Samuel T. Black, one of the best known real estate and loan men in the city of Holton, was born in Carroll county, Ohio, in the year 1850, a son of John and Lucinda (Tucker) Black. The paternal grandfather, Andrew Black, came with his family from Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania. Later, John Black removed with his father to Ohio, and in the fall of 1866 came to Kansas, landing in Jackson county Oct. 4 of that year. He engaged in farming 160 acres of land about four miles west of Holton, where he remained until 1885, when he removed to Straight Creek township, where his son had purchased land, and remained there until 1893. He then took up his residence in Holton and died there the same year. His widow survived him eighteen months, when she, also, passed away. Samuel T. Black came to Kansas with his parents, with whom he lived twenty-four years, having in the meantime taken up a claim in Smith county, going back and forth from his home to this claim, which he finally sold. He then went back to Ohio, making the trip overland with a wagon and team. After about eighteen months in Ohio, he returned to Kansas, in 1876, and located in Jackson county, where he has since resided. For a while he was associated with his father in agricultural pursuits. Then, for two years, he was engaged in handling patent rights, selling territory, etc. In 1880 he married Miss Jane Dayton, also a native of Ohio, but who went with her parents from Guernsey county, Ohio, to Iowa, and from thence to Kansas. After his marriage Mr. Black bought a half-section of land in Straight Creek township, where he engaged in farming for about four years, when he sold his farm and rented land for five years, at the end of which time, in 1892, he became a resident of Holton. Soon after removing to Holton he was appointed marshal of the city and held that position four years. He also served as deputy sheriff of the county and has taken an active part in political affairs, as a Republican, having been a supporter of Hon. Thomas Wagstaff for governor in the primary campaign of 1910. Mr. Black is a member of the Masonic fraternity and holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Shortly after retiring from the marshal's office he engaged in the real estate business, and he has contributed in no small degree to the prosperity of Holton and the immediate vicinity through his work in promoting immigration to that section of the state. In 1907 his only son, Bert E., became a partner with him, the firm being known as Black & Black. Mr. Black also has a daughter, Daisy Alva, the wife of Ira S. McAlister, of PhilIips county, Kansas. Bert E. Black married Miss Ione Swett, of Holton.