| Walter Fairfield II | |
|
Born: 13 Apr 1672 Loc: Wenham, Essex Co., MA Died: 26 Aug 1756 Loc: Belchertown, Hampshire Co., MA Known as Ensign Walter Fairfield |
Father:
Walter
Fairfield I Mother: Sarah Skipper |
| Married: 09 Oct
1708 Ipswich, Essex Co., MA Judith Wood, daughter of Samuel Wood and Judith |
|
| Children: Walter/Sarah/Stephen/Joseph/Mary/Abigail | |
| Walter Fairfield
- Wenham Freeman 1690 |
|
| ... the Hon. William Fairfield, was, for many
years, a useful and highly respected citizen. In 1723, he was chosen
to represent the town in the Legislature, to which he was again
chosen in 1732, and continued to be re-elected, as it is stated in
the records, "by a great majority," ten times in succession, until
his death. Nor were his talents appreciated only by his own
townsmen. He was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives, the
highest office then in the gift of the people. The Governor and
Deputy-Governor was then appointed in England. For many years no
name is more conspicuous upon the town records. He appears to have
been one of those shrewd, clear-headed, practical men, whose minds
are formed and trained by reflection and experience, rather then by
a knowledge of books, or by intercourse with the world. He held, at
different times, every office in the gift of the people of his
native town and State, and in all, he gained confidence of those
whom he was called to serve. He was also an active member of the
church,
and for many years one its deacons. We regret that so little can
now be ascertained concerning Mr. Fairfield. An anecdote is still
told of him, which is quite characteristic. The common mode of
traveling in those days was on horseback. Setting out to attend a
session of the Legislature, he became so absorbed in thinking of the
business on which they were to enter, and upon which his duties as
Speaker, that he is said to have actually reached Boston, bridle in
hand, before discovering that he had left his horse at home. |
|