Fred B. Blair, who has served as city attorney of Manchester for the past eight years, was born here, March 8, 1870, a son of Judge Amos S. Blair, who was born in Perry, Wyoming county, New York, August 24, 1831. The latter's mother was in her maidenhood a Rockefeller and that branch of the family has been traced back for many generations. She removed with her husband to Lorain county, Ohio, in 1835, and their son, Amos S. Blair, grew to manhood in the Buckeye state. He studied law in the office of John R. Osborne, of Norwalk, Ohio, and in 1854 was admitted to practice before the supreme court of that state. He subsequently located at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and practiced there for some time but in 1858 came to Manchester and practiced law here until 1894, when he was elected to the district bench. He served as judge until 1908 and then retired from active life. He still lives in Manchester and is one of the most highly respected residents of the city. During the Civil war he was a provost marshal and served his country with fidelity and courage. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Laura Boomer, was born in Ohio, August 20, 1836, and by her marriage became the mother of three children, namely: Effie, the wife of Judge George W. Dunham; Charles L.; and Fred B., the subject of this review.
     The last named was a student in the public schools of Manchester and after completing the course of study here entered the University of Iowa, at Iowa City, taking the law course. After his graduation from that school he went to Sheridan, Wyoming, and practiced law for four years there, after which, in 1897, he returned to Manchester and has since devoted his time to the practice of his profession in his native city. While in Wyoming he was for one year assistant secretary and later secretary of the Wyoming Senate, and since he has returned to Manchester he has held office almost continuously. For four years, from 1899 to 1902, inclusive, he was county attorney and for the past eight years has served as city attorney.
     Mr. Blair was married on the 16th of February, 1905, to Miss Mary A. Shelden, who was born in Delaware county, a daughter of F. J. and Lilla (Fowler) Shelden. To Mr. and Mrs. Blair have been born three children, Wallace S., Marian and Fred B., Jr. Mr. Blair is a republican in his political belief and fraternally is a member of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. The name of Blair has for many years been associated with the legal profession, as the father of our subject was a lawyer of distinction and a jurist of high ability.