James Fairchild facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Fairchild
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| 3rd President of Oberlin College | |
| In office 1866–1889 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Grandison Finney |
| Succeeded by | William Gay Ballantine |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 25, 1817 Stockbridge, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | March 19, 1902 (aged 84) Oberlin, Ohio, U.S. |
| Spouse | Mary Fletcher Kellogg |
| Alma mater | Oberlin College (BA, 1838) |
| Profession | Educator |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
James Harris Fairchild (1817–1902) was an important American educator and writer. He is best known as the third president of Oberlin College, a famous school in Ohio. He was a strong supporter of equal rights for all people.
Contents
Biography
Early Life
James Harris Fairchild was born on November 25, 1817, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. His father was Grandison Fairchild. James had two brothers, Henry and George, who also became college presidents.
When James was very young, his family moved to Brownhelm, a town in Lorain County, Ohio. They settled on a farm about ten miles from where Oberlin College is today.
College Years and Career
In 1834, when Oberlin College first opened its doors, James Fairchild was one of the first students to enroll. He graduated in 1838.
After he finished college, he began working at Oberlin. He was first a tutor, helping other students. In 1841, he became a minister. The next year, in 1842, he became a professor of Latin and Greek. Later, he taught mathematics starting in 1847. By 1858, he was teaching theology and moral philosophy, which are subjects about religion and right and wrong.
A Champion for Freedom
James Fairchild was a dedicated abolitionist. This means he strongly believed that slavery should be ended. He played a part in a famous event called the Oberlin–Wellington Rescue.
In September 1858, he helped a man named John Price, who was a fugitive slave. Fairchild hid John Price in his home. Soon after, other people helped Price escape to freedom in Canada.
Leading Oberlin College
In 1866, James Fairchild became the third president of Oberlin College. During his time as president, the college grew a lot. More teachers joined the staff, and the school built many new buildings.
He stepped down as president in 1889 but continued to teach theology. Later, from 1896 to 1898, he returned to lead Oberlin College again as acting president.
Family Life
James Fairchild married Mary Fletcher Kellogg. She was one of the first four women ever allowed to attend a college in the United States. However, she did not graduate because her father's business failed. Her family moved to a new area in Louisiana. James, who had known Mary when they were students at Oberlin, traveled there and married her in November 1841.
His Writings
James Fairchild also wrote books. In 1883, he published a history of Oberlin College. He also wrote several books about philosophy.
After his death, a book about his life was written by Albert Temple Swing. It was called James Harris Fairchild: or Sixty-Eight Years with a Christian College and was published in 1907.
