Patrick M. Blair

Patrick M. Blair, son of William Preston and Hannah (Craig) Blair, was born at Frankfort, Ky., April 10, 1829. His father was also born at Frankfort, son of James Blair, a native of Richmond, Va., —attorney general of Kentucky, and grandson of John Blair, also a native of Virginia—a name known in the judicial history of Virginia. James Blair served with distinction in the Revolution, and William P. Blair in the War of 1812 as captain in the U. S. army. After the war he was in command of the first regular garrison at Ft. Clark (now Peoria); subsequently in command at Rock Island, Council Bluffs and Ft. Smith, Ark., where he married Miss Craig, daughter of one of the first settlers of Arkansas. Patrick M. Blair was educated at St. Louis University, studied law in the office of his cousin, Montgomery Blair, and was admitted to the Illinois Bar at Ottawa in 1850. In 1816 he visited Toulon; returned to St. Louis in 1848, and took up his residence at Toulon in 1851. He was married November 5, 1851, to Miss Harriet M. daughter of Dr. Hall, born in Derbyshire, Eng., July 20, 1832. In 1854 he and John Berfield established the first lumber yard at Toulon, where his present residence now stands. In 1858 he and G. A. Clifford opened & law office. Before the war this partnership was dissolved, and one with Judge James Hewitt formed. In 1860 he was elected circuit clerk, which position he held eight years, the vote being in 1868 for Mr. Blair 1128, a majority of 570, the largest majority given at this election. In 1867 he assisted in organizing the R. I. & P. R. R. Co.; was one of the incorporators, and in 1869 was elected first vice president, serving until succeeded, by Captain S. F. Otman. In 1886 he was appointed master in chancery, as successor to Allen P. Miller. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Blair none are living. William P., born December 19, 1854, died December 25, that year; Frances L., born January 20, 1856, died April 23, 1873; Thomas H., one of the founders of the Sentinel, born July 30, 1858, died August 28, 1881, and Walter H., born in 1862, died December 26, 1884.