Dr. Edward Blackshaw (1831-1911)
Though cut off in the map, Dr. Edward Blackshaw's name shines just enough to be legible. Dr. Blackshaw came to Urbana in 1858 and established a dentist's office. He was always investigating new dental practices and continuing his education. He introduced several dental inventions in the county, including laughing gas and a form of local anesthesia. His advertisements in several local newspapers show him moving throughout the county to provide dental services, including to Homer and Mahomet.
Blackshaw was a skilled taxidermist and animal enthusiast. In "History of Champaign County, Illinois," by Brink, McDonough & Co., he wrote Chapter X Fauna about the animals seen in the county. This chapter includes detailed accounts of several species of birds and some discussion of prey animals and fish.
He was also involved in the community. He was a Mason and member of the Blue Lodge in Urbana. In 1875, he was appointed the Puissant Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of Illinois. Blackshaw was also a member of the Urbana Library Association in 1873.
