Stephen H. Fairfield.

Picture plub. date 1902.

S. H. Faorfield, was horn September 4, 1833, in Middleton, Essex county, Massachusetts. Went to Minden, Illinois, in 1856, reaching Kansas in September of the same year, selecting a claim near Wabaunsee. In 1860 was united in marriage to Miss M. H. Burt, of Tabor, Iowa. Returning to Kansas he was, in 1861, elected doorkeeper of the state senate, also of the high court of impeachment. In September, 1861, enlisted in Co. K, 11th Kansas Volunteers. Was detailed as clerk at regimental headquarters, and subsequently assigned to duty as postmaster of his division and the army of the border. In 1863, had entire charge of the military mail in Kansas City, for Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado.* Rejoined his company in 1864, the regiment then being cavalry, and served as corporal till 1865, when he was detailed as clerk in the quartermaster's department of the frontier. During the same year rejoined his company at Horse Shoe, Wyoming Territory, where he remained while subduing the hostile Sioux. Was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, September 15, 1865. While in the army participated in the battles of Maysville, Cane Hill, Prairie Grove, Van Buren, Lexington, and the Big Blue. In 1865, was elected county clerk, county treasurer in 1867 and 1869. Also to the office of register of deeds the same year, which office he continued to hold 'till January, 1886. Was editor and proprietor of the Alma Union two years. Was a member of the court house building committee and took an active interest in building the Congregational .church, being the first Sunday school superintendent. Mr. Fairfield owns a pleasant residence in Alma besides several of the best farms in the county. He is largely engaged in the real estate and loan business and has always been at the front in advancing any public enterprise.

*An item in the Kansas City Journal in December, 1863, says: Mr. Fairfield, postmaster at headquarters, keeps himself informed of the location of the various regiments and companies, and forwards all mail for officers and soldiers without delay. The arrangement of mail matters for convenience of those in the service, seems to be about perfect.