Lucy Ann Fairbanks' Disabling Childhood Illness

Lucy Ann Fairbanks (1831-1897)

 Lucy Ann Fairbanks was born in 1831. She was the daughter of James M. Fairbanks and Roxanna Gay Fairbanks.

Fairbanks was a farmer who built a farmhouse in the late 1840s on land that had been deeded to him by his grandfather, Benjamin Fairbanks, of Dedham. His farm and home were located along today’s Prospect Street.

Fairbanks Home on Prospect as it appeared in late 19th century.

Fairbanks Home as it appeared in 2023.

A childhood illness left Lucy unable to hear or speak, considered a grave disability in the nineteenth century. Lucy remained in the family homestead under the care of her parents. After her father died in 1882, according to the Norwood Advertiser and Review, “Miss Fairbanks had the kindly affection and care of her mother, Mrs. Roxy Fairbanks.”

Lucy Ann Fairbanks predeceased her mother when she died of chronic bronchitis at the age of 66 on November 8, 1897. She was interred in the Old Parish Cemetery with her father. Her mother, Roxanna Gay Fairbanks, died of heart disease on January 5, 1899.

Gravestone of Lucy A. Fairbanks