William Blacker of Carrick

One name that keeps popping up in the history of the area is that of William Blacker. In fact, there were two prominent William Blackers in this part of Co Armagh in the early- to mid-1800s and they were almost exact contemporaries; Blacker of Carrick and Blacker of Gosford. They were only very loosely related, many generations earlier. They were both prominent enough to often serve on Armagh Grand Juries, sometimes together.

Lt. Col. William Blacker ‘of Carrick’ (1776-1855)

Militia officer, versifier, and prominent Orangeman, William Blacker of Carrick was born on his family’s estate in Carrickblacker, near Portadown, about 1776.

He was educated in Armagh and entered the University of Dublin about 1796. However, just before that, he took part in the Battle Of The Diamond and provided detailed accounts of it. His experiences there led to him being involved in the formation of the Orange Institution.

Blacker was the author of the poem “Oliver’s Advice” which contains the famous line “Put your trust in God, my boys, and keep your powder dry!” He was high sheriff of Armagh in 1811 and was later appointed as deputy treasurer of Ireland. At the same time as Col Close was chair of the Famine Relief Committee for Tandragee district, in the 1840s, Blacker was chair of the Portadown committee.

His extensive writings, held in Armagh County Museum, are known as the Blacker Diaries, but are not chronological; they are his musings and thoughts on a large range of topics.