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         JAMES K. BLAIR, one of the leading business men of Clifton, Iowa, is a native of Tennessee, born in 1846, and is a son of William T. and Sarah A. (Duncan) Blair, the father a native of Loudon County, Tenn., and the mother of Washington County. The family came to Louisa County in 1852, settling near Columbus City. The father was a farmer by occupation, and was a man highly respected in the community . . .

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. . . where he resided. His death occurred in 1875. The mother still survives her husband, and is now living in Columbus Junction.

Our subject was reared upon a farm, and received his education in the common schools. In 1868 he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Ogier, who was born in Ohio, and is a daughter of Thomas Ogier, a native of that State. They are now the parents of three children: Thomas, Blanche and James, all yet at home. Mrs. Blair is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally, Mr. Blair is a member of the A. F. & A. M., while politically, he is a Democrat. In 1885 he established himself in the mercantile business at Clifton, forming a partnership with E. W. Kelley. The business is now in a flourishing condition, the gentlemen having gained by their fair dealing and earnest desire to please their customers, the entire confidence and good-will of the community, and now receive a liberal share of the patronage. In connection with mercantile business, Mr. Blair has a farm of 160 acres in Washington County. He is a go-ahead, enterprising citizen, alive to the interests of his town and county, and active in the promotion of its enterprises. He was one of the leaders in establishing the Clifton Creamery, an institution of much worth to the farming community. He is deservedly popular as a merchant and citizen, and is universally respected by all who know him.