F. B. BLAIR, the efficient manager of the Lamoni electric light plant, which funishes light and power for Lamoni, Davis City and Kellerton, was born in Illinois in 1868, a son of the late W. W. BLAIR, who is mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this volume. Our subject was reared in his native state and there attending the public schools. Since the beginning his independent career he has followed a number of occupations, as he was with the Lamoni State Bank for five years, for four years was a traveling salesman and for four years devoted his time to work in California as a missionary of the Latter Day Saints church, having been ordained to the mininstry in 1897. In 1902 he assumed charge of the Herald Publishing House and was manager thereof until 1909, when he became manager of the Lamoni electrick light plant, which was established by the former company. The plant is thoroughly modern and well equipped and supplies light and power for Lamoni, Davis City and Kellerton. It furnishes power to operate the ice plant at Lamoni and also to run the machinery in a number of manufacturing plants. The office of the company is on Linden street and is also used as a salesroom, a full line of electrical supplies and sundries being kept. The plant employs about a dozen people and is one of the leading industrial concerns of Lamoni. The building in which it is housed is owned by the company.

Mr. BLAIR was married in Little Sioux, Iowa, to Miss Bess COBB, a native of western Iowa, where her parents settled in pioneer times. To Mr. and Mrs. BLAIR have been born two sons: Wayne, who is now attending the State College at Ames [present-day Iowa State University]; and Rolland, who is in school.

Mr. BLAIR has supported the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he is progressive in his tendencies, believing in advancement in politics as well as along other lines. He has taken an active part in local political affairs but has never accepted office. He has traveled extensively in the interests of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints at various times and for several years was officially connected with Graceland College. For two years he was on eof three men who composed the presidency of the Lamoni stake. His wife also belongs to the church and takes an active interest in its work. Mr. BLAIR is characterized by engery, resoluteness of purpose and sound judgment adn it is but natural that he should succeed admirably as manager of the Lamoni Electric Light Company. He is not only recognized as an excellent business man but the worth of his character is also generally acknowledged.

SOURCES:
HOWELL, J. M. & CONOMAN, Heman. History of Decatur County, Iowa, and Its People Vol. II. Pp. 281-82. S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Chicago. 1915.

Transcription Sharon R. Becker, February of 2009