the same time as Judge Kimmell. He has been a member of the town council one term, and for six years has served as borough treasurer. Mr. Black has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly half a century. As a citizen he is highly esteemed and respected, and is one of the pioneer business men of the county.
Source: Biographical Annals of Franklin County, Pennsylvania : containing genealogical records of representative families, including many of the early settlers, and biographical sketches of prominent citizens; Chicago. Genealogical Pub. Co. 1905. Notes: Prepared in part by George O. Seilhamer.
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