William Allen Blair was born on this day in 1859, in High Point, to Solomon and Abigail Hunt Blair. His maternal grandfather was a prominent Quaker minister and a founder of Guilford College. His father was a farmer and a teacher, and a Moravian. William continued in his father’s religion, as a Moravian.
William was an early learner, reading at a young age and taking every opportunity to broad his educational achievements. He studied at Guilford College, Haverford College and Harvard, graduating Haverford as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
After graduation he worked in several teaching and school administrative positions, and added graduate studies to his resume. He edited the largest educational magazine in the South.
In 1890, William was offered an opportunity to move from the educational world to the banking and business world. He became president of the newly organized People’s National Bank, and held this position until the the bank was reorganized in 1897, when he became vice-president.
During this time he also studied law and was admitted to the North Carolina bar.
William was married to Mary Fries, daughter of John W. Fries.
He was appointed to the North Carolina Board of Charities and Public Welfare. During his time on the board, which was until his death in 1948, he took an active part in encouraging the creation of county welfare boards all over the state.
Colonel Blair, as he was often affectionately called, held many offices in civic and educational organizations. He was also involved in local business endeavors.
For those who came after Colonel Blair, his writings on Moravian settlements and North Carolina customs have been an appreciated legacy.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
