Biography of Benjamin F. Blair, page 706.  History of De Kalb County, 
Indiana.  Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Benjamin F. Blair, druggist and grocer, Newville, Ind., was born in Lorain 
County, Ohio, Feb. 3, 1833, a son of John Blair. Who brought his family to 
De Kalb County in the fall of 1835 and settled in Concord Township. They 
made the journey by teams, having two spans of horses and one yoke of oxen.  
They often made but one mile in a day, the road being through the black 
swamp, and the trip was a long and tedious one.  At that time the country 
was inhabited by Indians, but they were friendly and rarely made them any 
trouble.  Our subject was reared in the woods of De Kalb County, and early 
learned the duties of a pioneer life.  His educational advantages were 
limited, as schools were few and his services were needed at home.  The land 
settled on by the Blair family has all been cleared, and is the present site 
of the town of St. Joesph.  Aug. 23, 1863, Mr. Blair was married to Caroline 
A. Dodge, a native of Newville, born Feb. 9, 1840, daughter of Anthony Dodge, 
a pioneer of this township.  They have two children---Belle and Don Juan.  
In 1862 he moved to Newville and bought and shipped stock from that time 
till 1876.  In the spring of 1884 he engaged in his present business, and 
carries a full and complete stock of drugs, medicines, paints, oils, 
groceries, etc.  He has a good trade, which is constantly increasing, 
having by his genial and accommodating manner won the confidence and 
esteem of the entire community.  He was elected County Commissioner in 
1876, and made an efficient and reliable officer.

Submitted by:
Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Agoodwin@ctlnet.com