Thomas and Bridget Blackstock

Thomas and Bridget Blackstock were among the first settlers in the Sheboygan area, both immigrating to the United States from Ireland. The Blackstocks were influential in their community, both in business and civic spheres. Thomas was the founder of the Phoenix Chair Company, as well as president of Sheboygan Mutual Loan, Saving and Building Association. Both Bridget and Thomas are buried in Calvary Cemetery.

Thomas M. Blackstock was born January 12, 1834 in Ulster, Ireland. He came to America with his aunt and three sisters in 1848 to join his mother after his father had passed away. They first settled in St. Catharines, Canada but then came to Sheboygan a year later. Thomas and his mother were the only two to make the move.

Thomas worked many jobs early on as a hotel and drug store clerk, until he became superintendent of construction of the Sheboygan and Fond du Lac Plank Road in 1856 at the age of 22.  In 1861 he bought the drug store he once worked for as a young man when the owner left to fight in the Civil War.

That same year Thomas married his wife Bridget. Bridget Denn was born February 4, 1844 in Waterford, Ireland. She immigrated to America with her parents and two brothers, settling first in Lewiston, New York. A few years later, they moved to Sheboygan and settled in Pigeon River.

Beginning in the 1860’s, Sheboygan began to experience an economic downturn and a lack of job opportunities. Thomas joined with other civic leaders who decided to take action. They founded the appropriately named Phoenix Chair Company.

After establishing the company, he served as secretary for a year, and then became president and general manger. He would hold a controlling interest in the company the rest of his life. When the company started in May 1875, it employed 6 workers, but by 1888 it employed over 300. The Phoenix Chair Company would continue operation until it’s final closure in 1964. The success of the company inspired other chair companies to start in Sheboygan leading the area to become known as “Chair City” and “The City of Four C’s” – Churches, Chairs, Cheese, and Children.

In 1885, Thomas Blackstock also became the president of the Sheboygan Mutual Loan, Saving and Building Association. He was dedicated to helping the city grow and improve. Through this organization, he was able to help many people in Sheboygan buy or build houses.

A very busy man, Thomas also became the president and owner of the South Sheboygan Land Company, owned a 174-acre farm just outside the city, and was heavily involved in local and state government. He served four terms on the common council, three terms as mayor, and served as a member of the state legislature in the lower house.

Thomas was instrumental in the installation of the Soldier’s Monument in Fountain Park, and was the only Wisconsin citizen to become an honorary member of the Grand Army of the Republic because of his support for Civil War veterans. His community engagement also led to the establishment of the very first hospital in Sheboygan.

Thomas Blackstock passed away at his home on February 27, 1913, and was survived by his wife Bridget, and their three adopted children. Bridget Blackstock passed away on May 18, 1917, marking the end of an era. She was not only a devoted wife but, like her husband, took an active interest in the city and county. Constantly filled with joy and a willingness to serve others, it was said that her “very presence seemed to dispel the gloom.”

The influence of Thomas and Bridget Blackstock would continue to be felt in the community for years to come after their passing.

The Blackstock Italianate Home still stands today at 507 Washington Court and is on the National Register of Historic Buildings. 

From the Portrait and Biographical Record of Sheboygan County, Wis., 1898:, Sheboygan History. Accessed October 27th, 2023. https://www.sheboyganhistory.com/b/blackstock.htm.

Mr. Blackstock head of Phoenix, called by death, Wisconsin Historical Society. Accessed October 27th, 2023. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Newspaper/BA419.

History of Sheboygan County Past and Present. Volume 2. Chicago, Illinois. S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912.