Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1823. when he was only 2 years of age his mother died and after that time until he arrived at the age of 12 he made his home with his aunt, Mrs. Moore, at Johnstown, Penn. In the year 1835 he removed to Ross county, Ohio, where in September 5, 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Bethena Teter. During the same year Mr. and Mrs. Blain removed to Marion County, Illinois where they resided till 1855, when they removed to Iowa and settled in Union township, Marion County. Since that time Mr. Wm Blain has become one of the prominent and influential citizens of the state. On August 2, 1862, Mr. Blain enlisted in Co. A, 40th Iowa Infantry and served his country faithfully for almost 3 years, his discharge papers bearing the date of August 9, 1865. After the close of the war Capt. Blain returned to Union Township farm and conducted successful agriculture at that place until he retired from active life and removed to town in February 1890. When in his prime, and even after he had become what the world knows as an old man, Mr. Slain was quite prominent in local and state politics, always being on the side of the conservative masses as against plutocracy and extravagance. He served in the 19th Iowa General Assembly, 1882, jointly with H.M. McCully. Later he was deputy auditor under Geo. Gustin and after the death of Auditor Viersen was appointed to fill out that gentleman's unexpired term. Marion county has never had a more intelligent, more honest or noble citizen. He was a member of the Baptist Church.