This elegantly crafted horse-drawn hearse was the handiwork of Jacob Blackburn and Josiah Pearson.
Jacob established the funeral home in 1875 that continues to this day, his father Martin Blackburn served during the Civil War, so Jacob was sent to trade school in Mechanicsburg for carpentry. When he returned to Pleasantville, as was the custom of the day, in addition to carpentry work he built coffins.
Clifford Blackburn, second generation, graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Cincinnati, Ohio, along with his wife Virgie A. (1883-1956) Blackburn.
J. Edward, third generation, graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1937. He worked with his father and was devoted to his profession. His wife, Norma, was instrumental in helping him with his business.
Robert Edward, fourth generation, graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1977. He resides in Alum Bank with his daughter, Aubrey.
Samantha Nichol, fifth generation, graduated from Chestnut Ridge High School in 2007. She attended Slippery Rock University from 2007-2009, she graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in January 2014.
Samantha currently resides in Imler with her husband, Joe and daughter Haley.
Butch worked with the Blackburn Funeral Home for more than 10 years, he was a great asset to the funeral home, helping with many jobs. He passed away on September 6, 2019 and is greatly missed.