Erastus Fairbanks business records, 1841-1856

File — Box: 1, Folder: 32

Identifier: C-Misc 39

Scope and Contents

Contains business records of Erastus Fairbanks, including five handwritten letters addressed to Fairbanks, a bank draft, and handwritten account book.

Dates

1841-1856

Creator

Fairbanks, Erastus, 1792-1864 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for research without restrictions

Biographical / Historical

Erastus Fairbanks (1792-1864) was an American manufacturer and Whig politician. Fairbanks studied law, but ultimately abandoned his studies and settled in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, where he formed a partnership with his brother, Thaddeus, in the manufacture of scales, stoves, and plows. The scales, which were invented by Thaddeus, were heavily manufactured. Fairbanks was also a member of the state legislature 1836-1838, and served as Governor of Vermont from 1852 to 1853 and from 1860 to 1861. During his second term as governor, Fairbanks provided valuable aid via equipment and troops in the early years of the Civil War. Fairbanks founded St. Johnsbury Academy with his brothers Thaddeus and Joseph P.