Career
He was executed by hanging, the first such execution to occur in Hamblen County, Tennessee. Maggie had left Blair"s house and, from May 1879, lived and worked for William Donaldson in Hamblen County. The girl was described as very smart and industrious.
Blair learned of her whereabouts and on July 29 went to Russellville, Tennessee, immediately making his way to the Donaldson residence.
He entered the kitchen, where the girl was preparing dinner with Mistress Donaldson. He told Maggie that he had something to say to her and asked her to come outside the house.
She refused, saying he could say what he had to say in front of Mistress Donaldson. Around this time, William Donaldson rode up and Blair immediately left the house.
The following night on Wednesday, Maggie went with others to the prayer meeting at the black church near Russellville.
Returning, Blair passed on persons who had been to the church service. He headed on to Russellville after some conversation but after going a short distance, turned back and took another road where the young people, including Maggie, had taken. Maggie struggled to loosen herself from his grasp, saying she would rather die than go, whereupon he drew a pistol and shot her twice.
She died the following Saturday, aged 16.
After being convicted at trial, Blair"s execution was set for September 26, and a crowd estimated at eight to ten thousand came to watch. A reporter described the day"s events:.