[p. 486] residing on a farm in Slippery Rock Township, about seven miles east of New Castle, was born in Bulter County, Pennsylvania, June 29, 1874. He is a son of Henry and Matilda (Wilson) Blair, and a grandson of Thomas Blair.
Thomas Blair, the grandfather, was born in the North of Ireland, and in early life emigrated from there to the United States, taking up a farm in Butler County, Pennsylvania, lying along Slippery Rock Creek, for which he paid $1.50 per acre. He farmed there until his death. His wife, in maiden life Margaret Rankin, lived to reach the remarkable age of ninety-seven years.
Henry Blair was born in Butler County, and there attended the old log school house of his home vicinity. After his marriage he purchased a farm in Middletown, Butler County, where they lived many years, Mrs. Blair dying on that place. He subsequently purchased the old homestead of his parents, and spent the declining years of his life on it. They were parents of nine children, as follows: Thomas, Charles, Margaret, one who died in infancy, James and Robert R., twins; Elizabeth, Emma, and Henry Easson.
Robert R. Blair received a good common school education, after which he was variously employed at different places. He traveled extensively and spent considerable time in Rhode Island and Ohio. In 1903, he purchased his present farm of twenty acres of Mrs. David Fox, made many important improvements, and is at the present time erecting a large barn. He is a man of energy and industry, and a public spirited citizen, with many friends throughout the community.
November 21, 1903, Mr. Blair was married to Miss Mary E. Wadsworth, a daughter of William H. Wadsworth, of Butler County, and granddaughter of Dawson Wadsworth, who was a power in Pennsylvania politics some fifty years ago. They have a son, Paul Wadsworth, who was born April 19, 1906. Politically, Mr. Blair is a stanch Republican. He and his wife are active members of the Reformed Presbyterian church.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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Updated: 29 Oct 2001