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This gentleman, as his name indicates, is of Scotch-English descent, and possesses all the traits of those thrifty faces of people, owing his success to his resolute character entirely. He engages in a variety of pursuits, in all of which he is successful. Although he resides in Ridott Village he raises stock, grain, fruit, and besides speculates in real estate. He owns nearly 400 acres in this township, and other land in Iowa. He took up his residence in Ridott Village in 1883, but was formerly engaged in another part of this township where he still owns land.
Mr. Fairbairn was born in a primitive home on section 5, in this township, May 12, 1852. His father, William R. Fairbairn, was born at Popular Place, in Nottinghamshire, England, and was reared in his native shire, where, in 1853, he married Miss Mary Richards, of the same shire. They had two children born to them in England; the first died, and the second, William O., now lives in Waterloo, Iowa, and is engaged in farming and speculating in stocks and land. The parents with their child landed in the United States in 1840, with a colony of thirty-two that came out to this country and located in this township, settling in a grove in the northern part. There are only two members of that colony now living.
The parents of our subject were the first of the colony to settle on a farm alone. They struggled along for some time, enduring many hardships, oft-times actually suffering for want of bread. Later on they secured a better home, and fortune smiling on them, improved and added to it till the father's death, July 20, 1877, aged sixty-three. The mother is yet living, residing at Ridott Village, at a good old age, she having been born Nov. 1, 1810. The father met with an accidental death. His team became frightened and running away threw him from his wagon, killing him instantly. He was a well-known and respected citizen, of Republican proclivities. Both he and his wife were members of the Church of England. They reared four children to be men and women: Elizabeth, the wife of Eugene Nelson, a farmer now living in Rock County, Minn.; Owen R., who is the subject of this sketch; Fannie, the wife of Samuel Preston, a farmer residing near Waterloo, Iowa, and William O., already named.
Owen R. was educated in the common schools. He was attentive to his studies and made rapid advancement till, at the age of nineteen, he went to Waterloo, where he passed six years. In connection with his brother he owned 320 acres in Tama County, Iowa, which he sold later on and came to Ridott Township, where he took unto himself a wife, March 13, 1884. The lady he selected was Miss Elizabeth Neuiberger, who was born in Ridott Township May 28, 1856, and was reared and educated there. She is the mother of two children - Henry G., who is deceased, and William C.
Mrs. Fairbairn is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Fairbairn is a Republican. The citizens of Ridott Village, recognizing his astuteness and sagacity, have made him President of the Village Board.
Contributed by Carol Parrish
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