James A. Blair Sr.

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Clinchfield Railroad
CSX Blue RIdge Subdivision

The CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision, the old Clinchfield line south of Erwin is now reopen after the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. The first revenue freight train ran on September 21st, and two coal trains followed on September 25th. Ribbon cutting photo by Mark Loewe. Use this link to see Designs in Orbit’s exceptional video updates with drone footage. Also, Train Chaser Elliot also provides wonderful coverage.  Click here to read about the monumental CSX rebuilding efforts. In the weeks ahead we will add much more content chronicling the events of the past year.

James Alanzo Blair – Clinchfield Railroad Investor

Researched and Chronicled by Scott Jessee and Sandhi Kozsuch

The Blair Family Railroad Heritage

Blair is certainly a name that is synonymous in railroad history. John I. Blair was the leader and primary investor in the Union Pacific Railroad, a key segment of the transcontinental railroad. By the late 1800s he had been president of over 20 railroads, 16 at one time. For several years he owned or controlled more U.S. railroad miles than any other person.

Once John I. had reached his late 80s, Blair and his son and grandson founded Blair and Company in 1890 to continue their railroad investments. The new firm managed the Gould family railroads interests, and also invested in expanding railroads such as the Western Pacific, Denver & Rio Grande, and Western Maryland. One source said the company was created to secure the financial future for the Blair grandchildren.

The direct descendants and business partners of John I. were Dewitt Blair his son, and Ledyard his grandson. Non-family members who eventually held equity in the company were John B. Dennis and Edgar Marson.

James A. Blair Sr.

Around 1890, James A. Blair joined Blair & Company early in the firms development. Some sources report he was a founding partner. Prior to New York, Blair was raised in Tiffin Oh, attended Heidelberg College, and became a banker and investor in Ohio, and later in Kansas City MO.

Even though there is a source that says he was a son of John I. Blair, and founded the firm that bears his name, all other sources concur he was not directly related and did not hold equity in the company. At best, he was a nephew/cousin several times removed. Both lines of the Blair family originated in Hope NJ in the early 1800s, but later James A’s father moved to Ohio.

Without being a direct descendent of John I., James A. did however prosper greatly at Blair & Company, working there 30 years until his retirement at 69 in 1920. He retired at the same time Blair & Company was merging with William Salomon & Company.

During his tenure at Blair & Company, James A. was considered a senior partner/director, and was investment lead in many of the firm’s railroad projects including the Carolina, Clinchfield, & Ohio Railway and Seaboard Air Line Railroad.

John B. Dennis and James A. Blair Jr.

One of Blair’s close friends and confidants at Blair & Company was John B. Dennis. In fact, Dennis and his wife were listed in census records as temporary residents of James A’s estate on Long Island. Additionally, his son, James A. Blair Jr who died early at the age of 54, left most of his estate to John B. Dennis. James A. Jr. also worked at Blair & Company before and after serving in the military rising to the rank of Colonel during WWI.

The Clinchfield

One of Blair Sr.’s most important investments at Blair & Company was the Carolina Clinchfield & Ohio Railway, which eventually became the Clinchfield Railroad. Additionally, with John B. Dennis, Blair spearheaded the related investments such as Clinchfield Coal Company, Clinchfield Securities, the Cumberland Corporation, and the Kingsport Improvement Company. A few years after Blair retired from the firm in 1920, the railroad was leased to the Atlantic Coast Line and Louisville & Nashville Railroads, providing long term revenue to the investors.

Private Car: ‘The Clinchfield’

Like John Insley Blair, who traveled up to 40,000 miles per year in his private rail car to inspect his investments, James A. and his son also traveled in their private rail car. James A.’s car was appropriately named ‘The Clinchfield,’ highlighting one of his most successful investments.

Post Retirement and Death

In 1910, James A. built an estate in Oyster Bay Long Island and named it ‘Ontare.’ He retired from Blair & Company in 1920. His wife Jessie died in 1929. Their only child, James Jr. died in 1934. Between 1926 and 1934, James A. Sr. lived with his son in a penthouse at the Buckingham Hotel on 57th Street in NYC. After his son’s death he moved back to Oyster Bay on Long Island. James A. Blair Sr. passed away in 1939 at the age of 89. He, his wife, and his son are buried together at St. John’s Church Memorial Cemetery, Cold Springs Harbor NY.

Additional sources for this article

  • The Blair Bequest, Michael C. Hughes, 2002
  • New York Times
  • Legacy.com
  • Financial History: Spring 2018, ‘Where Are They Now? – Blair & Co. Inc.
  • The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills: Blairsden and the Blair Family
  • Americanaristocracy.com
  • John Insley Blair Papers: Princeton University

Clinchfield.org Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the Clinchfield Railroad. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Clinchfield.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

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