Postmaster general under President Abraham Lincoln, Montgomery Blair organized
the first international postal congress, which led to the establishment of the
Universal Postal Union in 1874.

Born into an influential family, Blair was the son of a journalist-politician
who was editor of the Washington, D.C., Globe.

His family purchased the Lovell home, located across the street from the White
House.  The structure now is known as Blair House, which was acquired by the
federal government in 1942.  It often is used as a guest house for important
visitors and has been the president's home when the White House has been
unavailable for use.

Montgomery Blair opposed slavery and was the attorney for Dred Scott in the
famed 1857 case.