James F. Blair

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'm gonna give it to you straight out of DeWitt County. There's a man named James F. Blair, and if you're looking for a life that covered some serious ground, well, pull up a little closer to the fire.

Born in Tennessee, son of James and Catherine Jordan Blair, this man somehow managed to pack two wars, a ranger's badge, and a sheriff's star into a single lifetime. Two wars. Let that sit with you a moment.

He served in the Mexican War, and then, as if that weren't enough, he turned right around and served in the Civil War as well. In the Confederate ranks he rose, all the way up to captain of Company G, the 36th Texas Cavalry. Captain.

That's not a man who blended into the background. Now here's where the story takes a turn that only Texas can provide. After the wars, James F.

Blair wasn't done with danger, not even close. He served as a Texas Ranger. And then, in 1866, Governor Throckmorton himself reached out and appointed Blair Sheriff of De Witt County.

The Governor picked this man personally. You don't get that kind of appointment without a reputation that precedes you into the room. Back in 1851, James had married Lucy Elizabeth Ainsworth, and together the two of them built something that outlasted any battlefield.

Eight children. He was also a member of the Texas Veterans' Association, and he kept his ties to Coletto Masonic Lodge. Two wars, a ranger's star, a sheriff's badge, a family of ten, and a lodge to come home to.

James F. Blair, born in Tennessee, made entirely in Texas.

What the marker says

Born in Tennessee. Parents were James and Catherine Jordan Blair. Served in Mexican and Civil wars. Rose from Confederate ranks to captain of Company G, 36th Texas Cavalry. Later served as Texas Ranger and was appointed Sheriff of De Witt County by Governor Throckmorton in 1866. Married Lucy Elizabeth Ainsworth in 1851. They had 8 children. Was a member of Texas Veterans' Association and Coletto Masonic Lodge.