Chauncy Blair
Chauncy Blair, farmer, P. O. Mantua Station, was born in Mantua Township, this county, February 7, 1819, son of John and Pattie (Smith) Blair, natives of Massachusetts, who immigrated to this county in 1810, settling near where our subject now resides. John Blair built the first frame house in the township, procuring all his material from Pittsburgh (the nails used in its construction being hand made, with peculiar heads). It was formerly used as a hotel, and for many years was the temporary abiding-place for transient guests and for those who came into the county to settle. It stands on the farm of our subject, near the village of Mantua. John Blair was twice married, and his family consisted of ten children, two of whom are now living: Mrs. Annie Patterson, eighty-two years of age, and Chauncy. Our subject was married April 23, 1840, to Martha, third child of Lansing and Mary (Vanfleet) Story, who were natives of Massachusetts, and the parents of seven children, four now living. Mr. Story came to this county in 1835 and settled near Mantua Center, but after a few years went West, subsequently returned and here died. To Mr. and Mrs. Chauncy Blair were born eight children, seven now living: Harriet, Delia, Jennie, Addie, Nettie, Frankie and Cora; Anson is deceased. Our subject and wife are enjoying the fruits of years of labor on their well improved farm, which comprises 450 acres of land.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885