- CHARLES M. FAIRBANKS, a substantial and progressive farmer
living on section 3, Union
- Township, is a native of Vermont, born in Rutland County,
Sept. 1, 1840. His parents were Elisha W. and Clarissa D. (GIBSON)
FAIRBANKS, the father a native of Massachusetts, and the mother
of New Hampshire. He was a third cousin of Mr. FAIRBANKS, who
has attained notoriety as the proprietor of the Fairbanks scale.
The family was founded in Massachusetts at an early day, and
the GIBSON family were among the early settlers of New Hampshire,
residing in that State at the time when the road between there
and Boston was only a path made by blazing trees. The paternal
grandfather of our subject was an officer in the Revolutionary
War, and participated in the battle of Bunker Hill.
- Elisha FAIRBANKS worked upon a farm in early life, but at
the age of eighteen, buying his time,
- began selling wooden ware and Yankee notions. This was in
1836, and for twenty years, he continued in that line, but at
length selling out bought a farm in Rutland County. Vt., which
became the birth place of all his children, numbering two sons
and three daughters. One son died in infancy; Ella C. became
the wife of Isaac MORGAN, of Rockford, Ill.; Addie M. is the
wife of John JAMES, foreman in the car shops at Savannah, Ill.;
and Emma L. is the wife of Harris HOSELEY, a resident of Rockford,
Ill.
- In 1856, Elisha FAIRBANKS sold the old home in Vermont and
removed to Wheaton, Ill., where
- he bought a farm and turned his attention to agricultural
pursuits. His wife died in the fall of 1856, and about the year
1860, while in Massachusetts on a visit, he married Maria WHEELER,
returning with his wife to his farm in Illinois. He there continued
to reside until 1864, when he came to Evansville, Wis., and engaged
in the mercantile business, in connection with his brother, Stephen
W. FAIRBANKS. In 1868, the brother died and he bought the entire
stock, carrying on the business until the following year, when
he traded his goods for property in Evansville, which he again
traded for ninety-eight acres of land on section 9, Union Township.
He removed to the farm in March, 1868, and added to his original
possessions, until at the time of his death, which occurred Dec.
12, 1888, he owned 257 acres of land, which was in a fine condition,
being highly improved and cultivated. He was the third time married
in 1876, Miss Elizabeth SMITH, of Union, becoming his wife. He
was a man highly respected by many friends, and at his death
the county lost one of its best citizens.
- The early education of our subject was received in his native
county, and he again attended school
- after his removal with the family to Illinois. Throughout
his entire life he has followed agricultural pursuits, and for
many years had charge of his father's farm. On the 18th of December,
1876, he wedded Miss Missa SMITH, a native of Green County, Wis.,
born Oct. 5, 1857, and a daughter of William R. and D. (FOSTER)
SMITH. Her father was one of the first settlers of Green County,
and is now an honored citizen of that community. The union of
Mr. and Mrs. FAIRBANKS has been blessed with three children -
Milton W., born Dec. 8, 1877; Frank E., April 26, 1879; and Flora
E., Oct. 11, 1884.
- In 1867 our subject made his first purchase of land in Nodaway
County, Mo., consisting of eighty
- acres, but had only resided there a short time when his father
persuaded him to come to Rock County, and take charge of the
home farm. In 1872, he sold his land in Missouri, and bought
102 acres on section 3, Union Township. A log cabin had been
built and into this the family moved making it their home until
1880, when Mr. FAIRBANKS erected a comfortable two-story frame
residence, the main building being 18 x 26 feet, with an L, 14
x 20 feet. The little cabin was about the only improvement at
the time of his purchase, but he built the barns and outbuildings,
cultivated his land, stocked his farm with a good grade of all
kinds of farm animals, and now has one of the best homes in the
county. In politics, he is a Republican, and is one of the leading
citizens of the community. His wife is a most estimable lady,
intelligent and entertaining, and is a fit mistress for their
pleasant home. This worthy couple are well known throughout the
country, and are held in high regard by all.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 908-909.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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