Samuel Steel Blair

Republican Representative of Pennsylvania's 18th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

December 5, 1821 (69 years old)

Birthday

December 8, 1890

Death

American politician and lawyer.
Served as a Republican United States Representative.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1858 and 1860.
Chaired the United States House Committee on Private Lands during his term.
Advocated for a strong military response to the southern states during the American Civil War.
Called for harsh measures against the Confederacy, emphasizing the need to treat seceded states as a foreign enemy.
Delivered a notable speech in 1862, arguing that slavery was the primary cause of the Civil War and advocating for large-scale emancipation.
Attempted to regain political office in 1874 but was unsuccessful.
Practiced law in Pennsylvania for many years before and after his congressional service.
Died in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, and was buried in a local cemetery.