John Fairfield
American politician / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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John Fairfield (January 30, 1797 – December 24, 1847) was an attorney and politician from Maine. He served as a U.S. Congressman, governor and U.S. Senator.
John Fairfield | |
---|---|
United States Senator from Maine | |
In office December 4, 1843 – December 24, 1847 | |
Preceded by | Reuel Williams |
Succeeded by | Wyman B. S. Moor |
13th & 16th Governor of Maine | |
In office January 5, 1842 – March 7, 1843 | |
Preceded by | Edward Kent |
Succeeded by | Edward Kavanagh |
In office January 2, 1839 – January 12, 1841 | |
Preceded by | Edward Kent |
Succeeded by | Richard H. Vose |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maine's 1st district | |
In office March 4, 1835 – December 24, 1838 | |
Preceded by | Rufus McIntire |
Succeeded by | Nathan Clifford |
Personal details | |
Born | (1797-01-30)January 30, 1797 Pepperellborough, Massachusetts (now Saco, Maine) |
Died | December 24, 1847(1847-12-24) (aged 50) Washington, D.C. |
Resting place | Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco, Maine |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Anna Paine Thornton (m. 1825-1847, his death) |
Children | 9 |
Occupation | Attorney |
Fairfield was born in Pepperellborough, Massachusetts (now Saco, Maine) and attended the schools of York County. After serving in the War of 1812, he pursued a business career before deciding to become an attorney, and after in the office of an established lawyer and judge, Fairfield attained admission to the bar in 1826. He practiced in Saco and Biddeford, and became active in politics as a Democrat.
He was elected to the US House in 1834, reelected in 1836, and served from 1835 until 1838, when he resigned to become governor. Elected in 1838, he served from 1839 to 1841. He returned to the governorship in 1842, and served until resigning in 1843 to accept election to the U.S. Senate. He was elected to the final four years of the term in 1844, and served until his death.
Fairfield died in Washington, D.C., and was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.