Joseph Fairbanks (1881-1964), the youngest child of William P. and Rebecca Fairbanks, was educated at St. Johnsbury Academy, Yale (class of 1903), and Harvard Law School (class of 1906). He practiced law in St. Johnsbury and, in 1917, volunteered for duty in World War I. He was given a lieutenant's commission and promoted to rank of major, and eventually to colonel, serving in the Judge Advocate and War Departments. After his discharge in 1919, he became an attorney for the War Claims Board until 1920, and for the U.S. Shipping Board until 1923. He then entered private practice in Washington, D.C., where he and his family had resided since 1919. In 1908, Joseph married Luella Merrill, a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music. Their children were: Edward Joseph (1910-1979) and Philip Merrill (1913-1997).
Mabel Fairbanks, his older sister, was born August 14, 1871. She married Birney A. Robinson of Proctor, Vermont.
From the description of Series V : fourth generation, children of William P. Fairbanks, 1865-1953. (Vermont Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 60448265
