David Fairbank, farmer, was born in Knox County, Tenn., September 1, 1829, and is the son of John and Sarah Fairbank. The father, of English ancestry and born in North Carolina about 1807, died about 1857. He came to Tennessee about 1829, and settled in Ray County. He was a farmer and a Democrat. The mother, born about 1808, was of English origin, and died about 1840. Our subject, the youngest of three children, lived with his parents until fourteen years of age, and then with an uncle, W. Lovry. In January, 1851, Julia A., daughter of W. J. and Malinda Cartwright, and born in Warren County, Tenn., January 25, 1830, became his wife. She is a member of the Christian Church. Seven of their eight children are now living: William W., Arminta M., Sarah L., John P., Levy L., Nancy A., Emery L and Andrew J. (deceased August 2, 1886, in his twenty-second year). Our subject has had a life of hardship, but has succeeded, although limited in education. He is a Democrat, and is a member of the Christian Church. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the Fifth Tennessee Infantry, Confederate, and served under Col. Ben Hill in the battles of Shiloh, Shelton Hill, Richmond and numerous skirmishes, but was soon after discharged on account of ill health.