Born November 17, 1846 in Logan County, Ohio
Death March 3, 1936 at Harlan, Iowa
Parents William & Nancy (Powers) Blair
Siblings Jacob, Sarah, Ayers, Samuel
Wife Hannah (Bufkin) Blair
Children Milo, Mary, Melvin, Naomi Hopkins, Milton

Enlisted and mustered in February 29, 1864 at Eddyville, Iowa
Mustered out July 12, 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky

McPherson Post 33 joined March 17, 1881 - discharged from membership 1882
Harlan Post 197 joined 1900

William James Blair, 89, the next to last surviving Civil War Veteran in Shelby County, died at his home here Tuesday morning.
March 5, 1936, Harlan newspaper

Last Shelby County Civil War Vet Dies
William J. Blair, 89, Shelby County's last surviving Civil War Veteran, died here Tuesday. He served with the Seventh Iowa Infantry. One son survives.
Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa March 3, 1936

William J. Blair, 89, who held the distinction of being Shelby County's last Civil War Veteran, died at his home, 306 Market St., in Harlan, Tuesday. Mr. Blair has been an invalid for several years but his condition did not become critical until two weeks ago. During this period of illness, he had become almost totally blind.

William James Blair, the son of William and Nancy Blair, was born in Logan County, Ohio, November 19, 1846, and came to Iowa as a young man.

He was married to Hannah Bufkin at Eddyville, Iowa, who preceded him in death some years ago.

To this union was born five children, the only one surviving being one son, Milo, of Centralia, Washington. The other children were Melvin, Milton, Mary Ivy, and Mrs. Noni Hopkins. Fourteen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren survive.

Mr. Blair was one of the early settlers of the township. During the Rebellion, he went to the defense of the old flag, enlisting in 1861 at Lincoln's call for men. When this civil war was forced on the country, the people were quietly cultivating their farms, founding cities and towns, building homes, shops and factories when like a fierce thunder storm came the Great War.

At the time Fort Sumter was captured by rebel arms in 1861, Shelby County had only a population of 800 people which averaged about 300 men. Out of this number, she sent 50 to service.

Mr. Blair served with Company I, of the 7th Iowa Infantry, going south with his regiment. He participated in many of the major battles and served his country faithfully until the close of the war when he was honorably discharged.

Mr. Blair was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was active in its organization as long as he was able to participate. He was a Quaker in belief and was a loving husband and father. His passing is mourned by his relatives and a large circle of friends.

Military funeral services were held this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at the Schack & Swinehart Funeral Home with Rev. Earl Clark of the Christian Church preaching the sermon. The Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150, American Legion had charge of the military feature. Mr. E.S. White, speaking in behalf of the organization, paid high tribute to Mr. Blair, recognizing that with his passing, the local G.A.R. passes out of existence. As an act of respect, all of the posts in the county wore represented with their flags. Many local civic organizations were present at the service.

Interment was in the Manning Cemetery. An escort from the American Legion accompanied the remains to its last resting place in the Manning cemetery, where they conducted the burial service.

Serving as pall bearers were Legionnaires Claude O'Neill, Leo Billings, Ray Pexton, Oliver Larson, Oliver Bacon, and T.K. Lloyd. Color guards and color bearers were Charles Petersen, Frank Lahr, John Paulson, Conrad Schwab, Lyle Martin, Alfred Bartrug, and Thompson. Buglers were F.D. Curttright and Mr. Hahn, and Chaplain, W.B. Friend.

George Weber served as commander in the absence of F.L. Wirth, who was out of the city.