William Presley Blackiston

QUAKER

So far as I know, William P Blackiston of Geneseo, was the only Quaker in Henry County. He was the father of a goodly family; but his wife and children affiliated with the Congregational Church. 'Squire Blackiston came to Geneseo in an early day, and acquired wealth. A large brick block bears his name. In this block was the home of the Geneseo News for twenty-eight years. The 'Squire was partial to drab garments and long-tailed coats, which are insignia of the Society of Friends, or Quakers. One peculiarity of the good old partiarch was a fondness for being out in the rain.

Source: History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume 1, By Henry L. Kine, page 132