John D. Black (1841-1923) was born in Meadville, PA, the son of William and Phoebe (Jones) Black. His father was a merchant. He received his early education in the common school and entered Allegheny College at Meadville. He learned the tinner's trade which carried him into the hardware business. He served during the Civil War from 18611865 and was wounded several times; he was an aide to General Nelson A. Miles and their friendship continued for many years. The General visited the Black family in Valley City. After the war Mr. Black was in business in Union City, PA, and postmaster there in 1866-71. In 1869 he married Selenda G. Wood of Buffalo, New York, the daughter of Dr. Eri Wood. They came to Dakota Territory in 1880 and farmed until he was elected Register of Deeds in 1888. He held this office six years, then opened an abstract business until 1910 when he moved to California. Mr. Black's two sisters Kate and Louise filed on claims and sold their land to Mathias Kramer. Major Black was active in the National Guard and during the Spanish-American war, he helped to organize and outfit the First Regiment of North Dakota Volunteers; he was commissioned and accompanied General Miles to Cuba and Puerto Rico. His only son was Dr. Nelson Miles Black.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 31