A large, splendid, and expensive monument was erected about the year 1825 in the city of Londonderry, in the North of Ireland, to the memory of the brave men and apprentice boys who defended that city so manfully during the siege, in the years 1688 and 1689. On this monument is engraved the name of Colonel Robert Blair, with a large number of others of the most brave. This Robert Blair belonged to the family of Blairs of Blairathol, in Scotland. His son, of the same name, Colonel Robert Blair, came to North America with his regiment, and brought with him wife and family, and afterwards settled in Worcester, Mass., where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Blair died there in the year 1774, aged 91 years, and his wife, Isabella, died in the year 1765, aged 82 years. They had seven sons. Their names were Matthew, James, Joseph, John, David, William, and Francis. Joseph remained on the homestead at Worcester. He had one son, whose name was Charles, and five daughters. John and David settled in Warren, and had families. Capt. Alfred Blair, of Warren, is great-grandson of this Colonel Blair. Dr. Blair, of Rome, is grandson of Colonel Blair.
Capt. William Blair came first to Nova Scotia on military duty in the 1758, to assist in subduing the French and taking Louisburg. He returned to New England and was relieved of military duty, and came again to Nova Scotia, and brought with him his wife and family, in company with the other first settlers who came to Truro in the Spring of the year 1760. They settled on the farm on the interval of North River that was afterwards owned by his son, John, and he had his house near the place that his great-grandson, William Blair, now resides. A few years after they obtained a grant of the Township of Onslow.
Francis Blair, brother of William, came with the first settlers of Onslow, and was a Grantee of the Township, and it is said that he, being discouraged with the hardships of settling a new country, sold out his Right of land in Onslow for the small sum of eight dollars and returned again to New England.
The grant of the Township of Onslow was made to Richard Upham and sixteen others for a certain number of shares or rights; to Francis Blair and thirty others for certain other rights or shares, in all forty-eight persons. This grant was for 50,000 acres, being the whole of the Township of Onslow. It is dated February 21st, 1769, and is signed by Lord William Campbell, who was then Governor of Nova Scotia. In laying off the land of this Township, so much surplus measurement was given that it now contains about 80,000 acres.
Capt. William Blair was born in the year 1716. He was married to Jane Barns, in New England, about the year 1740. He died August 4th, 1791. Susan, their eldest daughter, was born in the year 1741. She was married to Mr. Issac Farrell, June 10th, 1763. They returned to New England. He was an officer on military duty, and he fell at the battle of Bunker Hill.
Sarah, the second daughter of Capt. William Blair, was born in New England in the year 1743. She was married to Ephraim Howard, December 8th, 1763. Mr. Howard settled near the North River bridge, and built the first mill that was ever built in Onslow. This mill stood near Mr. James McNutt's shop. A mill was kept there until about the year 1812, when the heavy freshets filled the race and pond with gravel, and the mill was allowed to go down. Mr. Howard had sold the mill a considerable time before this date, and removed to St. Andrew's River, and built some mills, where he carried on milling during the remainder of his life. They had one son and six daughters.
William, the oldest son of Capt. William Blair, was born in New England in the year 1750, and was brought by his parents to Nova Scotia when he was ten years old. He was married to Mary, daughter of James Downing and Janet Montgomery, November 26, 1772. They settled on the farm that was afterwards owned by his two sons, Alexander and Oliver, up the North River, where they reared there* numerous family, and spent the remainder of their lives. He died in March, 1841, aged 91 years, and his wife, Mary Downing, died in the month of November, 1817, aged 67 years. [*possible typo, probably should be their]
Jane, the eldest daughter, was born in Onslow, March 30th, 1773. She was married to Archibald, son of Matthew Taylor and Elizabeth Archibald, May 4th, 1797. She had one child, which died young. She died October 19th, 1799. Mr. Taylor removed to St. Mary's, and was married again to Mary McDonald, of Pictou. They had three sons and two daughters. Robert, the eldest son of William Blair and Mary Downing, his wife, was born in Onslow, November 1st, 1774. He was married to Mary, daughter of Ebenezer and Catherine Hoar, of Onslow, January 20th, 1801. They settled on the farm on which Turner Blair now resides. In the year 1819 he exchanged places with his brother William, and removed to the mills where his son David now resides. About this time the first carding mill was set agoing in the lower part of the saw mill which stood where Robert Blair's mill now stands. This was the first carding machine that was set agoing in the County of Colchester, and I think in the Province of Nova Scotia. It was considered a great curiosity, and attracted numerous visitors.
William, the eldest son of Robert and Mary Blair, was born in Onslow, November 23rd, 1801. He learned the shoemaking business with his uncle, Ephraim Blair, who then carried on the business where Mr. William Gregor now resides. He was married to Elizabeth, the youngest daughter of John Wright and Sarah Lynds, January 24th, 1827. In the Spring of the year 1828 they removed to River John, and remained there until about the year 1842, when they removed to Illinois, U.S., where they are still living. They had six sons and six daughters.
Ebenezer, the second son of Robert Blair and Mary Hoar, his wife, was born in Onslow, June 6th, 1802. He died in the year 1810, aged eight years.
Daniel, their third son was born February 2nd, 1806. He was married to Mary the second daughter of John B. Archibald and Catherine Hoar, his wife, October 12th, 1830. He inherited a part of his father's farm at North River. They had two sons and five daughters. Mrs. Blair died October 12th, 1861, and he was married again to Catherine, widow of the late James Logan of Upper Stewiacke, October 24th, 1871. Mary Hoar, first wife of Robert Blair, died November, 1810. He was married again to Elizabeth, daughter of William Taylor, and Margaret McCurdy, May 1st, 1814. James, their eldest son, was born December 1st, 1814. He was married to Phoebe Ann, daughter of William Lynds and Margaret McCollum, his wife, July 7th, 1835. They had five sons and three daughters. They removed to Tatamagouche about the year 1853. He and his sons have been engaged ever since running stage coaches from Truro to Tatamagouche, and from Pictou to River Philip, County of Cumberland.
David, the second son of Robert Blair and Elizabeth Taylor, was born in Onslow, June 10th, 1816. He was married to Mary, daughter of John Miers and Elizabeth Lynds, of Wallace River, June 3rd, 1857. They have three sons. He inherits the homestead part of his father's farm.
Mary, the eldest daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Blair, was born January 13th, 1820. She was married to William, son of William and Margaret Lynds, November 1st, 1839. They are settled on the south branch of North River, and have four sons and three daughters.
Margaret, the second daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Blair was born December 30th, 1821. She removed to the United States, and was married there to George Glaison in the year 1858.
Robert, the third son of Robert and Elizabeth Blair, was born March 3rd, 1823. He was married to Jane, daughter of William and Margaret Lynds, January 15th, 1844. They have two sons and four daughters. He inherited a part of his father's farm and the sawmill, and now resides on part of the farm that was owned by Mr. Alexander Blair.
John, the fourth son of Robert and Elizabeth Blair, was born September 12th, 1825. He was married to Mary Ann Welsh, of the State of Maine. They had one son who died when seventeen years old and one daughter.
Charles, their fifth son was born March 4th, 1828. He removed to the United States and married there and has three sons.
Henry, their sixth son, was born November 12th, 1831. He is now in the Lunatic Asylum.
Elizabeth, their third daughter, was born January 13th, 1835. She was married to John, son of David Murray and Mary Dickson, Feby. 8th, 1855. They have two sons and five daughters. Robert Blair, Senr., died December 21st, 1843, aged 69 years, and his wife died November 4th, 1855, aged 62.
John, the second son of William Blair and Mary Downing, his wife, was born February 8th, 1778. He was married to Isabella McNutt, the only daughter of Samuel McNutt, September 22nd, 1807. They settled on Onslow Mountain, on the same farm on which their son Jotham Blair, Esq., now resides, where they reared their family and spent the remainder of their days. He died January 31st, 1831. His wife died September 11th, 1846, aged 57 years. On one occasion Mr. Blair tackled his horse, and went to work ploughing potatoes Sabbath morning; one of his neighbours went to him, and with some difficulty convinced him that it was the Sabbath. When he was convinced, he soon untackled his horse, and was very much grieved at the thought of his sad mistake.
Samuel, the oldest son of John and Isabella Blair, was born in Onslow September 20th, 1808. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel McNutt and Ann McMullon, his wife, March, 1852. They have three sons.
Mary, the eldest daughter, of John and Isabella Blair, was born April 22nd, 1810. She removed to the United States, and was married there to Mr. Brody.
William, their second son was born April 22nd, 1812. He removed to the United States, and was married there, and has not been heard from for a length of time.
Myzeann, their second daughter, was born January, 31st, 1815. She was married to David Carlyle, June, 1844. They have one son and six daughters.
Elizabeth, their third daughter, was born August 4th, 1817. She was married to Thomas, youngest son of Samuel Archibald, Esq., and Elizabeth, his wife, July 25th, 1848.
Jotham M., their third son, was born July 27th, 1819. He inherits his father's farm. He is a Justice of the Peace, and is still living a bachelor.
Margaret Jane, their fourth daughter, was born August 4th, 1821. She is still living, unmarried, with her brother Jotham M., at the homestead.
John N., their fourth son, was born April 4th, 1824. He removed to New Zealand.
James H., their fifth son, was born November 8th, 1826. He removed to Boston, Mass., and is married there.
Alexander, their sixth and youngest son, was born May 19th, 1828. He removed to the United States and was married there to Annie Hughes. They have two sons and one daughter. They now reside in Halifax.
William, the third son of William Blair and Mary Downing, his wife, was born in Onslow, August 1st, 1779. He was married to Sarah Campbell, of Queen's County, New Brunswick, March 6th, 1815. They settled first where David Blair now resides at North River; and in the year 1819 removed to the place on which his son, R. Turner Blair now resides, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died June 10th, 1852, aged 73 years. Abiathar, their eldest son, was born August 3rd, 1817. He was married to Eleanor, the fifth daughter of Samuel Whidden and Sarah Stevens, December 27th, 1842. They had eight sons and two daughters. Mary Jane, their eldest daughter, was born November 16th, 1819. She died August 2nd, 1851, aged 32 years. Robert Turner Blair, their second son, was born July 15th, 1824. He was married to Hannah, daughter of Ralph Johnson and Phoebe Whidden, his wife, October 8th, 1852. He now inherits his father's house and farm. Rachel H., the second daughter of William and Sarah Blair, was born January 29th, 1830. She was married to Isaac Smith, (being his second wife) November 29th, 1857. They had one son and one daughter. She died March 26th, 1864, age 34 years. Matilda, their third daughter was born July 16th, 1833. She was married to James, the youngest son of John Staples and Catherine Blair, his wife, August 17th, 1851. They have one son and five daughters.
Catherine, the second daughter of William Blair and Mary Downing, was born April 22nd, 1782. She was married to John Staples, May 30th, 1803, being Mr. Staples second wife. Their family appears among the Staples.
Daniel, the fourth son of William and Mary Blair, was born October 20th, 1784. He was married o Rebecca Freeman, of Cumberland County in the year 1807. (This Mrs. Blair was born September 11th, 1790.) They settled near the Onslow Cemetery, where he died January 10th, 1862, aged 77 years.
William, the eldest son of Daniel and Rebecca Blair, was born January 5th, 1808. He removed to Horton, and was married there to Rebecca Payzant, in the year 1837. They had three sons and two daughters. He died in May 1845.
Hannah, the eldest daughter of Daniel and Rebecca Blair, was born June 1st, 1812. She was married to Joseph Hamilton, of Lower Onslow, March 1838, being Mr. Hamilton's second wife. They had one son and one daughter.
Samuel Freeman, their second son was born May 27th 1814. He was married to Eliza, daughter of James Blair and Mary Breggs, of New Brunswick, December, 1837. They had three daughters. He lost his eyesight, and died in the year 1847.
Oliver, their third son, was born September 10th, 1816. He was married to Ruth Atkinson, of Cumberland County, in the year 1842. She died, and he was married again to Margery, daughter of James Hamilton and Jane Carter, his wife, August 10th, 1851. They removed to Wallace River, where they now keep an Inn. They had three sons and two daughters.
John M., the fourth son of Daniel and Rebecca Blair, was born October 3rd, 1827. He was married to Margaret McNutt, November 28th, 1850. They had one son and two daughters. He was a blacksmith. He died January 12th, 1869, aged 42 years.
Issac, the fifth son of Daniel and Rebecca Blair, was born June 1st, 1830. He was married to Rebecca, daughter of Rufus McNutt and Margaret Crowe, February 17th, 1852. He inherits a part of his father's farm.
Almira, their youngest daughter, was born April 22, 1833. She was married to William, son of Daniel Cummings and Margaret McDougall. They have three sons and one daughter. They now reside in Truro Village, and he is carrying on business as a merchant.
Alexander, the fifth son of William and Mary Blair, was born March 6th, 1787. He was married to Sarah Bebee, of Wallace River, in the County of Cumberland, December 28th, 1815. He inherited the homestead half of his father's farm. He was Captain of a company of Militia for a length of time. In the month of September, 1816, he was assisting to raise the house in which Mr. Charles H. Blair now resides, when a joist of the upper floor gave way, and he fell to the bottom of the cellar, on a heap of small stones, which injured him so badly that he could not be taken home for about two weeks. He still shows the effects of this fall by the way that his head stands forward.
Secor McDonald, the eldest son of Alexander and Sarah Blair, was born August 3rd, 1818. He removed to California some time ago. Amelia, their eldest daughter, was born March 13th, 1822. She died December 24th, 1860, aged 38 years. Susannah, their second daughter, was born August 3rd, 1824. She was married to Lockhart Dimock, of Newport. They had two sons and one daughter. Lemuel S. Blair, their second son, was born December 18th, 1826. He was married to Jane Irish, of Antigonish, January, 1858. They have one son and three daughters. They have removed to Boston, Mass. Nancy M., their third daughter, was born June 26th, 1829. She was married to Rev. George Wethers. They have one son and one daughter. She died at Newport, 1871. Amanda M., their fourth daughter, was born May 2nd, 1831. She was married to the Rev. George Wethers, October, 1872.
Harriet N. Blair, their fifth daughter, was born December 19th, 1835. She was married to Rev. Hiram Wallace, in the month of January, 1862. They removed to Ohio, U.S. Henrietta F. Blair, the sixth daughter of Alexander and Sarah Blair, was born April 28th, 1838. She was married to Oliver, son of Mr. David Hurd and Deborah Bebee, of Wallace River, May 27th, 1868. They have one daughter. Mrs. Sarah Blair, mother of the foregoing family, died December 4th, 1864.
Ephraim, the sixth son of William and Mary Blair, was born February 17th, 1789. He was married to Abigail Hall, of Onslow Mountain, January 20th, 1814. He carried on the shoemaking business at the place where Mr. William Gregor now resides. He sold this place to Mr. Gregor about the year 1830, and removed up the North River, and settled on the farm on which his two sons now reside. Here he spent the remainder of his life, and died January 22nd, 1864, aged 75 years. Jane, the eldest daughter of Ephraim and Abigail Blair, was born December 28th, 1814. She was married to Adam McNutt, November 2nd, 1836, and had four sons and two daughters. William, their eldest son was born May 3rd, 1817. He removed to P. E. Island, and was married there to Sarah Baker. They had four sons and two daughters. They removed to Illinois, U.S., and he died there in August, 1862, aged 45 years. Mary, their second daughter, was born March 11th, 1820. She was married to William McCulley, of Debert River. They have two sons. Margaret, their third daughter, was born November 21st, 1822. She was married to Charles McCully, 1849. They had four sons and five daughters. Alexander their second son was born August 6th, 1825. He was married to Isabell Beggs. She died December 22nd, 1868, and he was married again to Barbary Wilson, of Chiganois, July 11th, 1870. He died March 3rd, 1871. John, the third son of Ephraim and Abigail Blair, was born May 10th, 1828. He was married to Rebecca, daughter of Daniel Blair and Mary Archibald, 1853. They have one daughter. George, their fourth son, was born May, 1830. He removed to Wisconsin, and was married there and had one daughter. They removed again to California. Charles, their fifth son, was born May 31st, 1832. He removed to Wisconsin, and is married there and has two daughters. Ephraim Howard, their sixth son, was born August 6th, 1838. He was married to Sarah Ann, daughter of Robert McCollum and Mary Moore, 1866. They have one son and one daughter. Renew, the fourth and youngest daughter, was born July 6th, 1841. She was married to David, son of Thomas McCollum and Jane Irvin. They have one son and three daughters.
James, the seventh son of William Blair and Mary Downing, was born May 28th, 1792. He removed to New Brunswick and was married there, to Mary Breggs, of Queen's County, in the year 1815. They had three daughters. Their eldest daughter, Eliza, was married to Samuel, son of Daniel Blair, of Onslow, 1837. They had three daughters. Mr. Blair died in 1847. James Blair was drowned from a fishing boat 1830, in the Bay of Fundy, below St. John's. His body was found and brought to the City of St. John's and buried there.
Oliver, the eighth and youngest son of William Blair and Mary Downing, was born October 7th, 1794. He was married to Mary, the eldest daughter of John Smith and Jane Cock, December 20th, 1817. He inherited one-half of his father's farm, where they reared their family. He died there November 23rd, 1871, aged 77 years, and his wife died July 1869, in the seventieth year of her age.
Ebenezer Smith, their eldest son, was born December 15th, 1820. He was married to Mary King, January 15th, 1843. Tryphena, their eldest daughter, was born November 22nd, 1844. She died August 22nd, 1862, aged 18 years. Mary Jane was born October 29th, 1847. Caroline was born December 15th, 1850. Sarah was born March 22nd, 1853. Jessie Ellen was born May 22nd, 1855. Nancy was born September 1st, 1857. She died March 18th, 1859. Emma was born Sept. 4th, 1859. MacDonald was born Jany. 29th, 1863.
Mary Ann, the eldest daughter of Oliver and Mary Blair, was born October 28th, 1823. She was married to John Harris Blackemore in the year 1844. They had one son and two daughters. They removed to the United States, where he, his son, and one daughter died some time ago, and Mrs. Blackemore is now living, with her daughter, in Addison, State of Indiana.
John Smith, the second son of Oliver and Mary Blair, was born February, 1826. He was married to Louisa, daughter of John and Elizabeth Blair. She died August 21st, 1853, aged 20 years. He was married to Eliza Kendrick, of Boston, where they now reside. They have two sons, named Howard and John Blair, and one daughter, Carnice Blair.
Jane Smith, the second daughter of Oliver and Mary Blair, was born September 10th, 1829. She was married to George C. Phillips, September 12th, 1851. Margaretta, their eldest daughter, was born February 5th, 1854. Charles Noble, their eldest son, was born March 31st, 1856. John Amos was born March 20th, 1858. Caroline S. was born August 12th, 1860. Eva was born March 27th, 1863. Lewis G. was born April 1st, 1865. Emma Louisa was born July 23rd, 1867. Mary Black was born November 21st, 1869.
James, the third son of Oliver and Mary Blair, was born May, 1832. He was married to Eleanor, daughter of James Hall of Onslow Mountain. They had two sons, who both died while young. James Blair died March 16th, 1861, aged 29 years.
Charles Hill, the fourth son of Oliver and Mary Blair, was born January 12th, 1835. He was married to Jane, daughter of David V. Crowe, Esq., and Esther Barnhill, September 9th, 1862. Lizzie, their eldest daughter, was born April 9th, 1864. Mary Alice, their second daughter, was born February 23rd, 1866. Alison, the third and youngest daughter of Oliver and Mary Blair, was born March 27th, 1839. She was married to Augustus, son of Isaac McCurdy, Esq., and Nancy Blanchard, October 1st, 1860. Isabell, their eldest daughter, was born September 9th, 1862. Mary Blanch, their second daughter, was born September 29th, 1864. Lilly Thomson was born September 18th, 1837.
Hannah, the third daughter of Capt. William Blair and Jane Barns, his wife, was born in New England about the year 1747. She came to Nova Scotia with her parents, in the year 1760. She was married to Robert Archibald, Esq., April 2nd, 1767. They had two sons and six daughters. They appear among the Archibalds. She died at Musquodoboit, November 4th, 1834, when she was about 87 years old, and her husband died in October, 1812, aged 67 years.
Dorothy, the fourth daughter of Capt. William Blair and Jane Barns, was born in New England about the year 1753. She was married to Simeon Whidden, of Truro, about the year 1775. They had six sons and five daughters.
Rebecca, the fifth daughter of Captain William and Jane Blair, was born in New England in the year 1757. She was married to Thomas Lynds about the year 1774. They had five sons and six daughters who appear among the Lynds families. She died January 9th, 1838, aged 80. Her husband died January 6th, 1839, aged 92 years.
John, the second son of Captain William Blair and Jane Barns, was born in New England in the year 1758, and was brought by his parents to Nova Scotia in the spring of the year 1760, when he was about two years old. Agnes Downing who was afterwards his wife, was born in Truro, January 23rd, 1762. (She was daughter of James Downing and Janet Montgomery). They were married September 20th, 1781. He inherited his father's farm in Onslow, where they reared their family, and spent the remainder of their days. He died there October 5th, 1847, aged 89 years, and his wife died January 9th, 1829, aged 67 years.
Samuel Barnes, the eldest son of John Blair and Agnes Downing, was born March 10th, 1782. He was married to Nancy, the eldest daughter of James Archibald, Esq., and Rebecca Barnhill, January 25th, 1805. He inherited a part of his father's farm and built his house, which is still standing, on the hill south-east of his son David's house. In this house they reared their family, and spent the remainder of their lives. He died October 14th, 1862, aged 80 years, and his wife Nancy died December 29th, 1857, aged 75.
Samuel James, the eldest son of Samuel and Nancy Blair, was born October 27th, 1805. He was married to Alison Jamison, fourth daughter of Captain William Cock and Anne Frost, December 24th, 1832. He built his first house, which is still standing, on the west side of the lane, west of the Episcopalian Church. He sold this place to the late John Bass, Esq., and then built the house in which William Faulkner, Esq., now resides. About the year 1853 he sold out again, and built the house in which he now resides, on the interval of Salmon River.
Thomas, their eldest son, was born January 20th, 1834. He removed to Canada, and was married there to Margaret Campbell. They returned to Truro, and now inherit a part of his father's farm. They have four sons and two daughters. Joanna, the eldest daughter of Samuel J. and Alison J. Blair, was born January 2nd, 1836. She was married to Robert Dickson, September 17th, 1862. They have four sons and one daughter. Richard, the second son of Samuel J. and Alison J. Blair, was born in Truro, June 18th, 1838. He removed to Canada in the year 1859, and continued there a few years, and removed again to the Southern States. He was there engaged in the war for nearly four years, and endured many hardships, but escaped with a few slight wounds. He was married to Nancy Lafray, of Canada. They had two daughters. Mrs. Blair and one of their daughters are dead. Harriet, their second daughter, was born January 25th, 1841. She was married to William Blair, son of Simeon H. and Janet Blair, January 26th, 1864. They have two sons and two daughters. Frances, their third daughter, was born April 26th, 1843. Maria Augusta, their fourth daughter, was born November 18th, 1846. Minerva, their fifth and youngest daughter, was born September 26th, 1850. She was married to Henry, son of Daniel Cock, third, and Nancy Blair, August 18th, 1868. They have one daughter.
John Blair, fourth, second son of Samuel and Nancy Blair, was born June 20th, 1807. He was married to Jane S., second daughter of Daniel Cock and Elizabeth Carter, his wife, December 31st, 1832. Charles, their eldest son, was born June 2nd, 1834. He left home in 1856, and is now settled on the Island of Tanna, in the South Seas. George, their second son, was born July 4th, 1836. He removed to New Zealand, and was married there in the year 1868. He is now settled on the Island of Tanna, with his brother Charles. Elizabeth, their eldest daughter, was born September 15th, 1838. She was married to Capt. Henry B. Park, in the United States, in January, 1862. They have one son and one daughter. Jessie, their second daughter, was born February 15th, 1841. She was married to Thomas, eldest son of William McKay and Nancy McLeod, his wife, October 28th, 1868. They have one daughter. He is now carrying on business as merchant in Truro. Clara, their third daughter, was born November 7th, 1846. She was married to Edmond O. Fitch, January 9th, 1868, and on November 19th, 1869, as she was riding in a waggon with her husband, and had a horse leading behind the waggon, in passing the house of Mr. William Nelson, a dog ran out and frightened the horses. They started suddenly and upset the waggon. When she was taken up life had departed. Edgar, their third son, was born February 4th, 1853. He removed to the United States.
Sarah, the eldest daughter of Samuel and Nancy Blair, was born March 20th, 1809. She was married to John Bishop, of Onslow, July 4th, 1844. They had one son and two daughters. Mr. Bishop died November 11th, 1865. Nancy, their second daughter was born March 20th, 1812. She was married to Daniel Cock, third, January 2nd, 1837. They had two sons and three daughters, who appear among the Cock families. Mrs. Cock died May 19th, 1849, aged 44 years.
David the third son of Samuel and Nancy Blair, was born May 20th, 1814. He was married to Esther, daughter of William Fletcher and Margery Wilson, February 15th, 1848. He inherits a part of what was his father's farm, and is an elder of the Baptist Church. Adelaide, their eldest daughter, was born December 22nd, 1848. Luther, their eldest son, was born February 27th, 1850. Herbert, their second son, was born May 28th, 1851. He died May 14th, 1853. Frances Amelia, their second daughter, was born September 16th, 1858. Elida Anna, their third daughter, was born March 3rd, 1861.
Rebecca, the third daughter of Samuel and Nancy Blair, was born April 17th, 1816. She was married to Adam Dunlap, March 1837. They had two sons and one daughter. Mrs. Dunlap died December 21st, 1855, aged 39 years.
Esther, the fourth daughter of Samuel and Nancy Blair, was born April 21st, 1818. She was married to James Linton, of Onslow, April 8th, 1834. They had three sons and three daughters.
Elizabeth, the fifth daughter of Samuel and Nancy Blair, was born May 25th, 1820. She was married to William, son of Major A. L. Archibald and Mary Fulton, November 4th, 1845. They had two sons and five daughters.
Susan, the sixth and youngest daughter of Samuel and Nancy Blair, was born June 3rd, 1822. In September, 1827, in her play, she climbed up a cart body that was leaning against a fence. The cart body upset and fell upon her, and she was taken from under it a lifeless corpse.
James Downing, the second son of John Blair and Agnes Downing, his wife, was born December 28th, 1783. He was married to Esther, daughter of Joseph McLain and Esther Hamilton, October 26th, 1809. Mr. Blair died November 4th, 1867, aged 84 years. Nancy, their eldest daughter, was born August 16th, 1810. She was married to Hugh L. Dickie, Esq., May 24th, 1849. They have two sons. Mr. Dickie has filled the office of Costodes Rotulorum of King's County for some time past. Lavinia, their second daughter, was born November 6th, 1811. She was married to Joseph M. Dickson, Esq., March 3rd, 1835. They had one son and four daughters. Mr. Dickson died February 21st, 1865, aged 58 years. Amelia, their third daughter, was born December 19th, 1813. She was married to Adam Dunlap, February, 1857. Wellington Blair, their only son, was born April 13th, 1817. He was married to Lavinia Roach, of Cumberland, March 3rd, 1848. They have three sons and six daughters. He inherits a part of his father's farm. Margaret, the fourth daughter of James D. and Esther Blair, was born May 28th, 1820. She was married to Alexander D. Whidden, of Maitland, February 24th, 1841. They settled in Portland, Me. They had two sons and four daughters. Rachel, their fifth daughter, was born October 29th, 1823. Olivia, their sixth daughter, was born September 2nd, 1826. She was married to George W. Marsters, of New Brunswick, June 16th, 1866. Sarah, their seventh daughter, was born December 13th, 1829. Susan, their eighth daughter, was born April 13th, 1834. She was married to Dr. Alexander Crofford Page, September 20th, 1860.
Susannah, the eldest daughter of daughter of John and Nancy Blair, was born March 8th, 1786. She was married to Matthew, fourth son of James and Rebecca Archibald, December 30th, 1813. They had two sons and six daughters, that appear among the Archibalds. She died July 29th, 1850, aged 63 years, and her husband died July 24th, 1831, aged 44 years.
Sarah, the second daughter of John and Nancy Blair, was born November 15th, 1788. She married Dr. David B. Lynds, October, 1811. They had one daughter. Dr. Lynds died June 9th, 1871, aged 89 years.
John, the third son of John and Nancy Blair, was born February 3rd, 1793. He was married to Elizabeth McNutt, February 3rd, 1814. Margaret, their eldest daughter, was born November 1st, 1815. She was married to Thomas H. Gibbs, of Shubenacadie, in the year 1843. They had one son and four daughters. Nancy, their second daughter, was born March 11th, 1817. She was married to Charles Blanchard, Sheriff of the County of Colchester, January 30th, 1845. They had two sons and three daughters. John their eldest son, was born January 5th, 1821. He was married to Olive, eldest daughter of Thomas Lynds and Elizabeth Clark, his wife, May 1st, 1845. They had one daughter. Mrs. Blair died November 26th, 1848, aged 34 years. He moved to New Brunswick, and was married there to Caroling M. Forsyth, November 5th, 1851. They had three sons and three daughters. Maria, their third daughter, was born September 24th, 1823. She was married to George W. Cock, October 20th, 1846. They had two sons and seven daughters. Charles Dickson Blair, their second son, was born May 24th, 1827. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of James Blair and Phoebe Ann Lynds, September 1852. They had two sons and five daughters. He has kept an Inn on the Mountain between Onslow and Tatamagouche for some time. Henry, their third son, was born February 15th, 1829, he was married to Mary Ann, second daughter of John Dickson, Esq., and Margaret Kent, December 30th, 1852. They had three sons and five daughters. Ann, their fourth daughter, was born August 2nd, 1832. She was married to Albert Lock, in 1860. They have one daughter. Louisa, their fifth and youngest daughter, was born February 1st, 1834. She was married to John S., second son of Oliver Blair and Mary Smith. They had one child. She and her child died. She died in Boston, August 21st, 1853, in the 20th year of her age. Her body was removed and interred in Onslow Cemetery.
William, the fourth son of John and Nancy Blair, was born in Onslow, September 27th, 1795. He was married to Susan, youngest daughter of James Kent, Esq., November 19th, 1819. He learned the trade of tanning and shoemaking with Major A. L. Archibald. He purchased the tannery which Samuel Fulton put up in 1816. His son Charles now resides on the same place. He died there, August 9th, 1834, aged 39 years, and his widow died February 7th, 1864, aged 68 years. Charles H. Blair, their eldest son, was born November 29th, 1822. He was married to Nancy, daughter of Thomas Smith and Mary Young of Londonderry, October 28th, 1869. They have one daughter. James Kent, their second son, was born August 28th, 1826. He was married to Nancy McCully, 1850. They had one son and two daughters. Mrs. Blair died suddenly October 11th, 1854, aged 30 years. He was married to Caroline, daughter of Thomas M. and Letitia Crowe, September 11th, 1857. They have three sons and one daughter. He has held the office of Registrar of Deeds for the County of Colchester, since February, 1854. Silas, the third son, was born March 15th, 1829. He left home in the year 1847 to go to Canada, but changed his mind and went to Michigan. He remained there a few years, and was married to Sarah Fellows, in 1850. They had one daughter. Shortly after this, he removed to California, where he engaged in gold digging. On the 16th of May, 1854, while he was down in the pit it caved in, and he was taken out dead. He was 25 years of age.
Simeon H., the youngest son of John and Nancy Blair, was born in July 1789. He was married to Janet G., second daughter of Daniel and Eunice McCurdy, December 14th, 1820. He inherited the homestead part of his father's property. Here he spent his life, and died October 19th, 1866, aged 68 years. Eunice Wright, their eldest daughter, was born October 2nd, 1821; she died January 25th, 1848. Mary McCurdy, their second daughter, was born February 8th, 1824. She was married to A. M. Wells, July 14th, 1847; they had one son and two daughters. Daniel McCurdy Blair, was born January 9th, 1827; he died January 30th, 1827. George Blair, their second son, was born January 9th, 1828. He was married to Matilda Harrison, in June 1856. They had two sons; one is dead. Bessie, their third daughter was born March 7th, 1830. She was married to the Rev. Henry Charlton, in May, 1855. They had eight children; five of these are dead. Israel Blair, their third son, was born January 29th, 1834. He was married to Alida DeWolf, in the month of November, 1868. They have one daughter. William, the fourth son of Simeon H. and Janet Blair, was born May 25th, 1836. He was married to Harriet, daughter of Samuel J. and Alison J. Blair. He inherits the homestead part of his father's farm. (This property was owned by his grandfather, John Blair, and his great-grandfather, Wm. Blair.) William Blair is now Major of the Militia of Onslow; he has taken an active part in the agricultural society and in getting a cheese factory started; the first cheese factory that was started in Colchester was built on his farm in the year 1871. Nancy Harriet, the youngest daughter of Simeon H. and Janet Blair, was born in Onslow, October 9th, 1838. She was married to Edmond W. Hamilton Sept. 21st, 1858. They have one son and three daughters besides three children who died when they were young.
Olive, the youngest daughter of John and Nancy Blair, was born February 14th, 1805. She was married to Charles, eldest son of Daniel and Eunice McCurdy, December 14th, 1829. They had one son and three daughters. They removed to Pugwash, where she died September 28th, 1860, aged 55 years.
Elizabeth, the sixth and youngest daughter of Capt. William Blair and Jane Barns, his wife, was born in Onslow, July 2nd, 1768. She was married to Shelomith Woodworth, September 19th, 1793. Hannah, their eldest daughter, was born November 28th, 1796. She was married to Elijah Bill. They had one son. Jane, their second daughter, was born November 4th, 1798. She was married to Joseph Sibley. They had six sons and four daughters. Mr. Sibley died February 1st, 1862, aged 71 years. Benjamin, their eldest son, was born February 9th, 1801. He was married to Fanny Jane O'Brien, 1827. They had three sons and six daughters. He inherits a part of his father's property at Lower Stewiacke. Lydia Barns, their third daughter, was born January 11th, 1803. She was married to Barnabas Knowles, 1833. They had three sons and three daughters. Sarah, their fourth daughter, was born November 25th, 1804. She was married to Absalom Pickings, September 21st, 1845. They had one son. Ingram William, their second son, was born February 9th, 1807. He was married to Hannah McDonald, June, 1844. He died in Halifax, January 16th, 1873, aged 66 years. Asel, their third son, was born May 22nd, 1809. He was married to Louisa Williams, February 19, 1836. They had six sons and five daughters. He died May 1st, 1857. His widow died May 31st, 1859. Nancy Barns, their youngest daughter, was born May 2nd, 1811. She was married to William Faulkner, Esq., of Truro, June 3rd, 1839. They had two sons and two daughters. Mr. S. Woodworth died May 19th, 1850, aged 84 years, and his wife died October 5th, 1848, aged 80 years.
James, the third and youngest son of Capt. William Blair, was born July 19th, 1766. He was married to Isabella Catherwood, July 20th, 1792. They lived and reared their family where Augustus McCurdy now resides. Robert Catherwood Blair, their only son was born March 25th, 1793. He was married to Mary Ann Silkring, second daughter of Captain William and Ann Cock, March 18th, 1818. He built a part of the house which stands on the corner, on the Southeast of the Parade, where Mr. Atkins now resides. He resided in this house until 1834. He then purchased a farm from Robert Kent, in the Lower Village of Truro, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died May 6th, 1869, aged 77 years. Ann Frost, their eldest daughter was born February 14th, 1819. Isabella, their second daughter, was born September 3rd, 1820. She was married to William Cutton, December 1848. They had three sons and two daughters. Jane, their third daughter, was born November 21st, 1822. She was married to Charles McNutt, and has four sons and one daughter. Sarah Lynds, their fourth daughter, was born December 6th, 1829. She was married to Alexander U. Cutton, April 20th, 1857, and has four sons. They now inherit her father's farm in the Lower Village of Truro. Mary Ann, their fifth daughter, was born January 10th, 1833. She was married to J. C. Black, 1861. They have one son. Henrietta Blair, their sixth daughter, was born June 8th, 1840. She died June 8th, 1866.
Isabell, the only daughter of James and Isabell Blair, was born in 1795. She was married to John Browning. They had two sons and six daughters. She died in 1868. Mr. Browning died some time before. Mr. Blair's first wife died April 16th 1795. He was married again to Sarah Cutton, February 4th, 1800. He died November 1st, 1858, aged 91 years. His widow died October 27th, 1872. Eliza Blair, their eldest daughter, was born on February 9th, 1805. She was married to George Herron, and had a family. Jane, the second daughter, was born February 8th, 1807. She was married to William Elliott, 1835. They had five sons and two daughters. She died in 1848. Lydia, their third daughter, was born February 3rd, 1810. She was married to Emmerson Herron, April 2, 1828. They had four sons and five daughters. She died about 1850. Eleanor, their fourth daughter, was married to Robert Redpath, September 19th, 1839. They had one son. Mr. Redpath was drowned in McCurdy's Creek, in Onslow, July 19th, 1841. Mrs. Redpath was married again to Thomas Johnson. They removed to the United States. Rebecca, their fifth daughter, was married to Samuel Perry. They removed to the United States. They had one son and two daughters. She died in 1870.
