Jerome Blair Papers 1852-1916

Access and use

Location of collection:
Wytheville Community College
F.B. Kegley Library
Wytheville Community College
Smyth Hall, Room 103
1000 East Main Street
Wytheville, VA 24382
Contact for questions and access:
POC: William A. “Bill” Veselik
Phone: (276) 223-4876
POC: George Mattis
Phone: (276) 223-4744
Fax: (276) 223-4745

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Jerome Blair Papers complements the Jerome Blair Collection (Mss. 1990.1) of ledgers and account books for his general merchandise stores. The Papers described here consist of individual documents such as correspondence, warrants, summons, receipts, and education records. The Papers are arranged into five series.

Series I, Correspondence (1852-1916, undated) contains an 1883 letter written by Jerome Blair to his family as well as an 1852 letter from Peter Leinback to his father John. Also included are letters of Charles David Blair and Hannah e. Blair.

Series II, Legal Records (1883-1894, undated) consists of warrants, summons, and other documents pertaining to Jerome Blair's tenure as justice of the peace for the eastern district of Wythe County. The warrants in particular offer a glimpse into theft and violent crime in Wythe County. Further information on cases may be found in the judgement and execution book in the Jerome Blair Collection(Mss. Collection 1990.1, Set Id).

Series III, Financial Records (1853-1893, undated) contains an 1853 excerpt from Andrew Blair's account book as well as an excerpt from the accounts of Charles David Blair circa 1893.

Report cards from Sullins College in Bristol, Virginia for Hannah E. Blair and Nellie Jordon, notes on mathematics by Jerome Blair, and a penmanship exercise book on the Spencerian System comprise Series IV, Education Records (1852-1883, undated).

Series V, Miscellaneous Records includes undated speeches on patriotism and temperance, a drawing of an unidentified man, and advertisements for Arm & Hammer Soda and Saleratus Baths, and Dr. Walker's Vinegar Bitters.

Biographical / historical:

Destined to become a prominent Wythe County merchant, Jerome Blair was born on 12 April 1819 in the Walton Furnace area. Blair evidently intended on studying law and migrating to Texas or Oregon. In an 1845 letter (Kegley Library Vertical File, Families-Blair #34), he admits to William Blair that "if times get any better perhaps I may stay in this county." Blair supported himself by teaching.

On 13 December 1848, Jerome Blair married Emily H. Caldwell (1828-1897). They raised several children together including Isabella Margaret Blair (1852-1917, Hannah E. Blair (1862-1956), Susan Blair, Charles David Blair (1869-1928), and John Blair.

Blair operated general merchandise stores in Grayson and Wythe counties. His Wythe County stores included Brown Hill, Hutsons Creek, and Walton Furnace while his Grayson County stores included Cherry Grove and Spring Valley.

His Walton Furnace property also proved lucrative for Blair. In 1872 he leased it to Millon Howard and Dr. Richard Walton Sanders. The Lobdell Car Wheel Company rented the property in 1879. Blair received preference for hauling goods and providing supplies.

Jerome Blair served as justice of the peace for the eastern part of Wythe County as well as postmaster for Ivanhoe. He died on 2 March 1900.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Gladys Blair, Ann Blair, and Eleanor Sue Murphy in 1990.
Physical description:
5 folders.