The Honorable Charles Alexander Black, born February 6, 1808 to Jacob and Margaret (Grinstaff) Black, was a prominent member of Greene County society in the late 19th century. He grew up on his father’s farm and attended school when circuit teachers were teaching in the area. At a young age he became an avid reader and, soon, a well-respected scholar. He worked as a clerk in his brother’s store in Greensboro, PA and eventually become a law apprentice under Enos Hook and Samuel Cleavinger, both in Waynesburg. Mr. Black was elected to two terms in the State Senate from 1843 to 1848 and was selected as Secretary of the Commonwealth and Superintendent of Public Instruction where, in 1854, he wrote the “Free School Law.” This law would correct several deficiencies in the public school system and would create school districts. Mr. Black also served as a delegate to the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention.
In private life, Charles Alexander Black married Maria, daughter of William Allison, and to their union were born two children, Mary and Albert. Maria departed this life in 1871, remembered as an idol of her family and a favorite amongst her circle of acquaintances.
Mr. Black also served as one of the organizers of the Waynesburg and Washington Railroad and was present at the committee meeting held at the Greene County courthouse on January 25, 1875 when the final route was chosen and the name Waynesburg and Washington Railroad was officially established.
Mr. Black departed this life on March 6, 1889 at the age of 81 years and was interred in Green Mount Cemetery in Waynesburg.
This photo is physically archived at the Greene County Historical Society Museum and is also digitally archived as part of the Greene Connections Archives Project.
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