Career
Born in Northampton, Maryland, Fairfax was discovered to be the rightful holder of his title after it had been essentially forgotten by his family (which had resided in the United States of America for several generations). After researchers determined Albert Kirby Fairfax to be the 12th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, his title was allowed by the House of Lords in 1908. His father, John Contee Fairfax, was determined to have been the 11th Lord Fairfax of Cameron.
His mother was Mary Brown Kirby.
He was naturalized as a United Kingdom citizen on 17 November 1908. He was elected a Scottish Representative Peer and served in that capacity from 19 October 1917 to his death on 4 October 1939.
Lord Fairfax of Cameron married Maude Wishart, daughter of James McKelvie, in 1922. They had two sons:
Thomas Brian McElvie Fairfax, 13th Lord Fairfax of Cameron (14 May 1923 – 8 April 1964)
Peregrine John Wishart Fairfax (8 March 1925 – 23 February 2012).