James Gorrall Blair (January 1, 1825 – March 1, 1904) was an American slave owner,[1] lawyer, and politician who served one term as aU.S.
Born near Blairville, now Cynthiana, Kentucky, Blair's parents died when he was too young to remember them, and he was raised by relatives, including his maternal grandfather.
He continued his education on his own, and was elected clerk of the circuit court which included Lewis County, serving from 1848 to 1854.
Blair studied law while serving as court clerk, obtained admission to the bar in 1854, and began a practice in Canton.
A Democrat during the American Civil War, Blair supported the Union and opposed secession, but was unable to serve in the military because of poor eyesight and other health issues.