Canada. A General Service Medal to Major William Blair, Colchester Regiment and Nova Scotian Agriculturist

A General Service Medal with FENIAN RAID 1866 clasp, in silver, full size, rim impressed in the First War style MAJOR W. M. BLAIR. 3rd  COLCHESTER REGt.,  worn on original ribbon with horizontal bar with pin at the top, dark patina, small edge marks, a later issue medal in better than very fine condition.

Footnote: Colonel William McCurdy Blair (1836–1919) was a Nova Scotia legislator, agricultural pioneer, and distinguished militia officer whose military service spanned several decades during a formative period in Canadian history. Born in Upper Onslow, Colchester County, Nova Scotia, he was the son of Simeon and Janet (McCurdy) Blair.

Blair married Harriet Blair, daughter of Samuel J. Blair of Salmon River. Through her mother, Allison J. Cock, Harriet was the granddaughter of Reverend Daniel Cock, the first regular Presbyterian minister in Truro. Together they raised nine children: Wimburn Laurie, Jeanetta Allison, Caroline (Carrie) Roberta, Joseph Cullen, William Saxby, Stanley Howard, Bessie Cornelia, Mary (May) Pauline, and Sarah Lillian.

Although remembered for his contributions to agriculture and public life, Blair also enjoyed a notable military career within the Nova Scotia militia. He served with the 78th Highlanders, a unit that formed part of Canada's pre-Confederation volunteer militia system, and rose through the ranks to become its commanding officer with the rank of Colonel. During the period of heightened tension created by the Fenian threat in the 1860s and early 1870s, Blair played an important role in preparing local militia forces for active service. The Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish-American nationalist organization, launched a series of incursions into British North America in an effort to pressure Britain into granting Irish independence. Although Nova Scotia was not directly attacked, the possibility of Fenian operations against the Maritime Provinces led to the mobilization and training of local volunteer units.

Colonel Blair was instrumental in organizing and drilling five companies of militia during this period of uncertainty. Under his leadership, local volunteers underwent extensive training and remained prepared for service should the threat materialize. While his unit did not see combat against Fenian forces, the readiness and professionalism demonstrated by officers such as Blair formed an important component of Canada's defensive preparations and contributed to the broader movement toward a more organized national militia following Confederation. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Fenian Raid Medal, issued to members of the Canadian militia who served during the Fenian disturbances, as well as the Long Service Medal for his many years of dedication to the volunteer militia.

Beyond his military achievements, Blair was a leading figure in Nova Scotia agriculture. He established the first cheese factory in Colchester County on his farm and became widely recognized for his efforts to modernize farming practices. In 1888, he was appointed Superintendent of the Maritime Experimental Farm at Nappan, Nova Scotia, a position he held for eleven years. His expertise in agriculture also informed his political career; during eight years as a member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, he helped advance legislation aimed at improving agricultural production and education throughout the province.

A devoted Baptist and respected community leader, Colonel Blair remained active in public affairs throughout his life. He died in Shubenacadie in 1919 and was buried in Robie Street Cemetery, Truro, Nova Scotia, leaving a legacy of service to both his province and country.