George Rainsford Fairbanks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Rainsford Fairbanks
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| Born | July 5, 1820 Watertown, New York
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| Died | August 3, 1906 (aged 86) Sewanee, Tennessee
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| Spouse(s) |
Sarah Catherine Wright
(m. 1842; died 1858)Susan Beard
(m. 1860) |
| Children | 7 |
George Rainsford Fairbanks (1820–1906) was a very important person in Florida's history. He was a lawyer and also served as a state senator, helping to make laws for Florida. He was the president of groups that helped fruit growers. Fairbanks also edited a newspaper called the Florida Mirror. He wrote many books about Florida's past and even started the Florida Historical Society. He lived in Fernandina Beach and is recognized as a Great Floridian.
Who Was George Fairbanks?
George Rainsford Fairbanks was born in Watertown, New York, on July 5, 1820. He got married twice in his life. His first wife was Sarah Catherine Wright, whom he married in 1842. After she passed away in 1858, he married Susan Beard in 1860.
Fairbanks' Life and Work
George Fairbanks was a Confederate Major during the U.S. Civil War. Later, Senator David Yulee asked him to come to Fernandina in 1879. There, Fairbanks took charge of the local newspaper, the Florida Mirror.
Fairbanks was also a talented historian and a dedicated educator. He helped start the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He was known for his love of history and for writing books about Florida.
In 1885, he built a house in Fernandina Beach. He and his granddaughter once saw a big fire that destroyed downtown Jacksonville, which was about 40 miles from his home. George Rainsford Fairbanks passed away at his home in Sewanee on August 3, 1906.
The Fairbanks House Today
The house George Fairbanks built in Fernandina Beach is now a bed & breakfast. It is located on Amelia Island at 227 South Seventh Street. This historic house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is a special building protected for its history.
