Background
Fairbanks was born to Mormon pioneer parents David and Susan Mandeville Fairbanks in Payson, Utah, on December 26, 1857. He was a descendant of Jonathan Fairbanks, whose 17th-century house still stands in Dedham, Massachusetts.
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Ralph Fairbanks
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He followed a job with the railroad at start of the 20th century south to Las Vegas, Nevada, and eventually moved his family to Death Valley. Earlier in 1883, Fairbanks had been among those called by John Taylor to start a new settlement in the Sevier Valley. R. J. "Dad" Fairbanks, as he was known to locals, built businesses and towns throughout the region and built the first Standard Oil service station in the area, in Baker.
He was well known for saving tourists and prospectors who wandered into the desert and also recovered the bodies of those who were not lucky enough to be found in time.
Ralph died on October 3, 1943 at the Hollywood Nursing Home. His great-grandson is actor Matthew Modine.
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Born
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Died
October 3, 1943 (aged 85) -
Nationality
United States