Robert Woods Blair of Topeka, is a native of Pennsylvania, but accompanied his father, John Blair, to Kansas, in 1872, when a child of seven years, and is recognized as one of the most successful and capable attorneys in the state. John Blair, his father, was a farmer and stockman before his removal west. After locating in Jackson county, Kansas, he continued to occupy himself with farming for many years, and after an active and useful life of ninety-one years makes his present home in Topeka. His wife, Mary Jane (Woods) Blair, is living, at the age of seventy-five years. Eight children were born to them, all living: Lizzie M. married Alex B. Shulsky; Robert Woods is the next in order of birth; and the others are Ella, William J., Archie Edgar, Walter Scott, John Frank, and Emma Virginia.

Robert W. Blair was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1865; was reared on his father's farm, in Jackson county, Kansas, and there attended the district schools. He completed his education in the University of Kansas, graduating in the law department of that institution, in 1887, and immediately afterwards came to Topeka and began his professional career as a law clerk in the law department of the Union Pacific Railroad Company. His success was most creditable from the beginning and his ability was recognized by the railroad company by steady promotion to the important position he now holds in their employ, as general attorney for the states of Kansas and Missouri. In 1890 he was made second assistant general attorney for these states, in 1900 was advanced to the position of first assistant, and he received the promotion to his present office in April, 1908. During this time Mr. Blair has engaged in a general law practice and, aside from his prominence as a railroad attorney, has won a reputation for high achievement in all branches of the legal profession. He has been identified with three well known law firms, was first a partner in the firm of Loomis & Blair, which later was merged into the firm of Loomis, Blair & Scandrett, and he is now the senior member of Blair, Scandrett & Scandrett, one of the foremost legal firms in the state, with offices located in the New England Building. In addition to his many professional duties Mr. Blair has devoted some attention to farming enterprises and has prosperous interests in different counties of Kansas. He is a member of the Elks fraternity, the Topeka and Commercial clubs, and of the Shawnee County Bar Association.