Austin Blair (1818-1894) - Find a Grave Memorial

Michigan Governor, U.S. Congressman. Graduating from Union College New York, in 1837, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1841. Moving to Michigan, he commenced the practice of law in 1842, was Eaton County Clerk and elected to the Michigan State House of Representatives in 1845. He was prosecuting attorney of Jackson County in 1852, served in the Michigan State Senate in 1854 and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago in 1860. In 1861, he was elected as a Republican the 13th Governor of Michigan, serving until 1865. While in office, he was personally credited for raising more than 90,000 Michigan troops with equipment for the Union during the Civil War. After his term, he was elected as a Republican to the Fortieth, Forty-first and Forty-second Congresses, serving (1867-73). Not a candidate for re-nomination, he resumed the practice of law and was on the board of regents for the University of Michigan, (1881-89).

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith