James De Ruyter Blackwell, Sr. was born 18 March 1828 near Warrenton, Virginia. Graduated from Dickinson College and also attended Randolph-Macon College. Studied and practiced law but for health reasons gave it up and devoted his life to literature. He died 1901. James De Ruyter Blackwell, Jr. was born 17 May 1870. He was educated at Bethel Military Academy [Fauquier County, Virginia] as a civil engineer. Worked as a civil engineer on various railroads including electric streetcar system. He was on the Board of Survey for Boston and was City Engineer of Seattle, Washington. He also was in private practice. He died 5 September 1929.
From the guide to the James D. Blackwell Papers, 1839-1929, (Special Collections, Earl Gregg Swem Library, College of William and Mary)
