| Sources |
- [S16] Genealogy of the Fairbanks Family in America 1633-1897, Lorenzo Sayles Fairbanks, A.M., Late Counsellor at Law, (Boston: The American Printing & Engraving, Company, 1897), reprinted by the Fairbanks Family in America 1991 3rd ed.., page 152 (under father) & page 290-292.
263. JOEL FAIRBANKS, of New Boston, N. H.
(107), Abner VI, John V, Joseph IV, Joseph III, John II, Jonathan I.
Born in Dedham, Mass., Aug. 15, 1797. Removed to Pepperell, Mass., about the time of his marriage, and about May, 1825, settled permanently in New Boston; died there, Sept. 10, 1862, aged 65 yrs. 25 ds.
He was a cabinet maker; learned his trade under the old system of apprenticeship, and became a very skillful workman. In middle life he engaged somewhat extensively in the manufacture of wooden clock cases and fancy boxes, in connection with his regular trade. At one time he also manufactured doors, window sashes and blinds.
He was a man of even temperament, a kind and peaceable neighbor, and a citizen of unblemished character. Never aggressive, he would yield a point rather than provoke a quarrel, or give offense, and yet he had sufficient of that "amiable stubbornness" which is characteristic of his race, to resent and resist any wrongful acts on the part of others towards himself, and on all occasions to firmly maintain his rights against unjust encroachments.
He was very industrious; reared in a large family, on a moderate income; never contracted a debt he could not or did not pay; lived as well, if not better that the average of his neighbors, and died leaving real estate unencumbered, and money in the bank. He owned, at the time of his decease, in addition to the original home place, seven acres of farming land, and seven acres of wood land.
The lesson of his life was constantly impressed upon the minds of his sons, who were early taught that they must fight the battle of life for themselves. They were naturally directed into the channels of mechanical trades, but, strange to say, not one of them followed permanently the trade he had learned.
All the sons had a good common school education; but one aimed higher, and succeeded, by his own efforts, in fighting his way through college, and was graduated with all the honors of his class.
Although not fortified by the "faith which was once delivered unto the saints," he possessed the true spirit of Christianity, without any public professions. The Golden Rule he accepted as an ample rule of conduct, and lived up to it. In advance of his time, with thoughtful and liberal views, he was exceedingly tolerant of opinions and beliefs which differed from his own. He was no propagandist, and almost invariably abstained from taking part in religious discussions. Silence was his forte. Fine-spun distinctions between the "Covenant of grace" and the "Covenant of works," never troubled him, but he believed in the Covenant of works.
His character was well exemplified upon his dying bed. In anticipation of his death within a few days, he made his will, and talked over his affairs, with as much serenity and composure as he would have manifested in the prime of his life, in the transaction of any ordinary business.
Married I, Apr. 9, 1822 (Intentions entered, in Pepperell, Mar. 2, 1822), Abigail Tufts, of Roxbury, N. H., daughter of Ebenezer and Betsey Tufts. She was born Sept. 24, 1803, and died Mar. 26, 1846. She was an active member of the Presbyterian church, of strict, puritanical ideas; a woman of highly sensitive organization, and of an intellectual cast of mind. Her energy and marked executive ability were proverbial.
He married II, Rebecca G. Clarke, of New Boston, who died Mar. 9, 1886, in Manchester, N. H.
- [S16] Genealogy of the Fairbanks Family in America 1633-1897, Lorenzo Sayles Fairbanks, A.M., Late Counsellor at Law, (Boston: The American Printing & Engraving, Company, 1897), reprinted by the Fairbanks Family in America 1991 3rd ed.., page 291.
Intentions entered, in Pepperell, Mar. 2, 1822.
- [S16] Genealogy of the Fairbanks Family in America 1633-1897, Lorenzo Sayles Fairbanks, A.M., Late Counsellor at Law, (Boston: The American Printing & Engraving, Company, 1897), reprinted by the Fairbanks Family in America 1991 3rd ed.., page 291.
|
.jpg)
1797 - 1862 (65 years)