Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1888-03-23
Death of Ex-Gov. Horace Fairbanks.

We learn with deep pain of the death of
ex-Gov Horace Fairbanks of st. Johns
bu y, which took place Saturday at the
Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York. He had
been in that city for about a week. On
Friday he was Frustrated with pneumonia,
sauk rapidly under that so often fatal dis
ease and pas. ed away at 1890 p. M on
Saturday The sad news of his decease
will bring anguish to many loving hearts
aud sorrow to wide circle Of his friends
throughout our commonwealth Horace
Fairbanks was born in Barnet, Vt, March
81, 1920, being the eldest surviving son of
the late Erastus Fairbanks, who was gov
ernor Of Vermont in 1923, and again in
lS6O-1. When he was five years old his
father removed to st. Johnsbury and be-
came the senior partner of the house of
f.. and L. Fairbanks q Co., which was
established in 1926, and that village was
theuceforward his home. When eighteen
years old he entered the employ of that
firm AS "A clerk and confidential agent. In
1919 he was admitted as a partner; aud
subsequently became the leading member
Of that great concern, having had for
many years the chief financial manage
ment OF its affairs He was delegate to
the IA ioual republican conventions Of 1851
and 1872, and IN 1865 was elector at large
In 1869 he was elected state senator from
Caledonia county, but in consequence Of
serious i'll health was unable to take his
seat. He was director in the PasSumpsic
bank of st. Johns 1875 from 1856 to 1865,
and was dirtc ~ and vice president OF
the First National bank Of that town from
its organization. He was elected governor
OF Vermont in 1876. Since serving hi.
term rs governor lie has held no important
public Office, bat has devoted himself ~
his business, with intervals Of travel ut
home and in Europe, AT the time OF his
death he was one Of the trustees OF the
University of Vermont. He was a prom
ineut member and one of the chief sup
pOrters of the North Congregational
church of st. Johnshury, toward the
building of whose costly and elegant
church edifice he was a large contributor.
His gift to the town of st. Johnsbury OF
the st. Johnsbury Atheneum with its sub
stantial building, fine library and gallery
of choice paintings, was one of the largest
single gifts to the public ever made by an
individual in this State, and in lis com
pleteness and educating value to the com
was one of the most admirable
and noble bene licences Of our day. The
list of his public and private bene-
factions would be long one, if
it could be made; but that would
be impossible, for he was thoroughly
giver and his unproclaim-
ed charities and benefaCtions We're num-
berless. He WAS man OF high Christian
character and singularly fine ana noble
spirit, his quiet and almost reserved man
ncr covering Il strong viii, clear jI@e-
ment, thoughtful Intelligence, cultivated
mind and warm heart. He .tav, de-
voted wife and two daughters, WHO were
with him during his brief sickness, who
Will have the j,ndcrest sympathy from
Tie wide circle of their acQuaiutaucrS
and from the people of our common
wealth, which mouc!s the Joss of one Of
her worthest SOILS. This loss will be felt
with especial keeuuess in the community
in which he had hs home and to the mp
building and welfare Of which he had con
trOuted in so many ways. His remains
will be taken to >. Johusbury, for inter-
ment