Franklin Fairbanks (June 18, 1828 – April 24, 1895) was an American businessman, natural scientist, collector, political figure, and one of the founders and first trustees of Rollins College.
Biography The son of Erastus Fairbanks, brother of Horace Fairbanks, and nephew of Thaddeus Fairbanks, Franklin Fairbanks was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on June 18, 1828.Genealogical and Family History of the State of Vermont, by Hiram Carleton, pages 111 to 113 At age 18, he entered Fairbanks Scales, the family business which manufactured platform scales. He became president of the company in 1888. Fairbanks was also an officer and director in a number of railroad, mining, manufacturing, banking, and telegraph businesses.
During the Civil War Fairbanks served on the staffs of Governors Hiland Hall and his father Erastus, with the rank of colonel, responsible for raising, equipping and training troops for the Union Army and dispatching them to the front lines.Men of Vermont Illustrated, compiled by Jacob G. Ullery, 1894, pages 127 to 128 In addition, he supervised Fairbanks Scales' production of matériel for the war effort, including artillery harness irons and other horse tack.
A Republican, he was a longtime member of Vermont's Republican State Committee. He was Town Meeting Moderator from 1871 to 1873 and 1879 to 1884. He was also a member of the Vermont House of Representatives and served as Speaker from 1872 to 1874.Political Graveyard entry, Franklin Fairbanks In 1877 he received an honorary Master of Arts (M.A.) degree from Dartmouth College.
Fairbanks was a trustee of St. Johnsbury Academy.The Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, published The Biographical Society (Boston), 1904, Fairbanks -- Fairbanks page He donated the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium to the town of St. Johnsbury.,A New Awakening Recovery Path Today in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, by Dick B. and Ken B., Alcoholics Anonymous website, 2008 along with his collection of natural science specimens and related artifacts.St. Johnsbury Community Archives Guide to Historic Records , by Selene Colburn, Archivist, undated, pages 5 to 6
Fairbanks came to Winter Park, Florida, in 1881 with his friend and business associate, Charles Hosmer Morse, who was also from St. Johnsbury. Fairbanks was one of the founders of the city, and was one of the first investors to purchase lakefront property. Fairbanks contributed to the founding of Rollins College and was one of its first trustees.Winter Park Founder's Biographies Winter Park in Vintage Postcards, by Robin Chapman, 2005, page 7
Death and burial
Franklin Fairbanks died in St. Johnsbury on April 24, 1895.Death notice, Franklin Fairbanks, Farm Implement News Daily magazine, published by National Association of Agricultural Implement Manufacturers, October 22, 1895, page 17 He was buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in St. Johnsbury.
Legacy Fairbanks' house in St. Johnsbury, at 30 Western Avenue, is on the list of the National Register of Historic Places.Franklin Fairbanks House page, Landmark Hunter.com website, accessed January 29, 2012
The annual Franklin Fairbanks Award is presented to individuals who have made positive contributions to the operation and direction of the Fairbanks Museum.Northeast Kingdom Travel and Tourism Association, Franklin Fairbanks Award Celebration , March 9, 2013
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