Representative Gilbert M. Blair View All Years

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Gilbert M. Blair

Hamilton County

One of the first settlers of Blairsburg Township, and for whom it was named, was born in Delaware County, New York, June 14, 1839. Mr. Blair was sixteen years of age when his parents came to Iowa, and in the State he grew to manhood. He was given fair educational advantages and then taught school a number of terms. In 1866 he entered government land in Hamilton County, and in 1867 settled on it and began to improve a frontier farm. He lived on his land until 1871 and then located in Blairsburg and engaged in the lumber and grain business until 1883, when he moved to Webster City, and for two years published time Webster City Argus. In 1886 he returned to Blairsburg and located on his farm, which is near the town. In politics Mr. Blair is a Republican, casting his first vote for President Lincoln. In 1879 he was elected to the Legislature during which session the "Prohibitory Constitutional Amendment" was submitted to a vote of the people. He took an active part in favor of the amendment both in the General Assembly and in the campaign which followed, acting as chairman of the Prohibition Amendment Committee, and by thorough organization gained a decided victory in the county. He has also held other offices of in minor importance. He was married September 25, 1872, to Emma Sayre. Mr. and Mrs. Blair are members of the church at Blairsburg.

House District 57