Free to the public.

DG Historical Society is pleased to announce Israel Larry Blackburn as the Founder of the Year for 2024.

Israel Larry Blackburn was born into slavery on a plantation in Kentucky in 1818. He lived there until 1864 when he was sold to the Union Army where he was assigned to 124th U.S. Colored Infantry.  He earned the rank of sergeant before his discharge in 1865.

Blackburn then moved his family north to Downers Grove.

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