Vigo County Historical Society

Fairbanks a humble philanthropist

Crawford Fairbanks was born in Terre Haute on April 25, 1843. He was of English ancestry and his father, Henry Fairbanks, was a prominent citizen of the city and mayor at the time of his death.

After attending common school, Crawford Fairbanks began work at age 17. During the Civil War, he enlisted in the 129th Indiana Infantry, became a first lieutenant and was with Gen. William T. Sherman in his "March to the Sea."

He then entered the business world, first in the grain and later the distillery business. He organized the Terre Haute Brewing Co., becoming one of the wealthiest men in Terre Haute with assets of $10 million.

Besides the Terre Haute Brewing Co., Crawford held top offices in Diamond Paper Co., Haverhill Paper Co., Chicago Paper Co., Pierpont Paper Co., Southern Indiana Gas Co. and Straw Board Factory.

He owned and operated the Dennison Hotel in Indianapolis and was a part owner of French List Springs and Hotel.

A strong political figure both on the state and national level, Crawford Fairbanks never sought public office for himself.

Fairbanks married Clara Collett, a daughter of another prominent family of Terre Haute, and had a daughter, Sara.

He was a humble man and philanthropist, always helping the needy and poor. He left many notable gifts and charities to Terre Haute. Among them were Fairbanks Memorial Park, consisting of 140 acres of land on the banks of the Wabash River; the Emeline Fairbanks Public Library in memory of his mother; and Clara Fairbanks Home For Aged Women in memory of his beloved wife.

Crawford Fairbanks died May 28, 1924. Terre Haute residents still remember and enjoy his gifts of kindness.