F. A. FAIR, Mound City, contractor and builder, was born June 13, 1823, on Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, son of Charles Fair, born 1787, in Taneytown, Md. When quite young, he removed to Pennsylvania, where he stayed with his parents, who were natives of Germany, till he was sixteen years old. He then went to Baltimore, where he learned the carpenter's trade, following it ten years. Since then he has been engaged mostly in farming and stock-raising in Maryland and Ohio. He died in 1838. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth (Marr) Fair, born 1790 in Baltimore. She died 1854 in Dayton, Ohio. She was a daughter of Walter Marr, grandson of the Earl of Marr, of Scotland. John Marr, father of Walter Marr, was captured while crossing the ocean, and was put to death, together with the crew. The heirs of the Marr family for the last forty years have made researches for the old Earl's will and testamental papers. Mrs. Elizabeth Marr was the mother of thirteen children, of whom six are now living. Our subject only enjoyed one winter term of school. At the age of fifteen, he began to learn the mason trade in Dayton, Ohio, which he has followed most of his life. He has worked at his trade in New Orleans, Madison, Indiana and Missouri. In 1856, he settled in Mound City, where he followed his occupation most of his time. He was also owner and keeper of wharf and steamboats, and during the war surveyor of the port. His last wharf boat burned in 1875. He kept hotel for two years, and since then has followed his trade. Mr. Fair was married, January 4, 1853, in New Albany, lnd., to Miss Sophia Kopp, born December 4, 1832, in Steubenville, Ohio, daughter of George and Barbara (Genther) Kopp. The result of this union was five children, now living, viz.: Anna E., wife of Loren D. Stophlet; Dora F., wife of William Biggerstaff; Katie, wife L. J. Mall; Frank A. and Eddie. Mr. Fair has been a Democrat since Horace Greeley ran for President.
Extracted 02 Nov 2014 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V - Biographical Sketches, pages 261-262.
| Union | Johnson | |
| Alexander |
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Massac McCracken KY |
| Ballard KY |
