William H. Blair
William H. Blair was a Union Army captain and company commander in the 51st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and a colonel and commander of the 179th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. After his service he was appointed to the grade of Brevet brigadier general in recognition of his service at the Battle of Antietam.Early life
William H. Blair was born in Milesburg, Pennsylvania on July 16, 1821. He attended Allegheny College. He was a lawyer and newspaper editor.William H. Blair began his Union Army service as a first lieutenant in the 4th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, a 90-day regiment, on April 19, 1861. He was mustered out of the volunteers with the regiment on July 27, 1861. On October 4, 1861, Blair was appointed 1st lieutenant of the 51st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was promoted to captain on February 12, 1862. On December 8, 1862, he was appointed colonel of the 179th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was muster out of the volunteers on July 27, 1863.
On May 31, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Blair for appointment to the grade of brevet brigadier general of volunteers, to rank from March 13, 1865, for his service at the Battle of Antietam, and the United States Senate confirmed the appointment on July 23, 1866.Death
William H. Blair died on December 7, 1888 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He was buried at the Union Cemetery in Bellefonte.
