Samuel Blair
The venerable Samuel Blair is the oldest soldier in Lexington who served in the civil war. He was born three miles northwest of here in April, 1822. He served in the 111th. O.V.I. and the aged veteran's eyes glow with the fire of youth and the blood of youth warms his heart as he dwells on the thrilling episodes of the war, and it is proper to mention that William Blair, his father, participated in one of the most famous events in American naval annals. It has been embalmed in the most inspiring song and romancers have woven it into their tales. He was a marine of Commodore Perry's flag-ship, when Perry achieved his victory on Lake Erie, in September, 1813. This event is commemorated by the large painting which hangs in the rotunda of the state house at Columbus and William Blair is among the heroic eight depicted on the canvas.
From Semi-Weekly News (Mansfield): 04 March 1898, Vol. 14, No. 18