Bryan Fairfax, 8th Lord Fairfax of Cameron
Encyclopedia
Bryan Fairfax 8th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, boyhood friend of George Washington, became the first American-born member of the house of Lords.
(1691–1757) of Belvoir
and Deborah Clarke (1707–1747).
Bryan Fairfax lived at Belvoir
, as a young man, with father Col. William Fairfax
, business agent for his cousin, Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron
. William's son, George William
and Sally Fairfax
also lived there, and were close neighbors to George Washington
's Mount Vernon
. George Washington
as a young man, with his brother Lawrence Washington
, visited the Fairfax family at Belvoir often; Lord Fairfax employed Washington to join a surveying team of his western lands, in the valley of Virginia.
In 1754, Bryan Fairfax clerked for his brother-in-law, John Carlyle
, in Alexandria, Virginia
, and was appointed as a deputy clerk for Fairfax County.
Bryan Fairfax served as a lieutenant in George Washington's militia regiment, in George Mercer's company early in the French and Indian War
, but he resigned his commission in 1756.
After a whirlwind social scene in Westmoreland and Essex County, John Carlyle
, caught up with him in the Annapolis gaol, and brought him back to Belvoir, in 1757.
Bryan Fairfax married Elizabeth Cary, sister of Sally Cary Fairfax
, in 1759.
They had three children: William, (died in infancy), Thomas
(1762–1846), and Ferdinando
(1766–1820). George Washington
and Martha Washington
traveled to Towlston Grange
to stand as godparent
s for Fedinando
.
Brian Fairfax lived at Greenhill (Accotink Creek
and Back Road, now Telegraph Road
) from 1760 - 1765. He then lived at Towlston Grange
(Difficult Run
and Leesburg Pike, now Route 7) from 1768 - 1790.
Bryan Fairfax served as a justice for Fairfax County at the same time as Washington. He was an avid foxhunter, and he and Washington often rode together.
As a large landowner, Bryan Fairfax was active leasing out his property to smaller farmers such as Perrygreen Mackness.
He was given Towlston Grange with 5500 acres (22.3 km²), in his father's will.
In 1772, he sold Washington a 600 acres (2.4 km²) farm, Chattins Run, on Goose Creek
, in Fauquier County, Virginia
.
He sold Towlston Grange to George Washington for ₤82.10.
were debated in 1774, Bryan Fairfax corresponded with George Washington, the chairman of the committee considering the Resolves.
Fairfax was torn between England and America during the Revolutionary War. On his own in 1777, he tried to travel to England. He was arrested in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
, for refusing to sign a loyalty oath. However, he wrote to his good friend, George Washington, who sent him a pass to travel between the lines. In New York, British officials also required a loyalty oath, to board ship, which he refused to take. With his attempt thwarted, on his return trip home, he visited Washington, at Valley Forge
.
He had long considered a religious life, and he was ordained a Minister of the Episcopal Church in 1789, serving as rector of Christ Church
from 1790 to 1792.
He moved to Mount Eagle (plantation)
, (south of Hunting Creek
, and Alexandria
), where he lived from 1790 until his death.
In 1790, he built Ash Grove (plantation)
, on Leesburg Pike, (2 miles west of Tysons Corner), for his son, Thomas Fairfax
. It was sold to James Sherman in 1850.
When the Seventh Lord Fairfax
died in 1793, Bryan Fairfax initially ignored the title. However, while in England in 1798 on other business, he presented the necessary proofs to the House of Lords to claim the title.
George Washington’s last meal away from Mount Vernon, on December 7, 1799 was with Bryan Fairfax at Mount Eagle.; Bryan Fairfax was among the last guests at Mount Vernon, on December 11, 1799, before Washington died. He was one of the principal mourners at Washington’s funeral, and Washington left him a bible in his will.
In 1800, after he had returned to Virginia, the peerage was adjudged, and he became the Eighth Lord Fairfax. Bryan Fairfax died in 1802. His widow sued his executor, but the Supreme Court found for the executor in 1809. His son Thomas
became the 9th Lord Fairfax of Cameron.
were debated in 1774, Bryan Fairfax sent letters to George Washington, the chairman of the committee considering the Resolves, giving reasons why they should not be adopted:
However, Washington responded:
But he added:
Byran Fairfax respectfully disagreed:
Later during September, 1777, Bryan Fairfax was detained in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. However, he wrote to his good friend, George Washington, who sent him a pass to travel between the lines:
Washington wrote him:
Biography
Bryan Fairfax was the son of Col. William FairfaxWilliam Fairfax
William Fairfax was a political appointee of the English Crown and a politician: he was Collector of Customs in Barbados, and Chief Justice and governor of the Bahamas; he served as Customs agent in Marblehead, Massachusetts before being reassigned to the Virginia colony. There he was elected to...
(1691–1757) of Belvoir
Belvoir (plantation)
Belvoir was the historic plantation and estate of colonial Virginia's prominent William Fairfax family. It was situated on the west bank of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia at the present site of Fort Belvoir. The main house — called Belvoir Manor or Belvoir Mansion — burnt in 1783...
and Deborah Clarke (1707–1747).
Bryan Fairfax lived at Belvoir
Belvoir (plantation)
Belvoir was the historic plantation and estate of colonial Virginia's prominent William Fairfax family. It was situated on the west bank of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia at the present site of Fort Belvoir. The main house — called Belvoir Manor or Belvoir Mansion — burnt in 1783...
, as a young man, with father Col. William Fairfax
William Fairfax
William Fairfax was a political appointee of the English Crown and a politician: he was Collector of Customs in Barbados, and Chief Justice and governor of the Bahamas; he served as Customs agent in Marblehead, Massachusetts before being reassigned to the Virginia colony. There he was elected to...
, business agent for his cousin, Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron
Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron
Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron was the son of Thomas Fairfax, 5th Lord Fairfax of Cameron and of Catherine, daughter of Thomas Culpeper, 2nd Baron Culpeper of Thoresway....
. William's son, George William
George William Fairfax
George William Fairfax was a planter and member of the landed gentry of late colonial Virginia. He was a contemporary and good friend of George Washington, and made opportunities for him through his powerful family....
and Sally Fairfax
Sally Fairfax
Sally Cary Fairfax was the wife of George William Fairfax , a prominent member of the landed gentry of late colonial Virginia. As such, she was mistress of the Virginia plantation and estate of Belvoir...
also lived there, and were close neighbors to George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon
The name Mount Vernon is a dedication to the English Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon. It was first applied to Mount Vernon, the Virginia estate of George Washington, the first President of the United States...
. George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
as a young man, with his brother Lawrence Washington
Lawrence Washington (1718-1752)
Lawrence Washington was a soldier and prominent landowner in colonial Virginia. As a founding member of the Ohio Company of Virginia, and a member of the colonial legislature representing Fairfax County, he was chiefly responsible for securing the establishment of the town of Alexandria, Virginia...
, visited the Fairfax family at Belvoir often; Lord Fairfax employed Washington to join a surveying team of his western lands, in the valley of Virginia.
In 1754, Bryan Fairfax clerked for his brother-in-law, John Carlyle
John Carlyle (merchant)
John Carlyle was a Scottish merchant who immigrated to British Colony of Virginia and became a leading landowner and social and political figure in Northern Virginia...
, in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of 2009, the city had a total population of 139,966. Located along the Western bank of the Potomac River, Alexandria is approximately six miles south of downtown Washington, D.C.Like the rest of northern Virginia, as well as...
, and was appointed as a deputy clerk for Fairfax County.
Bryan Fairfax served as a lieutenant in George Washington's militia regiment, in George Mercer's company early in the French and Indian War
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War is the common American name for the war between Great Britain and France in North America from 1754 to 1763. In 1756, the war erupted into the world-wide conflict known as the Seven Years' War and thus came to be regarded as the North American theater of that war...
, but he resigned his commission in 1756.
After a whirlwind social scene in Westmoreland and Essex County, John Carlyle
John Carlyle (merchant)
John Carlyle was a Scottish merchant who immigrated to British Colony of Virginia and became a leading landowner and social and political figure in Northern Virginia...
, caught up with him in the Annapolis gaol, and brought him back to Belvoir, in 1757.
Bryan Fairfax married Elizabeth Cary, sister of Sally Cary Fairfax
Sally Fairfax
Sally Cary Fairfax was the wife of George William Fairfax , a prominent member of the landed gentry of late colonial Virginia. As such, she was mistress of the Virginia plantation and estate of Belvoir...
, in 1759.
They had three children: William, (died in infancy), Thomas
Thomas Fairfax, 9th Lord Fairfax of Cameron
Thomas Fairfax, 9th Lord Fairfax of Cameron , son of Bryan Fairfax. Thomas Fairfax, with his father, on December 11, 1799, was among the last guests at Mount Vernon, before Washington died....
(1762–1846), and Ferdinando
Ferdinando Fairfax
Ferdinando Fairfax was a Virginia landowner and member of the prominent Fairfax family.- Life :...
(1766–1820). George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
and Martha Washington
Martha Washington
Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was the wife of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Although the title was not coined until after her death, Martha Washington is considered to be the first First Lady of the United States...
traveled to Towlston Grange
Towlston Grange
Towlston Grange is an 18th century plantation in Great Falls in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. The estate served as a residence for several prominent members of the Fairfax family...
to stand as godparent
Godparent
A godparent, in many denominations of Christianity, is someone who sponsors a child's baptism. A male godparent is a godfather, and a female godparent is a godmother...
s for Fedinando
Ferdinando Fairfax
Ferdinando Fairfax was a Virginia landowner and member of the prominent Fairfax family.- Life :...
.
Brian Fairfax lived at Greenhill (Accotink Creek
Accotink Creek
Accotink Creek is a tributary stream of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, in the United States. At Springfield, Accotink Creek is dammed to create Lake Accotink. The stream empties into the Potomac at Gunston Cove's Accotink Bay, to the west of Fort Belvoir.-External links:**...
and Back Road, now Telegraph Road
Virginia State Route 241
State Route 241 is a primary state highway in the U.S. state of Virginia. It runs from U.S. Route 1 in Fairfax County north along North Kings Highway through Huntington, and then on Telegraph Road into Alexandria to end at State Route 236....
) from 1760 - 1765. He then lived at Towlston Grange
Towlston Grange
Towlston Grange is an 18th century plantation in Great Falls in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. The estate served as a residence for several prominent members of the Fairfax family...
(Difficult Run
Difficult Run
Difficult Run is a tributary stream of the Potomac River in northern Virginia in the United States. The term "run" for "stream" is common usage in this part of Virginia and throughout the mid-Atlantic region; another "run" is better known in American Civil War history: Bull Run. Difficult Run...
and Leesburg Pike, now Route 7) from 1768 - 1790.
Bryan Fairfax served as a justice for Fairfax County at the same time as Washington. He was an avid foxhunter, and he and Washington often rode together.
Land Transactions
In 1740 he was deeded 3400 acres (13.8 km²), and 1741 was deeded 232 acre (0.93887152 km²), at Little Run or Hunger Run.As a large landowner, Bryan Fairfax was active leasing out his property to smaller farmers such as Perrygreen Mackness.
He was given Towlston Grange with 5500 acres (22.3 km²), in his father's will.
In 1772, he sold Washington a 600 acres (2.4 km²) farm, Chattins Run, on Goose Creek
Goose Creek (Potomac River)
Goose Creek is a tributary of the Potomac River in Fauquier and Loudoun counties in northern Virginia. It comprises the principal drainage system for the Loudoun Valley.-Course:...
, in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 55,139 people, 19,842 households, and 15,139 families residing in the county. The population density was 85 people per square mile . There were 21,046 housing units at an average density of 32 per square mile...
.
He sold Towlston Grange to George Washington for ₤82.10.
Revolutionary War
When the Fairfax ResolvesFairfax Resolves
The Fairfax Resolves was a set of resolutions adopted by a committee in Fairfax County in the colony of Virginia on July 18, 1774, in the early stages of the American Revolution. Written primarily by George Mason, the resolutions rejected the British Parliament's claim of supreme authority over the...
were debated in 1774, Bryan Fairfax corresponded with George Washington, the chairman of the committee considering the Resolves.
Fairfax was torn between England and America during the Revolutionary War. On his own in 1777, he tried to travel to England. He was arrested in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is a city in the south-central part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the county seat of Lancaster County and one of the older inland cities in the United States, . With a population of 59,322, it ranks eighth in population among Pennsylvania's cities...
, for refusing to sign a loyalty oath. However, he wrote to his good friend, George Washington, who sent him a pass to travel between the lines. In New York, British officials also required a loyalty oath, to board ship, which he refused to take. With his attempt thwarted, on his return trip home, he visited Washington, at Valley Forge
Valley Forge
Valley Forge in Pennsylvania was the site of the military camp of the American Continental Army over the winter of 1777–1778 in the American Revolutionary War.-History:...
.
After the war
Bryan Fairfax later married Jennie Dennison. With her, he had two daughters.He had long considered a religious life, and he was ordained a Minister of the Episcopal Church in 1789, serving as rector of Christ Church
Christ Church (Alexandria, Virginia)
Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia, is an Episcopal church built from 1767 to 1773 by John Carlyle.The church was designed by James Wren in the colonial style, and frequented by such notables as George Washington, Robert E. Lee, and Philip Richard Fendall I...
from 1790 to 1792.
He moved to Mount Eagle (plantation)
Mount Eagle (plantation)
Mount Eagle, Fairfax County, Virginia, USA, was the home of Bryan Fairfax.John Colville of Newcastle upon Tyne owned which he called Cleesh. When he died, he left to the Earl of Tankerville, settled in 1797....
, (south of Hunting Creek
Hunting Creek
Hunting Creek is a cove and tributary stream of the Potomac River between the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County in Virginia. It is formed by the confluence of Cameron Run and Hooff Run. The community of Huntington takes its name from the creek. Jones Point forms the north side. Dyke Marsh is...
, and Alexandria
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of 2009, the city had a total population of 139,966. Located along the Western bank of the Potomac River, Alexandria is approximately six miles south of downtown Washington, D.C.Like the rest of northern Virginia, as well as...
), where he lived from 1790 until his death.
In 1790, he built Ash Grove (plantation)
Ash Grove (plantation)
Ash Grove is an 18th century plantation house in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. In 1790, Bryan Fairfax built Ash Grove on Leesburg Pike, 2 miles west of Tysons Corner, Virginia for his son, Thomas Fairfax....
, on Leesburg Pike, (2 miles west of Tysons Corner), for his son, Thomas Fairfax
Thomas Fairfax, 9th Lord Fairfax of Cameron
Thomas Fairfax, 9th Lord Fairfax of Cameron , son of Bryan Fairfax. Thomas Fairfax, with his father, on December 11, 1799, was among the last guests at Mount Vernon, before Washington died....
. It was sold to James Sherman in 1850.
When the Seventh Lord Fairfax
Robert Fairfax, 7th Lord Fairfax of Cameron
Robert Fairfax , 7th Lord Fairfax of Cameron , died at Leeds Castle, England, which he inherited from his mother Catharine, daughter of Thomas Culpeper, 2nd Baron Culpeper of Thoresway....
died in 1793, Bryan Fairfax initially ignored the title. However, while in England in 1798 on other business, he presented the necessary proofs to the House of Lords to claim the title.
George Washington’s last meal away from Mount Vernon, on December 7, 1799 was with Bryan Fairfax at Mount Eagle.; Bryan Fairfax was among the last guests at Mount Vernon, on December 11, 1799, before Washington died. He was one of the principal mourners at Washington’s funeral, and Washington left him a bible in his will.
In 1800, after he had returned to Virginia, the peerage was adjudged, and he became the Eighth Lord Fairfax. Bryan Fairfax died in 1802. His widow sued his executor, but the Supreme Court found for the executor in 1809. His son Thomas
Thomas Fairfax, 9th Lord Fairfax of Cameron
Thomas Fairfax, 9th Lord Fairfax of Cameron , son of Bryan Fairfax. Thomas Fairfax, with his father, on December 11, 1799, was among the last guests at Mount Vernon, before Washington died....
became the 9th Lord Fairfax of Cameron.
Correspondance with Washington
When the Fairfax ResolvesFairfax Resolves
The Fairfax Resolves was a set of resolutions adopted by a committee in Fairfax County in the colony of Virginia on July 18, 1774, in the early stages of the American Revolution. Written primarily by George Mason, the resolutions rejected the British Parliament's claim of supreme authority over the...
were debated in 1774, Bryan Fairfax sent letters to George Washington, the chairman of the committee considering the Resolves, giving reasons why they should not be adopted:
For I think myself bound to oppose violent measures now. The entering upon a Plan of having no Trade would be an arduous undertaking. I mean if persisted in, and if once entered upon it ought to be strictly kept. I therefore think it would be more proper to try first what Effect a petition might have toward obtaining a repeal of the Duty.
However, Washington responded:
As to your political sentiments, I would heartily join you in them, so far as relates to a humble and dutiful petition to the throne, provided there was the most distant hope of success. But have we not tried this already? Have we not addressed the Lords, and remonstrated to the Commons? And to what end? Did they deign to look at our petitions? Does it not appear, as clear as the sun in its meridan brightness, that there is a regular, systematic plan formed to fix the right & practise of taxation upon us?
But he added:
That I differ very widely from you, in respect to the mode of obtaining a repeal of the Acts so much, & so justly complaind of, I shall not hesitate to acknowledge; & that this difference in opinion may, probably, proceed from the different Construction's we put upon the Conduct, & Intention of the Ministry, may also be true; But as I see nothing on the one hand, to induce a belief that the Parliament would embrace a favourable opportunity of Repealing Acts which they go on with great rapidity to pass, in order to enforce their Tyrannical System; and on the other, observe, or think I observe, that Government is pursuing a regular Plan at the expence of Law & justice, to overthrow our Constitutional Rights & liberties, how can I expect any redress from a Measure which hath been ineffectually tryd already--For Sir what is it we are contending against? Is it against paying the duty of 3d. pr lb. on Tea because burthensome? No, it is the Right only, we have all along disputed, & to this end we have already Petitiond his Majesty in as humble, & dutiful a manner as Subjects could do;...
I cannot conclude without expressing some concern that I should differ so widely in Sentiments from you in a matter of such great Moment & general Import; & should much distrust my own judgement upon the occasion, if my Nature did not recoil at the thought of Submitting to Measures which I think Subversive of every thing that I ought to hold dear and valuable - and did I not find, at the same time, that the voice of Mankind is with me.
Byran Fairfax respectfully disagreed:
There is a new opinion now lately advanced in Virginia that the Parliament have no right to make any or scarce any Laws binding on the Colonies. It has given me much Uneasiness. For altho' I wish as much as any one that we were legally exempted from it, yet I hold it clearly that we ought to abide by our Constitution. The common Consent and Acquiescence in the Colonies for such a Length of time is to me a clear Proof of their having a Right. And altho' it is said that it has only been exercised in Matters of Trade, it will be found to be a Mistake.
Later during September, 1777, Bryan Fairfax was detained in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. However, he wrote to his good friend, George Washington, who sent him a pass to travel between the lines:
For the past two years I have had a strong Desire to enter into Holy Orders than ever I had before tho' frequently in my Life have had the same, yet generally suffered worldly considerations to interfere. This Desire and the not finding myself at Liberty to concur in the Public measures make me very anxious to get to England, and I have been in Hopes of obtaining a Pass from the Congress to go to N: York for that Purpose. There has appeared to me but one Objection, and that is, the giving of Intelligence, but I would not only enter into Engagements in that respect if required but it may [be] considered that what I might say would be of little Consequence, but if of any would raher be in Favour of America because I really think that it would be the Interest of Great Britain to let her enjoy her Independance, for if successful in this Struggle which is very doubtful it might all be to do over again at another Time.
I intended to have seen Your Excellency before I left the warm Springs the last of August where Colo. Lewis, Your Brother & Mr. W. Washington and to have brought my Son Tommy with me, when I came home I found they had put him on the Militia Roll and draught him tho' under the Age required and therefore I had him excused. He is now with me, and I intended to have taken him with me, choosing to superintend his education.
...And if Your Excellency can give me a Pass that I may come & see You, I shall be very glad to do it whether I succeed in the other matter or not for You are often in my Mind & I have often sympathised with Yr. Ex. in regard to the great & labourious Undertaking You are engaged in...
Washington wrote him:
The difference in our political Sentiments never made any change in my friendship for you, and the favorable Sentiments I ever entertained of your hon'r, leaves me without a doubt that you would say any thing, or do any thing injurious to the cause we are engaged in after having pledged your word to the contrary. I therefore give my consent readily...
External references
- Walking with Washington, Robert L. Madison, Gateway Press, Baltimore, Md, 2003
- A Fairfax Friendship: The Complete Correspondence between George Washington and Bryan Fairfax 1754 - 1799, Sweig and David, Fairfax County Historical Commission, Jan 1982, LOC 81-70298
- Papers of George Washington
- Loyalism in Eighteenth Century, Alexandria, Virginia, Marshall Stopher Kiker, 2001 Winter, Historic Alexandria Quarterly
- Appletons' Cyclopaedia of American Biography, James Grant Wilson, John Fiske