John I. Blair

Born in Warren County N.Y. in 1802, John I. Blair built the Sioux City and Pacific Railway and was instrumental in founding the city of Blair. He died in New Jersey in 1900. Blair can very properly be referred to as a "magic city." It was laid out in 1869, the first lots being sold on the 10th of March of that year, at auction. The town was located by John I. Blair and associates, members of the Sioux City and Pacific Railroad Company. The deeds to purchasers of lots came from John I. Blair and wife through W.W. Walker "attorney-in-fact" until about two years ago, since which they have been signed by "The Nebraska Town Company."

Source: History of Washington County, Nebraska: Its Early Settlement and Present Status, Resources, Advantages and Future Prospects, page 40. John T. Bell. Herald Steam Bookand Job Printing House, Omaha, Neb., July, 1876.