American Silversmiths

Starr Fairchild
(1797-1838)
Mrs. Elizabeth Fairchild
(Abt 1805-)
Leroy W. Fairchild
(Abt 1831-)

 

Family Links

Spouses/Children:

1. Sarah Ann Cholwell

Leroy W. Fairchild
  • Born: Abt 1831, New York
  • Marriage (1): Sarah Ann Cholwell on 23 Jan 1856

  General notes:

Manufacturer


A manufacturer of gold nibs, located in New York City; founded in 1837 as Randall & Fairchild, renamed Leroy W. Fairchild in 1843, and went through a series of name changes, including incorporation in 1890, until its foreclosure in 1895 over an issue of unpaid debts.
In 1851, Leroy Fairchild revolutionized nib manufacture by welding iridium tipping material to the gold nib instead of soldering it as had been done previously. His invention prevented corrosion by galvanic action between the solder and the tipping material and, in essence, created a nib that could last indefinitely. Fairchild is thought to have been the first supplier of nibs to L. E. Waterman.
In 1896, Fairchild's sons Leroy C., Harry P., and James C. Fairchild purchased all the tools and machinery of the defunct corporation and incorporated anew with themselves as directors. By 1897, the company had reincorporated again as the Leroy C. Fairchild Co., Inc., with Julia M. Fairchild, W. Clifford Moore, and Leonard S. Wheeler as directors and Leroy C. Fairchild as president.

  Events in his life were:

  • He was a partner in 1853-1857 with John Rendell in New York City NY as RENDELL & FAIRCHILD.
  • He appeared on the 1855 census taken at New York City NY, listed as a gold pen manufacturer.
  • He appeared on the 1860 census taken at New York City NY, listed as a gold pen manufacturer.
  • He appeared on the 1870 census taken at Norwalk CT, listed as a gold pen manufacturer.
  • He appeared on the 1880 census taken at New York City NY, listed as a gold pen manufacturer.

picture
  • Advertising piece, c 1880
    Private Collection

Leroy married Sarah Ann Cholwell on 23 Jan 1856.




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