Joseph Franklin Blackstone

Joseph (Joe) Blackstone - died in 1936, he was only 26 years old. He was a cowboy working in West Texas working on a ranch busting broncs. He later moved into the rodeo circuit during the depression. Jobs were scarce and not much pay. He found he could make a little more money riding in the rodeos. He was bull dogging a steer and somehow the steer stepped on him and broke his neck. It was a sad day in the Blackstone home. They shipped his body home by train to Andrews, Texas

Joe have never married and had no children.

COWBOY IS TRAMPLED BY STEER AT RODEO
Joe Blackstone, Carried from ring in Bulldogging Act, May Never Ride Again
[Herald Bureau]
Fort Myers, Fla., Feb. 20- - {1936}

Cheers at the all - Florida rodeo at the Southwest Florida Fair changed to screams last night when Joe Blackstone, Texas Cowboy, was trampled by a long-horned red steer he was bulldogging. Joe and the animal went down together. The steer turned over on the cowboy and in another moment the creature was on its feet, running free while Joe lay still in the mud.

A doctor was summoned and eight of Joe's comrades carried him outside. Dr. A. J. Harness of Lakeland, said a vertebra was injured and he was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital for an x-ray. Dr. J. A. Moorehouse at the hospital today stated that the injury was to the third vertebra. He may be permanently paralyzed.

Blackstone was one of the hits of the afternoon show and last night he was ready to continue his performance. A cowboy stringed orchestra was playing old-time tunes in the box.

Jack Hughes of Pahokee announced events and stated that "Florida now has more cattle on open range than any other state in the Union." Jim Cross was introduced and "Stack" Lee, Buffalo Bill type of rider, came before the crowd for applause as did Charles Barnes and Cecil Jackman, owner of the O. K. Ranch at LaBelle, who is managing the Rodeo.

Steer riding was first of the night events. Calf - roping was next, showing the boys using western style instead of handling them with long whips and dogs as in old days. This time, Joe Blackstone, rode out on a white Mexican Burro and landed his calf in approved fashion.

After the accident the show went on. "Stack" Lee and his cowgirl sweetheart of "50" years put on their spectacular shooting from galloping horses. Vic Blackstone appeared in his act, riding on an outlaw horse.

Joe Blackstone, who may never ride again, has performed in Madison Square Garden, New York, and was rated the fifth best showman in the United States.

Funeral services for Joe Franklin Blackstone, age 25, who died Monday Feb. 24th at Fort Myers, Florida, from injuries sustained while bulldogging a steer in a rodeo performance, will be held at the First Baptist Church here at 3:00 o'clock, Rev. O. Curtis, officiating.

Young Blackstone was an Andrews resident, coming here 11 years ago from Wharton county. He had become a star performer in the rodeo world. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Blackstone of Andrews, six brothers, and five sisters, the brothers are; Albert, Victor, Lee Roy, David, Earnest, Robert and James. The sisters are; Mrs. Jessie Billings of Houston, Mrs. Maggie Huffman of Eagle, Idaho, Alice, Josie and Dorothy of Andrews.