John Blair | |
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Born | 1720 Ulster, Ireland |
Died | December 8, 1771 Wallkill, New York |
Resting place | Goodwill Presbyterian Church Cemetery |
Nationality | American |
Alma mater |
Log College Princeton University |
Occupation | Presbyterian minister |
Spouse(s) | Elizabeth (Susan) Blair Durburrow |
Parent(s) | William Blair |
Relatives | Samuel Blair (pastor) (brother) |
John Blair (1720 – December 8, 1771) was a Presbyterian minister, a Trustee, Professor, and President of Princeton University. His brother Samuel Blair was a leader of the Presbyterian New Light religious movement. His nephew, Samuel Blair was the second Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives.
Blair was born in Ireland in 1720 to William Blair. He immigrated to the colonies in his youth. He was educated in under Reverend William Tennent at the Log College, the first theological seminary serving Presbyterians in North America located in what is now Warminster, Pennsylvania (then known as Neshaminy). He later received a M.A. from the College of New Jersey in 1760.
He was licensed to preach by the New Side Presbytery of Newcastle. He was ordained December 27, 1742 as pastor of the Hopewell Church at Big Spring in Newville, the Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church in Letterkenney, and at Middle Spring Presbyterian Church in Southampton Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania until December 1748. The towns and churches were abandoned due to Indian conflict during the Indian Wars.