William Blair of Oregon, Missouri, enlisted in Company F, 4th Missouri State Militia Cavalry on March 18, 1862, at St. Joseph, Missouri. He was mustered in as a private on April 10, 1862; on July 1, 1862, he was promoted to regimental sergeant major. On October 18, 1862, he was promoted to first lieutenant and assigned to Company B. Blair was promoted to captain on November 17, 1863, and assumed command of the company.

The 4th Missouri Cavalry fought in numerous battles, including Iuka and Jackson, during the Siege of Vicksburg, and in pursuit of Sterling Price during his 1864 Missouri raid.

Captain Blair was killed in action on October 23, 1864, while leading his company along the Big Blue River, near Kansas City, Missouri.

Carte-de-Visite by N.B. Douglass, Booneville, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11477