The Blairs belong to the period in Irish history when the English in the 1613 took over Northern Ireland in 1613 bringing in Protestants (notably Scottish Presbyterians). The Blairs were Scots who probably came from Ayrshire across the water in Scotland.

Grandfather Blair came from the town of Ahoghill near Ballymeana; later settling in the city of Belfast. Belfast is a major commercial and industrial city. It is one of the most important shipbuilding and repairing centers of Great Britain and has long been known for its linen textiles. Its manufactures include aircraft, guided weapons, and tobacco and food products.

Grandfather was himself in accounts. The family lived in a house in York Street where a small shop was established looked after by Grandmother and the family. The shop keeping trade was to have an important part in the life of older brother James and Christopher. Dad began his life in Belfast Northern Ireland in 1905.  His father went to his office leaving Mother to look after the small shop which sold newspapers and the like. The family lived in the back of the shop answering a bell which rang as the customers entered the shop.

The family was Presbyterian by affiliation. Dad attended the fiery meetings of the evangelist W P Nicholson who preached hell fire and brimstone in the 1920s. Reading his Bible Dad was convinced he should be baptized. He contacted the various groups all who wanted him to go through a lengthy accreting process. Finally he found a Brethren Hall that agreed to baptize him on his confession of faith. They did not realize it but they had a faithful adherent for life!

Leaving school he found employment at the major employer of the town of those days - the shipyard of Harland and Wolf where he worked as a pattern maker producing wooden moulds for the foundry. This skill stood by him for life as he was always adept with his hands. Presenting his bride with a table and side board made from sturdy oak timbers.

Around 1925 David, along with his brother Christopher set out for New Zealand. An aunt on his mother's side, one of the Redmond's had married and migrated to Christchurch, New Zealand. James and Annie Duncan maintained themselves by operating a green house. The green house produces tomatoes which were duly bagged and sold. Green house maintenance required considerable labor as each year the soil had to be removed and replaced with suitable manured and revitalised soil.

David and Christopher established themselves. David by this time having graduated out of the pattern shop and actively making moulds to the drafting office where designing was done.

Christopher plied his trade as a carpenter. Of the two of them David was the more balanced and congenial. Christopher was a very intense more classic Irishman noted for dedication to the cause which he espoused.

At Rutland St Gospel Hall the two mixed with the young people and it was here that David met young Louise Borrell. Following various outings to Banks Peninsular - Charteris Bay, Diamond Harbour on Church related happening Louise finally agreed to marry David.  The wedding took place in 1929 and in the traditions of that day Colin duly arrived in 1931. Stuart followed 20 months after but it was not until 1941 that Kathleen arrived to complete the family.

Uncle Chris did not approve of my Mother who he regarded as flighty and not at all spiritual. The pictures of that period show dignified groups all dressed in hats and the like going out on picnics to nearby Bank's Peninsular. Uncle Chris was more likely to be found at serious conferences or involved in Open Air preaching. History has shown that the more moderate approach of my Father took him through to the end of his life in consistency and faith. His children also following in his steps. The history of more extreme Uncle Chris is not as encouraging.

The Blairs

Given present information the Blair family tree goes back to the Great Grandfather James Blair who was born in Aboghill, County Antrim in Northern Ireland. He is followed by Grandfather John and then my father David. Indications are that they must have descended from Scottish settlers who are most likely to be from the Aryshire branch of the Blair clan rather than the Perthshire group around Blair Gowrie and such towns. Going further back the earliest known Blair is a De Blair linked with Arbroth the former Scottish royal town famous for the Stone of Scone linked with the coronation of British and Scottish Kings in the past. This indicates that the Blairs come from the European lowland area ie, present day Holland.

Being idealistic it would be interesting to seek to link the Blairs with Scottish covenanter history but as this would overlap the period in Northern Ireland it is unlikely to be of any historical importance. However the spill over from Scotland linked to the Presbyterian connections may have some validity.

Descendants of James Blair

1. James Blair + Peggy Anne

2. John Blair 1879 - 1930 + Charlotte Redmond 1885 - 19

3. David Blair 1905 - 1981 + Louise Borrel 1907 - 1995

4. Colin Blair 1931 - + Gladys Fehr 1921 - 1986

5. Alister Blair 1958 - + Chandra Brokop 1968

6. Caleb Blair 1993

*2nd Wife of Colin Blair + Janette Cowan 1933