Blair, Francis Preston, Jr. (1821-1875), was an important political leader in Missouri. He served in both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. In 1868, he was the unsuccessful Democratic Party candidate for vice president of the United States.
Blair was born on Feb. 19, 1821, in Lexington, Kentucky. He became a lawyer and practiced law in St. Louis. Beginning in the 1840’s, Blair became a newspaper writer, editor, and owner in St. Louis. Through several newspapers, he opposed the expansion of slavery. From 1852 to 1856, Blair served in the Missouri legislature. In the 1850’s, he joined the new Republican Party. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives during most of the period from 1857 to 1864. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Blair helped keep Missouri from joining the Confederacy. He fought for the Union Army at Vicksburg and in other battles. After the war, Blair felt the Republican-controlled Congress’s treatment of the Southern States was too harsh. As a result, he joined the Democratic Party. From 1871 to 1873, Blair served in the U.S. Senate. He died on July 9, 1875. A statue of him represents Missouri in the U.S. Capitol. Today, the Blair family home in Washington, D.C., is part of a residential complex known as Blair House. In 1942, the residence became the official guest house for heads of state visiting the White House.
