John Blair Scribner

John Blair Scribner (June 4, 1850 – January 21, 1879) was the president of Charles Scribner's Sons from 1871 to 1879. The partners in the new firm were John Blair Scribner, Andrew C. Armstrong, and Edward Seymour. In 1877, the publication house moved to 743 Broadway. Upon Seymour's death in April 1877, and Armstrong's retirement in 1878, the firm-name was changed to Charles Scribner's Sons. After John died in 1879, the business was run by his younger brothers, Charles and Arthur.

Personal life He married Lucy Ann Skidmore (1853-1931), a daughter of Lucy Ann ( Hawley) Skidmore and coal merchant Joseph Russell Skidmore. After his death, she established "The Young Women's Industrial Club" in Saratoga Springs, New York, which in 1911, was renamed the "Skidmore School of Arts," eventually becoming what is known today as Skidmore College.

Scribner died of pneumonia on January 21, 1879, at the age of 28. According to his obituarist, just before he died, Scribner told his brother, Charles Scribner II, "Cheer up old fellow. You always look on the dark side. I shall soon be all right again."