Blacklock, Thomas, was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, November 10, 1721. He lost his sight by smallpox when an infant, but was nevertheless well educated and ordained a minister in 1762. Two years later he retired to Edinburgh and spent his time in teaching and authorship. An edition of his poems, which are characterized by elegant mediocrity, was published in 1793. He died July 7, 1791.