George H. Fairbanks, a farmer of Newport, was born in Francestown, N.H., June 4, 1830, son of Jabez and Sally (Bixby) Fairbanks. The father, born in Francestown, N.H., February 24, 1788, Francestown. In 1840 he removed to Newport, where he remained during the latter part of his life. Here he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. For his first wife he married Sally Bixby on January 2, 1814. She was born January 29, 1782, and died in 1839, December 2. For his second wife he married Polly Bixby, a sister of his first wife. He died May 10, 1874, having survived his second wife, whose death occurred January 26, 1863. By the first marriage there were five children, namely: Elmira, born December 18, 1814, who died May 30, 1846; Sarah A., born December 16, 1818, who died in April, 1885; Eliza J., born March 5, 1821, who died August 30 in the same year; Mary E., born January 29, 1826, who died October 12, 1873; and George H., the subject of this sketch.
George H. Fairbanks came to Newport when but nine years of age, and there subsequently received the larger part of his education. While his principal occupation has been general farming, he worked at a trade in the village of Newport for a period of twenty years. On his farm of one hundred and fifty acres, most of which is under cultivation, he has made many improvements. In politics he is a Republican. He has served in the State legislature both as Representative and Senator, and he has been a County Commissioner since 1893. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Sugar River Lodge. On October 19, 1853, he married Eunice Chapin, who died March 12, 1854. He contracted a second marriage November 19, 1855, with Helen M. Nourse, who was born August 18, 1829, daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Wilson) Nourse, of Acworth, N.H. Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks have been active members of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years. Their four children are: Charles H., Mary H., George A., and Burton E. Of these children Charles H. was born November 28, 1856, and lives in Newport. He married Emma L. Howe, February 1, 1881, and they have three children-M. Gertrude, Arthur R., and Alice E. George A., born March 24, 1863, belongs to the firm of Fairbanks Brothers of Rochester, N.H. On October 12, 1885, he married Margaret A. Gilmore, of Newport, and now has three children-Helen M., Marion S., and Harold G. Mary H., born January 26, 1861, died August 1, 1863; and Burton E., born November 15, 1870, died November 16, 1889. Mr. Fairbanks, Sr., has been a stirring, active man all his life; and he enjoys the esteem of his fellow-townsmen.