FAIRBANKS Jabez

1670 - 1758  (88 years)

• Name	FAIRBANKS Jabez
  Birth	08 Jan 1670	Lancaster, Middlesex Co., MA
  Gender	Male
  Death	02 Mar 1758	Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA
  Notes	John was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts on 8.11.70, which translates to 8 January 1670. [1] "One of the first settlers to explore the wilderness around Mt. Monadnock, NH. He was a famous scouting officer, leading more than sixty parties, transversing large areas to the north, east and west." "Jabez FAIRBANK's father, and brothers Joshua and Jonathan died in the Indian raids of 10 Feb 1676 that destroyed the town of Lancaster, and of 11 Sep 1697. His brother Jonas died earlier, within days, leaving Jabez as the only male heir with male offspring. He was the means of saving the rest of the Lancaster Garrison, saving many lives, including that of his little son Joseph. Outside the garrison 21 were killed and 6 carried away into captivity, of whom 5 were returned." "Gen. Daniel Gookin states that this bloody foray was headed by a one-eyed chief of the Nipmucks, named John Monoco "who lived near Lancaster before the war began," and that he had twenty of Philip's men with him. The bold incursion of one-eyed John was but the prelude to tragedy of February 10th. Of the plan for the destruction of Lancaster in all its details, even to the very day assigned for its accomplishment, the colonial authorities were fully advised; yet with a neglect that seems criminally strange, they did almost nothing to ward off the blow. Of the aboriginal possessors of Nashaway, none better deserves to be honored among us than that Indian scout, whose courage, skill and fidelity should have saved the town from the massacre of 1676, James Quanapaug, alias James Wiser, also known as Quenepenett or Quannapohit." "In the year 1700 he had lands laid out to him "on both sides of Dane's Brook above Thomas Sawyer's sawmill. This site became the home of the Fairbanks, and so remained for a hundred years or more." He was elected as a representative to the General Court in 1714, 1721, 1722, and 1723. Burial: Old Settlers Burial Yard, Lancaster, Worcester, Mass. gravestone reads: "In Memory of Lieut Jabaz Fairbank who died in March 1758 Aged about 84 Years. Mrs. Mary his first wife died in March 1718 aged 42 years. Mrs. Elizabeth his 2nd wife died May ye 11, 1755 Aged 80 years 7 months."
  Person ID	I57738	Freeman-Smith
  Last Modified	27 Jan 2026

  
  

  Family	WILDER Mary,   b. 21 Feb 1675   d. 21 Feb 1718 (Age 43 years)
  Children	1. FAIRBANKS Thomas,   b. 29 Aug 1707, Lancaster, Middlesex Co., MA d. 10 Feb 1791, Sterling, Worcester Co., MA (Age 83 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
  Family ID	F25780	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	27 Jan 2026