BIO: John M. BLAIR, Huntingdon County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: 
Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry, 
Pennsylvania, Containing Sketches of Prominent and Representative 
Citizens and Many of the Early Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. 
Runk & Co., 1897, page 182.
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  JOHN M. BLAIR, Blairs Mills, Huntingdon county, Pa., son of John H. 
and Mary (McConnell) Blair, was born at the above mentioned place 
October 10, 1850. His grandfather, John Blair, was a native of Shade 
Gap, Huntingdon county, and married Miss Jane Cree. They had a family 
of six children, four boys and two girls. John H. Blair, father of John 
M., was born near Shade Gap, February 2, 1819, and came to Tell 
township in 1847. He received a common school education, and married 
after coming to Tell township. He and his brother, A. C. Blair, formed 
a mercantile partnership, which they continued for several years. John 
H. Blair now lives a retired life at Blairs Mills. His wife died in 
1874. He married again, his second wife being Lucy Noble, now also 
deceased. Their children are: John M.; Dr. G. A., of Gerard, Kan.; 
Alinda; and Haretta. John H. Blair has been identified with the 
Republican party all his life.
  John M. Blair enjoyed educational advantages superior to those 
offered by the public schools. Besides attending the common schools in 
Tell township, he studied at Tuscarora Academy, Academia, Pa., and at 
Spring Run Academy. When he was twelve years old he entered his 
father's store, and after reaching his majority became a partner, 
continuing until 1892, when he established a new store, putting in a 
full line of new goods. To his habit of honest and fair dealing, nay be 
attributed the success of his undertakings. In the recent past, he 
erected a large hotel at Blairs Mills, and also several dwelling 
houses. He was an interest in the Tuscarora Valley Railroad, which ran 
as far as Blairs Mills in October, 1895. Mr. Blair is a staunch 
Republican, has been school director for nine years, and has held the 
office of postmaster since its establishment in 1883. on April 15, 
1873, he was married to Miss Nannie, daughter of John and Barbara 
(Harnish) Silverthorn, who was born in Shade Valley, her parents having 
come hither from Lancaster county, Pa. They had three children: Holmes, 
died in infancy; Alda May, died at the age on nineteen. Mr. and Mrs. 
Blair are members of the Presbyterian church; Mr. Blair is an elder. He 
was chosen the first president of the Christian Endeavor Society of the 
Presbyterian church near Blairs Mills.