Sir:
     In forwarding to the pension agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below.
Very respectfully,
H. Clay Evans, Commissioner

First. Are you married? If so, please state your wife's full name and her maiden name.
Answer. Elizabeth Penelope, Elizabeth Penelope Riley.

Second. When, where and by whom wer you married?
Answer. August 15th 1866, At Bride's Father's in Belmont Co Ohio by Rev G. W. Kesler.

Third. What record of marriage exists?
Answer. Certificate, records Belmont Co Ohio, A number of Witnesses

Fourth. Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce.
Answer. No

Fifth. Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth.
Answer. Samuel Brice Blair, August 9th 1868; Ulyssus Sansom Blair, November 29th 1870; James William Blair, May 1st 1873; Elmer Knox Blair, September 14th 1882.

JAMES M. BLAIR
Date of reply, June 4, 1898

Death record

State of West Virginia
County of Marshall
Washington District
Name in full: JAMES M. BLAIR, white male
Date of death: January 14, 1909
Place of death: Moundsville, W.Va.
Disease or cause of death:Paralysis
Age: 68 years
Occupation: Retired
Married
Person giving information: Geo. W. Bruce
Date returned: Feb. 5, 1909
Certified by J. K. Chase, Clerk

Declaration for Widow's Pension
Act of April 19, 1908

State of West Va., County of Marshall, ss:
     On this 5th day of FEBRUARY, AD one thousand nine hundred and nine personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid ELIZABETH P. BLAIR aged 72 years, a resident of MOUNDSVILLE County of MARSHALL State of WEST VA who, being duly sworn according to law, maked the following declaration in order to obtain pension under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved April 19, 1908.
     That she is the widow of JAMES M. BLAIR who was ENROLLED under the name of JAMES M. BLAIR as PRIVATE in Co B. 12th REGT. W.VA. VOL. INFT. and honorably discharged 1865 having served ninety days or more during the late war of the rebellion. That the soldier had NOT been previously married.
     That she was married under the name of ELIZABETH P. RILEY to said soldier at BELMONT CO. OHIO, on the 15th day of AUGUST 1866 by REV. J. W. KESLER; that there was no legal barrier to the marriage; that she has NOT been previously married; that the soldier had NOT been previously married.
      That the said soldier died JAN 14th 1909,at MOUNDSVILLE WVA.
     (No children under 16.)
      Soldier drew pension Cert No. 674.640
That her Post Office Address is #1106 - 4th St Moundsville

ELIZABETH P. BLAIR (Claimant)
Witnesses: MASSIE L. RYLIE & E. K. BLAIR, Moundsville
S. F. Earliwine, Notary Public

Rev. James M. Blair died at his home on Fourth Street at 3:30 o’clock Thursday morning of paralysis after an illness of several weeks. He was 68 years old and leaves a wife and three sons living, and two sons dead. The living sons are U.S. and E. K. Blair of this city and Rev. J. W. Blair of Malta, Ohio. The deceased was a native of this county having been born on Blair’s Ridge where he spent most of his life on the farm on which he was born. A few years ago he removed to this city and resided on Fourth Street. He was a lifelong member of the M. E. Church and a local preacher for many years. He was an active member for more than half a century. He was also a veteran of the Civil War and a member of the G.A.R. He enlisted in Company B of the 12th Virginia Infantry in 1862 and served until the end of the war. The remains will be interred at the Blair’s Ridge graveyard. The funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.

Submitted by Linda Goddard Stout