| Notes |
- Jesse Blair was the son of Josiah Blair & Hester Hattie (Ray) Blair. Jesse was the husband of Mary (Jordon) Blair 1834 - 30 Dec 1923. She also rest in this place.
Jesse Blair, farmer, P. O. Hord, is another descendant of one of our old pioneer families in Blair Township. He is a son of Josiah Blair, who was a native of Hawkins County, Tenn. He, Josiah Blair, was married twice; his first wife, Hattie (Ray) Blair, was a native of Indiana, where she died. She was the mother of five children George, Nancy Eytchison, John, Jesse, our subject, and Jemima Redman.
His second wife, Lavina Westmoreland, whom he married in Indiana, and with whom he came to this county, was the mother of the following childrenManley, William, Alfred, Josiah and Hailey are now dead, Manley and Josiah dying while in the army. The following are yet living: James H., Henry C, Harrison, Louisa Williams, Lavina E., Elizabeth Rexrode and Sarah J., wife of Dr. Gladson. Josiah Blair died in this county in 1865. Mrs. Lavina Blair died several years after her husband's demise.
The grandfather of our subject was Robert Blair, whose wife's maiden name was Bean; they came here in 1837, and died here. Our subject, Jesse Blair, received only three months' schooling, which was obtained from William Laws in a log schoolhouse, but not learning to write till he was twenty-one years old. He came to this county with his father in the spring of 1837, and spent his youth in cultivating the virgin soil of Blair Township, which was named in honor of his father and uncles. In 1855, Jesse Blair bought forty acres of land, for which he paid $325. He now owns 200 acres of good land. Mr. Blair has been married twice.
His first wife, Polly A. Edwards, was a daughter of William Edwards, an old pioneer, who is yet living in this county. She was born in Indiana, and died here. His present wife, who was Mrs. Mary Hodge, a widow lady at time of marriage, is a daughter of William and Frances Jordan, both natives of North Carolina. Mrs. Blair, a native of Indiana, and is the mother of A. E. Hodge, a son of her first husband.
Mr.and Mrs. Blair are connected with the Christian Church, sometimes called New-Lights. Mr. Blair enjoys the respect of the community in which he resides, having served the people therein as Constable seven years, and Justice of the Peace seven years; votes the Republican ticket.
Excerpt from "History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BLAIR, JESSE
Rank PVT Company B Unit 48 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence LOUISVILLE, CLAY CO, IL Age 31 Height 5' 7 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status N/A Occupation SOLDIER
Nativity LAWRENCE CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When JAN 1, 1864 Joined Where SCOTTSBORO, AL
Joined By Whom LT A S WELLMAN Period 3 YRS
Muster In JAN 19, 1864 Muster In Where SCOTTSBORO, AL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks VETERAN TRANS TO VRC AUG 3, 1864 ORDER OF WAR DEPT
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1832 - 1904 (72 years)
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