William Fairfield (Massachusetts politician)

William Fairfield (October 14, 1662 - December 18, 1742) was an American politician who served as Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Deputies in 1741.

William Fairfield
Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Deputies
In office
1741–1741
Preceded byJohn Quincy
Succeeded byThomas Cushing II
Personal details
Born(1662-10-14)October 14, 1662
Reading, Massachusetts
DiedDecember 18, 1742(1742-12-18) (aged 80)
Wenham, Massachusetts
Resting placeFairfield Family Burial Ground
Wenham, Massachusetts
Spouse(s)Esther ----- (circa 1687–1722 or 1723; her death)
Rebecca (Tarbox) Gott (1723–1742; his death)

Early life

Fairfield was born to Ensign Walter and Sarah (Skipper) Fairfield on October 14, 1662 in Reading, Massachusetts.[1]

Politics

In 1701 he purchased a home in Wenham, Massachusetts.[2] He became active in Wenham's town affairs. From 1706 to 1711 and 1724 to 1729 he served as Town Clerk. From 1715 to 1716, 1733 to 1736, and in 1739 and 1741 he was Town Moderator.[3] He was a Representative at General Court in 1723, 1728, 1730, and from 1732 to 1742,[4]

In 1741 he was named Speaker of the House of Deputies, which at that time the highest elected office in Massachusetts (the Governor and Lieutenant Governor were appointed by the King).[5] Fairfield was described as "shrewd, clear-headed, practical" and as one who was "trained by reflection and experience, rather than by a knowledge of books". A frequently told anecdote about his tenure as speaker was that when he was heading to a session of the Legislature, he became so absorbed in thought that he reached Boston with his bridle in hand, before discovering that he had left his horse at home.[6]

Personal life and death

Fairfield was an active member of his church and served as a deacon for many years.[6]

Fairfield was married twice. His first marriage was to Esther ----- circa 1687.[7] They had thirteen children, all born in Wenham.[8] She died on January 21, 1722 or 1723 in Wenham.[9]

On October 14, 1723, Fairfield married Rebecca (Tarbox) Gott in Wenham.[10]

Fairfield died on December 18, 1742 in Wenham.[11]

Headstone of William Fairfield (1662-1742)
Footstone of William Fairfield (1662-1742)

References
  1. Baldwin, Vital Records of Reading, 1912, p. 90.
  2. Essex County (MA) Deeds, Book 15, p. 63, deed dated July 22, 1701.
  3. Allen, The History of Wenham, 1860, pp. 103, 203.
  4. Allen, The History of Wenham, 1860, p. 102.
  5. Allen, The History of Wenham, 1860, p. 62.
  6. Allen, The History of Wenham, 1860, pp. 136-137.
  7. Torrey, New England Marriages Prior to 1700, 1985, p. 257 (married before 1690).
    John A. Schultz, Legislators of the Massachusetts General Court 1691-1780, Boston, Northeastern University Press, 1997, p. 216 (married circa 1687).
  8. Wynn Cowan Fairfield, "Descendants of John Fairfield of Wenham," New York, 1953, pp. 11-13.
  9. Vital Records of Wenham, 1904, p. 196.
  10. Vital Records of Wenham, 1904, p. 117.
  11. Vital Records of Wenham, 1904, p. 197.
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