fbpx
Wikipedia

Fairfax family

Members of the Fairfax Family were prominent as Australian media proprietors, especially in the area of newspaper publishing through the company John Fairfax and Sons (later known as Fairfax Media, although the Fairfax family no longer control the eponymous company).[1][2][3][4] Some members have also been prominent in Australian philanthropy and the arts.

Fairfax
Former media proprietors; philanthropists
Current regionAustralia
Place of originBarford, Warwickshire, England
Members
Connected members
TraditionsCongregationalists

Six generations of the family are descended from Anglo-Celtic immigrants to Australia, patriarch John Fairfax, an English-born journalist, and his wife, Sarah (née Reading).[5] Both were from the Barford area of Warwickshire, and emigrated to the Colony of New South Wales in 1838.

Generational history edit

 
John Fairfax, ca. 1861

First generation edit

John Fairfax was born in Barford, Warwickshire, the second son of William Fairfax and his wife, Elizabeth née Jesson. In 1817, John Fairfax was apprenticed to William Perry, a bookseller and printer in Warwick. In 1825, Fairfax went to London where he worked as a compositor in a general printing office and on the Morning Chronicle. A year or two later he established himself at Leamington Hastings as a printer, bookseller and stationer. There, on 31 July 1827, he married Sarah Reading, daughter of James and Sarah Reading. He became the printer of the Leamington Spa Courier, and in 1835 he purchased an interest in another paper The Leamington Chronicle and Warwickshire Reporter. He had a book binding business in Leamington.[5][6] In 1836, Fairfax published a letter criticizing the conduct of a local solicitor, who brought an action against him. Though judgment was given for the defendant, the solicitor appealed. Judgment was again given for Fairfax but the costs of the actions were so heavy that he had to apply to the Insolvency Court. There was sympathy for him, his friends offered assistance but he decided to make a fresh start in a new land, and in May 1838 sailed for the Colony of New South Wales in the Lady Fitzherbert with his wife and three children, his mother and a brother-in-law. After a voyage of about 130 days, they reached Sydney on 26 September 1838; Fairfax had just £5 in his pocket.[5][6]

Fairfax worked as a compositor for some months then on 1 April 1839 was appointed librarian of the Australian subscription library. The salary was only £100 a year but he had free quarters for his family in pleasant surroundings. He found he was able to get some typesetting, and he also contributed articles to the various Sydney newspapers. What was possibly more important was his contacting through the library the best educated men of Sydney, and he became friendly with some of them. One of these was a member of the staff of the Sydney Herald, Charles Kemp, with whom he joined forces to purchase the Herald for the sum of £10,000.[5][6]

The paper was bought on terms, friends helped the two men to find the deposit, and on 8 February 1841 they took control as proprietors. It was good combination for each had qualities that supplemented the other's, they worked in harmony for 12 years and firmly established the paper as the leading Australian newspaper of the day. It was given the fuller title of the Sydney Morning Herald in 1842, and in spite of a period of depression both partners by 1853 were in prosperous positions. Kemp then decided to retire. The partnership was dissolved in September 1853 and Charles, John's eldest son, became a partner. In the previous year his father had visited England and seeking out his old creditors repaid every man in full with interest added. Under Fairfax and his sons the paper continually increased in public favour, and the great increase of population in the 1850s added much to its prosperity. It was always conservative; G. B. Barton in his Literature in New South Wales said in 1866 that its Toryism had "increased in a direct ratio to the Radicalism of the constitution, and its prosperity in a direct ratio to its Toryism". But this is an overstatement.[citation needed] The Herald was moved to its present site in 1856, and at that date claimed to have the largest circulation in the "colonial empire". A weekly journal, The Sydney Mail, was established, its first number was published on 7 July 1860, and it continued to appear until 1938.[5][6]

In 1851 John Fairfax was a foundation director of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and in the 1860s a director of the Sydney Insurance Co., the New South Wales Marine Insurance Co., the Australian Joint Stock Bank and The Australian Gaslight Co. and a trustee of the Savings Bank of New South Wales.[5] In his latter years, Fairfax served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council from 1874 until his death in 1877, but never took an active part in politics.[6]

Fairfax and his wife, Sarah, née Reading, had four children, Emily, Charles John, James Reading and Edward Ross.

Second generation edit

Of John and Sarah Fairfax's four children, Emily Fairfax, the eldest, born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, married Joseph Grafton Ross and together they had one child, a son, Elsey Fairfax Ross, who studied medicine at University College Hospital, London and practised in London and Brussels before returning to Sydney where he was an honorary physician at St Vincent's Hospital.[7] Aged 39 years, Emily leaped from a horse carriage after her father, John Fairfax fell from the carriage, following the driver dropping the reins. Emily sustained serious damage to her head and died shortly after.[8]

Charles John Fairfax, the eldest son and also born in Leamington Spa, was also subject to a horse accident as he thrown from his horse and killed, aged 35. Prior to his death, Charles was an apprentice in the Herald and became a member of the firm, named John Fairfax and Sons. Charles and his wife, Anne, née Fairfax, had three children, John A. (Jack), Amy Sarah Elizabeth, and Caroline Elizabeth (Carrie). Jack died of typhoid fever, aged 25. Amy and Carrie never married and followed their mother's philanthropic passions, The Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children (now based at Westmead) and Boy Scouts NSW.[9][10][11][12][13]

Aged 18 years, James Reading Fairfax began working for his father and in December 1856 with his elder brother, Charles, became a partner in the firm, John Fairfax and Sons. Following the death of Charles in 1863, James Reading became the principal partner in the development of the Herald. The same year he married Lucy, née Armstrong, and together they had seven children: Mary Elizabeth, Charles Burton, Geoffrey Evan, James Oswald, Harold Walter, (John) Hubert Fraser, and Edward Wilfred. James Reading was prominent in both business and philanthropy. Like his father, James Reading was a director of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and he was a founder of the Perpetual Trustee Company, and a director of the Bank of New South Wales, the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney and Burns, Philp & Co. Limited. His philanthropic interests were numerous and included Young Men's Christian Association, the Boys' Brigade in Sydney, the Sydney Ragged Schools, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, the New South Wales Bush Nursing Association, the Mission to Seamen, Goodenough Royal Naval House and the Volunteer Rifles, the No. 3 Company, Sydney Battalion where he served as captain, the New South Wales Academy of Art, the National Art Gallery of New South Wales, the (Royal) Philharmonic Society of Sydney, the Sydney Amateur Orchestral Society, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Society of New South Wales, the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, the Union Club and the Royal Sydney Golf Club. James Reading Fairfax was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1898 and died in 1919, aged 85 years.[14][15]

Edward Ross Fairfax, the youngest child of John and Sarah Fairfax, was born in Sydney and like his two brothers entered the family business, was appointed a partner of John Fairfax and Sons, publishers of the Sydney Morning Herald and the Sydney Mail. He married Catherine, née Mackenzie. After retiring from the firm, Edward Ross and Catherine lived in England. Edward died in 1915, aged 72 years. His wife died a year later.[16][17]

Third generation edit

Mary Elizabeth Fairfax, a philanthropist, community worker and spinster, was the eldest child of James Reading Fairfax and Lucy Fairfax. Miss Mary's[18] philanthropic and community interests included The Women's College, University of Sydney, Girl Guides' Association, the Boys' Brigade, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Young Women's Christian Association, the Kindergarten Union, the (Sydney) District Nursing Association, the Bush Book Club, the Australian Comforts Fund, the British (Australian) Red Cross Society, the Victoria League, the Society of Arts and Crafts of New South Wales, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestral Ladies' Committee.[18]

Charles Burton Fairfax, the second eldest child, married Florence Marie, née Frazer, and they had one child, a son, later known as Captain J. Griffyth Fairfax. Charles entered the family business, John Fairfax and Sons, as a partner in 1888 until his retirement 16 years later in 1904. Upon his retirement he lived in London where he died in 1941. His philanthropic and military service interests included the NSW South Wales Lancers, the Queen Victoria Homes and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.[19] His wife, Florence, was granted a divorce, decree nisi, in 1919 on the grounds of misconduct by Charles.[20]

Geoffrey Evan Fairfax was for over forty years a proprietor of John Fairfax and Sons where he became chairman of the listed company, John Fairfax and Sons, Ltd, publishers of the Sydney Morning Herald and the Sunday Mail. Educated at Sydney Grammar School and Oxford University, Geoffrey married Anne Madeleine (Lena), a daughter of Francis Hixson, and they had no children. His philanthropic and community interests included the New South Wales Rowing Association, the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, the Sailors' Home, the Navy League, the Boys' Brigade, the Bush Nursing Association, and the Australian Trained Nurses' Association.[21] Upon his death, proceeds of his estate were distributed to his family.[22]

James Oswald Fairfax was born in Sydney and educated at the Sydney Grammar School and Balliol College, Oxford and he was called to the Bar of the Inner Temple and admitted to the Colonial Bar in Sydney in 1887. Two years later he became a partner in the family firm, John Fairfax and Sons and in 1892 married Mabel Alice Emmeline, also a daughter of Francis Hixson. They had one child, a son, Warwick Oswald Fairfax. In late 1900 the family purchased Fairwater and made significant renovations in 1910–11.[23] James became a director of the listed company, John Fairfax and Sons Limited in 1916 and a director of the Perpetual Trustee Co., the United Insurance Co. and the AMP Society. His philanthropic interests included the New South Wales branch of the Red Cross Society, the Boys' Brigade and the Sydney Grammar School Old Boys' Union.[14] Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in March 1918 in recognition of service as the Chairman of the NSW Red Cross Society,[24] and a Commander of the Order in May of the same year,[25] Fairfax was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order in July 1926 in recognition of service as the Chairman of the Empire Press Union.[26]

Harold Walter Fairfax, also born in Sydney, followed the same path as his elder brother, James, and was educated at the Sydney Grammar School and Balliol College and he was called to the Bar of the Inner Temple and admitted to the Bar of New South Wales in 1893. He married Elsie, née Cape, and they were childless. He purchased a property near Young and successfully grew wheat and farmed sheep. His philanthropic interests included the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children. He died, aged 42 years, from acute tetanus.[27]

John Hubert Fraser Fairfax, commonly known as Hubert Fairfax, was born in Sydney and also educated at the Sydney Grammar School and Bath College, England. On his return to Australia, Hubert commenced work with Dalgety & Co. Ltd and married Ruth Beatrice (Fairfax) OBE, née Dowling, a founder of the Country Women's Association. The federal electorate of Fairfax is named in honour of Ruth Fairfax.[28] They had one child. Hubert and Ruth spent much of their life in Queensland where they bred Ayrshire cattle and Corriedale sheep, acquiring properties at Longreach, Marinya, near Cambooya on the Darling Downs, and in Sydney in Double Bay and Castle Hill. Hubert's business interests included directorships of John Fairfax and Sons Limited, the Bank of New South Wales, the AMP Society and the Royal Insurance Co. His philanthropic interests included the Walter and Eliza Hall Trust, the Young Men's Christian Association, the Boys' Brigade, the Australian Air League, the British Empire Society, the Legacy Club of Sydney, the Ayrshire Association of Queensland, the Australian Corriedale Sheepbreeders' Association, the New South Wales Sheepbreeders' Association and the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales.[29]

Edward Wilfred Fairfax was the youngest child of James Reading Fairfax and Lucy Fairfax. He was born in Sydney and also educated at the Sydney Grammar School and Bath College, England. He studied medicine and graduated from the University of Sydney and commenced employment as a resident medical officer at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and undertook further studies in England. Dr Fairfax lectured at Sydney University, was a visiting medical officer at the Royal Hospital for Women, an honorary medical officer of the Red Cross Society (NSW), and was a founding member of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. He served with the Australian Army Medical Corps in World War I and consulted to the Army after the war. His philanthropic interests included the Australian Aerial Medical Service, Dr. Barnardo's Homes, the Bush Nursing Association, and the Boys' Brigade. As well as serving as a director of the unlisted John Fairfax and Sons Pty. Ltd, Dr Fairfax was a director of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company and a director of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney. Dr Fairfax and his wife, Mary Marguerite, raised three children.[30]

Fourth generation edit

J. Griffyth Fairfax, a British poet, translator, and politician, was born in Sydney, the only child of Charles Burton Fairfax and Florence Marie, née Frazer.[19] Educated at Winchester School and New College, Oxford, Fairfax served in the 15th Indian Division for the duration of the First World War, and rose to the rank of Captain in the Army Service Corps. Fairfax was a Member of the UK House of Commons representing the borough constituency of Norwich for the Conservative and Unionist Party from the 1924 election until the 1929 election.[19] His first volume of poetry was published in 1908. He was also active in literary circles and had an influence on and was influenced by his friend Ezra Pound.[31]

 
Fairwater, the home of Sir Warwick Fairfax and his family in Double Bay

Warwick Oswald Fairfax was an Australian businessman prominent in the arts as both a philanthropist and a playwright. The only child of Sir James Oswald Fairfax and Mabel Alice, née Hixson, he was born in Sydney and educated at Geelong Grammar School, the University of Sydney (where he was resident at St Paul's College), and at Balliol College, Oxford. Fairfax's first marriage was to Marcie Elizabeth (Betty), née Wilson in 1921, until their divorce 24 years later. They had two children. Fairfax's second marriage was to Hanne, née Anderson in 1948, until their divorce 11 years later. He had one child with his second wife. His third and final marriage was to Mary, née Wein; now known as Lady Fairfax AC, OBE, a Polish-born Australian philanthropist. With his third wife, Sir Warwick had three children. Sir Warwick joined the family firm, John Fairfax and Sons, in 1925, was appointed a director in 1927 and managing director in 1930. During his time as managing director and subsequently chairman, Fairfax was instrumental in floating the then privately held John Fairfax & Sons Pty Ltd as John Fairfax Limited,[32] later John Fairfax Holdings Limited and subsequently Fairfax Media.

"Sir Warwick's contribution to the Fairfax company, which expanded so markedly in his lifetime, was perhaps the greatest of any of the Fairfaxes since the company's founder..... Sir Warwick's guidance of the Herald coincided with the expansion of John Fairfax into one of the great public companies of Australia, with interests in television, radio and newsprint, as well as newspapers and magazines."

— James Fairfax, Chairman of John Fairfax Limited in 1987 and a son of Sir Warwick.[33]

He owned extensive property holdings, south-west of Sydney where he bred cattle. This area was subsequently developed into outer residential developments in the suburb of Harrington Park. His philanthropic interests included the acquisition of publications that supported contemporary Australian artists, the acquisition of works by leading Australian painters, the financial backing of the Kirsova ballet company, the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust and service on the governing council of the Australian National University.[32] He was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1967 in recognition of his service to the community.[34]

 
Elaine, the home of Sir Vincent Fairfax and his family in Point Piper

Vincent Charles Fairfax, the only child of Hubert Fairfax and Ruth Beatrice, née Dowling, was born in Cambooya, Queensland. He was educated at Cranbrook School, Geelong Grammar School and Brasenose College, Oxford. He joined the family firm in 1936 and became the manager of the London office in 1938. He served in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force in World War II and saw active duty in the 1945 Borneo Campaign. After the war, he became a proprietor of John Fairfax and Sons, a director of the publicly-listed John Fairfax Holdings Limited, and served as a director of both the AMP Society and the Bank of New South Wales. His philanthropic interests were widespread and included the Art Gallery of NSW, the Boy Scout Association, Outward Bound, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, The Salvation Army, the Sydney City Mission, and the University of Western Sydney. During his lifetime he facilitated the establishment of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, a major Australian philanthropic organisation.[35] Sir Vincent was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1960 for public services[36] and appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1971 in recognition of service to youth, finance and the press.[37] With his wife, (Lady) Nancy, née Heald, they had two sons and two daughters.[35] He died in 1993 after a long illness.[38] Sir Vincent was posthumously inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame in 2014.[39]

Fifth generation edit

There are fourteen known members of the fifth generation of the Fairfax family. Those detailed below are the most prominent in Australian society and business.

James Fairfax, the eldest son of Warwick Oswald Fairfax and Marcie Elizabeth (Betty), née Wilson, was born in Sydney and educated at Cranbrook School, Geelong Grammar School and Balliol College, Oxford. He became a director of John Fairfax & Sons Ltd in 1957 and took over from his father in 1977. He became Chairman of the company and resigned in 1987 and sold his shares to his half brother, Warwick Fairfax, during 'young Warwick's' ultimately disastrous takeover bid of the publicly-listed company. A prominent art collector, initially of Australian art, and from the 1960s increasingly of European old masters. He is a generous supporter of the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) and the National Gallery of Australia. A catalogue of his collection of art was published to accompany an exhibition held at the AGNSW in 2003. He was appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia in 1993 in recognition of service to the arts and to the community;[40] and a Companion of the Order (AC) in 2010 for eminent service to the community through support and philanthropy for the visual arts, conservation organisations and building programs for medical research and educational facilities.[41] Fairfax published My regards to Broadway: a memoir in 1991; and died at his property Retford Park, Bowral (which he bequeathed to the National Trust) in January 2017, aged 83 years.[42]

Warwick Fairfax is the eldest son from the third marriage of Warwick Oswald Fairfax to Mary, née Wein, later known as Lady Mary. Young Warwick, as he came to be known, graduated from Oxford University with an undergraduate degree in politics and economics and was awarded his MBA from Harvard Business School. In 1987, following the death of his father, the 26-year-old Young Warwick took over control of the publicly-listed John Fairfax Holdings Limited by purchasing shares that were held by various members of the extended Fairfax family and others. On 10 December 1990 the newly privatised company collapsed and a receiver was appointed.[43][44][45] Fairfax subsequently relocated to the United States where he founded a business consultancy and executive coach business.[44]

Notable children of Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax and (Lady) Nancy, née Heald, include John Brehmer Fairfax, commonly called John B.,[43] and Timothy Vincent (Tim) Fairfax. After selling out of John Fairfax Holdings in 1997, John B. and Tim Fairfax invested in Rural Press, Courier Newspapers (now known as NewsLocal), and a range of property and diversified investments.[46][47] John B. and Tim Fairfax and family regained partial control of the listed–Fairfax Media through a friendly merger in 2007 between Rural Press and Fairfax Media;[48] that, by 2011, had collapsed and the Fairfax family sold all controlling interests in the eponymous company.[1][2][3][4] John B.'s philanthropic interests include the Girls and Boys Brigade and the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1994 in recognition of service to the community and to the media;[49] and an Officer of the Order (AO) in 2009 for service to the print media industry, particularly the development of news services in rural and remote areas, and to the community through executive roles with agricultural, youth and charitable organisations.[50] Tim Fairfax is a businessman, pastoralist and philanthropist. In addition to his business interests, his philanthropic interests include the Queensland University of Technology, the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, The Salvation Army, the National Gallery of Australia, Queensland Art Gallery Foundation, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Australian Philanthropic Services, Philanthropy Australia, the Royal National Association Queensland, the AMA Queensland Foundation, The University of Sunshine Coast Foundation and Volunteers for Isolated Students Education.[51] Tim was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2004 for service to business and commerce, particularly through agricultural, transport and communications enterprises, and to the community, through education and arts organisations;[52] and a Companion of the Order (AC) in 2014 for eminent service to business and to the community, as an advocate for philanthropy and as a major supporter of the visual arts, to the promotion of higher education opportunities, and to rural and regional development programs.[53]

In 2017 the Fairfax family sold its long-held Sydney harbourside home, Elaine, for approximately A$75 million. The home in Point Piper set on 6,986 square metres (75,200 sq ft) had been in the ownership of the Fairfax family since 1891 but had not been lived in by a family member for nearly twenty years prior to the sale.[54][55]

Family tree edit

  • William Fairfax m. Elizabeth, née Jesson
    • John Fairfax[5] m. Sarah, née Reading
      • Emily, née Fairfax[8] m. Joseph Grafton Ross
      • Charles John Fairfax[9] m. Anne, née Fairfax[10]
        • John A. (Jack) Fairfax[11]
        • Amy Sarah Elizabeth Fairfax[12]
        • Caroline Elizabeth (Carrie) Fairfax[13]
      • Sir James Reading Fairfax[14] m. Lucy, née Armstrong
        • Mary Elizabeth Fairfax[18]
        • Charles Burton Fairfax[19] m. Florence Marie, née Frazer (div. 1919)[20]
        • Geoffrey Evan Fairfax[21] m. Anne Madeleine (Lena), née Hixson
        • Sir James Oswald Fairfax[14] m. Mabel Alice, née Hixson
          • Warwick Oswald Fairfax[32] m. (1921) Marcie Elizabeth (Betty), née Wilson (div. 1945)
          • Warwick Oswald Fairfax[32] m. (1948) Hanne, née Anderson (div. 1959)
            • Annalise Fairfax
          • Sir Warwick Oswald Fairfax[32] m. (1959) (Lady) Mary, née Wein
            • Warwick Fairfax m. Gail, née ???
            • Anna, née Fairfax m. David Cleary
            • Charles Fairfax
        • Harold Walter Fairfax[27] m. Elsie, née Cape
        • (John) Hubert Fraser Fairfax[29] m. Ruth Beatrice (Fairfax) OBE, née Dowling
          • Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax[35] m. (Lady) Nancy, née Heald
            • Sally, née Fairfax m. Geoffrey White[58]
              • Angus White
              • Christopher White
            • John Brehmer Fairfax[46] m. Libby, née ???
              • Nicholas John (Nick) Fairfax[47]
            • Timothy Vincent Fairfax[46] m. Gina, née ???
              • Sarah, née Fairfax[59] m. Joseph O’Brien
              • Lucy, née Fairfax[59] m. José Coulson
              • Fiona, née Fairfax[59] m. Ben Poschelk
              • Prue, née Fairfax[60] m. James Pateras[59]
            • Ruth née Fairfax m. ??? Armytage
              • Emilia Fairfax Armytage
        • (Dr.) Edward Wilfred Fairfax[30] m. Mary Marguerite, née ???
          • John Fitzgerald Fairfax[61] m. Valerie, née ???
          • Herbert Desmond (Mick) Fairfax[62] m. Suzanne, née ???
            • Dymphna, née Fairfax
            • Diana, née Fairfax
            • Prudence, née Fairfax
          • E., née Fairfax m. ?? Chauvel
      • Edward Ross Fairfax[16] m. Catherine, née Mackenzie[17]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Bartholomeusz, Stephen (10 November 2011). "Fairfax ends the romance". Business Spectator. from the original on 12 November 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  2. ^ a b Dick, Tim (11 November 2011). "End of an era as Fairfax family calls it quits". Sydney Morning Herald. from the original on 11 November 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  3. ^ a b "Marinya Media divests ownership of Fairfax Media" (PDF). Australian Financial Review (Press release). 10 November 2011. (PDF) from the original on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  4. ^ a b Jackson, Sally; Kitney, Damon (12 November 2011). "Questions over timing of Fairfax's volatile farewell". The Australian. from the original on 11 November 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Fairfax, James (1972). "Fairfax, John (1804–1877)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. ISSN 1833-7538. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  6. ^ a b c d e Serle, Percival (1949). "Fairfax, John". Dictionary of Australian Biography. Sydney: Angus & Robertson. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Ross, Elsey Fairfax (1855–1902)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 27 December 1902. from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  8. ^ a b "Ross, Emily (1832–1871)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 3 November 1871. from the original on 14 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  9. ^ a b "Fairfax, Charles John (1829–1864)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 2 January 1864. from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  10. ^ a b "Fairfax, Anne (1832–1911)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 16 December 1911. from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  11. ^ a b "Fairfax, John A. (Jack) (1857–1882)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 8 July 1882. from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  12. ^ a b "Fairfax, Amy Sarah (1859–1918)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 26 November 1918. from the original on 16 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  13. ^ a b "Fairfax, Caroline Elizabeth (Carrie) (1860–1936)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. June 1936. from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  14. ^ a b c d Simpson, Caroline (1981). "Fairfax, Sir James Reading (1834–1919)" (hardcopy). Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  15. ^ "Fairfax, Sir James Reading (1834–1919)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 29 March 1919. from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  16. ^ a b "Fairfax, Edward Ross (1843–1915)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 3 August 1915. from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  17. ^ a b "Fairfax, Catherine (?–1916)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  18. ^ a b c Simpson, Caroline (1981). "Fairfax, Mary Elizabeth (1858–1945)" (hardcopy). Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. from the original on 28 March 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  19. ^ a b c d "Fairfax, Charles Burton (1859–1941)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 13 November 1941. from the original on 18 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  20. ^ a b "An unhappy marriage". The Advertiser. Adelaide. 15 August 1919. p. 9. from the original on 22 April 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
  21. ^ a b "Fairfax, Geoffrey Evan (1861–1930)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 28 April 1930. from the original on 19 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  22. ^ "Mr G. Fairfax: Probate of Will granted". The Brisbane Courier. 27 August 1930. p. 9. from the original on 22 April 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
  23. ^ "Fairwater". New South Wales State Heritage Register. Department of Planning & Environment. H01381. Retrieved 2 June 2018.   Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC-BY 4.0 licence.
  24. ^ "FAIRFAX, James Oswald: The Order of the British Empire – Officer (Civil)". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 15 March 1918. from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 6 April 2016.
  25. ^ "FAIRFAX, James Oswald: The Order of the British Empire – Commander (Civil)". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 24 May 1918. from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2016.
  26. ^ "FAIRFAX, James Oswald: The Order of the British Empire – Knights Commander (Civil)". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 3 July 1926. from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 6 April 2016.
  27. ^ a b "Fairfax, Harold Walter (1871–1913)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 16 January 1913. from the original on 19 April 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  28. ^ "Commonwealth Electoral Division of Fairfax (Qld)". Current federal electoral divisions. Australian Electoral Commission. 1 November 2013. from the original on 9 March 2011. Retrieved 6 April 2016.
  29. ^ a b Rutledge, Martha (2007). "Fairfax, John Hubert (1872–1950)" (hardcopy). Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. from the original on 28 March 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  30. ^ a b "Fairfax, Edward Wilfred (1874–1952)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 31 October 1952. from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  31. ^ "J. Griffyth Fairfax". AustLit. The University of Queensland. from the original on 5 April 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  32. ^ a b c d e Griffen-Foley, Bridget (2007). "Fairfax, Sir Warwick Oswald (1901–1987)" (hardcopy). Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  33. ^ "Fairfax, Sir Warwick Oswald (1901–1987)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 15 January 1987. from the original on 5 April 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  34. ^ "Search Australian Honours: FAIRFAX, Warwick Oswald; Knight Bachelor". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 1 January 1967. from the original on 6 May 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  35. ^ a b c Cameron, Deborah. "Fairfax, Sir Vincent Charles (1909–1993)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  36. ^ "Search Australian Honours: FAIRFAX, Vincent Charles; The Order of St Michael and St George - Companion". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 1 January 1960. from the original on 8 July 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2016.
  37. ^ "Search Australian Honours: FAIRFAX, Vincent Charles; Knight Bachelor". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 12 June 1971. from the original on 8 July 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2016.
  38. ^ "Obituary - Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax". Obituaries Australia. Australian National University. from the original on 28 February 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  39. ^ "Sir Vincent Fairfax CMG (1909-1993)". Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame. State Library of Queensland. from the original on 3 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  40. ^ "Search Australian Honours: FAIRFAX James Oswald: Officer of the Order of Australia". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 13 June 1993. from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  41. ^ "Search Australian Honours: FAIRFAX James Oswald: Companion of the Order of Australia". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 26 January 2010. from the original on 29 January 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  42. ^ Lawson, Valerie (12 January 2017). "Prominent philanthropist and arts patron James Fairfax dies". smh.com.au. from the original on 12 January 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  43. ^ a b Ricketson, Matthew (7 December 2006). "Family affair again after days of young Warwick". The Age. from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
  44. ^ a b Smyth, Terry (2 November 2008). "Rising after the fall". Sydney Morning Herald. from the original on 26 January 2016. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
  45. ^ . The Age. 22 September 2007. Archived from the original on 21 September 2007. Retrieved 11 April 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  46. ^ a b c Robins, Brian (6 July 2002). "Fairfax brothers' eyes on The Paper". Sydney Morning Herald. from the original on 4 June 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  47. ^ a b Verrender, Ian (7 December 2006). "What a price to reclaim family destiny". The Age. from the original on 20 September 2017. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  48. ^ Verrender, Ian (19 September 2009). "Stakes are high in the Fairfax Media scrum". Sydney Morning Herald. from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  49. ^ "Search Australian Honours: FAIRFAX John Brehmer: Member of the Order of Australia". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 10 June 1994. from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  50. ^ "Search Australian Honours: FAIRFAX John Brehmer: Officer of the Order of Australia". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 26 January 2009. from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  51. ^ . Queensland University of Technology. 11 February 2014. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  52. ^ "Search Australian Honours: FAIRFAX Timothy Vincent: Member of the Order of Australia". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 26 January 2004. from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  53. ^ "Search Australian Honours: FAIRFAX Timothy Vincent: Companion of the Order of Australia". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 26 January 2014. from the original on 29 January 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  54. ^ Tan, Su-Lin (30 April 2017). "Fairfax family sold Elaine for circa $75m with a sentimental discount". The Australian Financial Review. from the original on 3 May 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  55. ^ Macken, Lucy (29 April 2017). "Point Piper estate Elaine sold for more than $70 million, sets national price record". Domain. from the original on 6 May 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  56. ^ a b c "The Late Dr Elsey Fairfax Ross". Sydney Morning Herald. 29 December 1902. from the original on 28 April 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2016 – via Trove, National Library of Australia.
  57. ^ Lewis, D. C. (2007). "Fairfax-Ross, Basil Edward (1910–1984)" (hardcopy). Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. from the original on 22 April 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  58. ^ "Wedding at St. Mark's". Australian Women's Weekly. 7 August 1963. from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
  59. ^ a b c d . Office of the Governor-General of Australia. Australian Government. 19 February 2014. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  60. ^ "Young rich-listers aim for philanthropic goals". Australian Financial Review. 1 May 2015. from the original on 22 April 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  61. ^ "Fairfax, John Fitzgerald (1904–1951)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. 1 November 1951. from the original on 2 April 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  62. ^ "Fairfax, Hubert Desmond (Mick) (1906–1990)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.

External links edit

fairfax, family, british, american, political, family, lord, fairfax, cameron, members, fairfax, family, were, prominent, australian, media, proprietors, especially, area, newspaper, publishing, through, company, john, fairfax, sons, later, known, fairfax, med. For the British and American political family see Lord Fairfax of Cameron Members of the Fairfax Family were prominent as Australian media proprietors especially in the area of newspaper publishing through the company John Fairfax and Sons later known as Fairfax Media although the Fairfax family no longer control the eponymous company 1 2 3 4 Some members have also been prominent in Australian philanthropy and the arts FairfaxFormer media proprietors philanthropistsCurrent regionAustraliaPlace of originBarford Warwickshire EnglandMembersJohn FairfaxSir James Reading FairfaxSir James Oswald FairfaxSir Warwick Oswald FairfaxJ Griffyth FairfaxSir Vincent Charles FairfaxJames FairfaxWarwick FairfaxJohn B FairfaxTim FairfaxConnected membersLady Mary FairfaxRuth Fairfax OBETraditionsCongregationalistsSix generations of the family are descended from Anglo Celtic immigrants to Australia patriarch John Fairfax an English born journalist and his wife Sarah nee Reading 5 Both were from the Barford area of Warwickshire and emigrated to the Colony of New South Wales in 1838 Contents 1 Generational history 1 1 First generation 1 2 Second generation 1 3 Third generation 1 4 Fourth generation 1 5 Fifth generation 2 Family tree 3 See also 4 References 5 External linksGenerational history edit nbsp John Fairfax ca 1861First generation edit Main article John Fairfax John Fairfax was born in Barford Warwickshire the second son of William Fairfax and his wife Elizabeth nee Jesson In 1817 John Fairfax was apprenticed to William Perry a bookseller and printer in Warwick In 1825 Fairfax went to London where he worked as a compositor in a general printing office and on the Morning Chronicle A year or two later he established himself at Leamington Hastings as a printer bookseller and stationer There on 31 July 1827 he married Sarah Reading daughter of James and Sarah Reading He became the printer of the Leamington Spa Courier and in 1835 he purchased an interest in another paper The Leamington Chronicle and Warwickshire Reporter He had a book binding business in Leamington 5 6 In 1836 Fairfax published a letter criticizing the conduct of a local solicitor who brought an action against him Though judgment was given for the defendant the solicitor appealed Judgment was again given for Fairfax but the costs of the actions were so heavy that he had to apply to the Insolvency Court There was sympathy for him his friends offered assistance but he decided to make a fresh start in a new land and in May 1838 sailed for the Colony of New South Wales in the Lady Fitzherbert with his wife and three children his mother and a brother in law After a voyage of about 130 days they reached Sydney on 26 September 1838 Fairfax had just 5 in his pocket 5 6 Fairfax worked as a compositor for some months then on 1 April 1839 was appointed librarian of the Australian subscription library The salary was only 100 a year but he had free quarters for his family in pleasant surroundings He found he was able to get some typesetting and he also contributed articles to the various Sydney newspapers What was possibly more important was his contacting through the library the best educated men of Sydney and he became friendly with some of them One of these was a member of the staff of the Sydney Herald Charles Kemp with whom he joined forces to purchase the Herald for the sum of 10 000 5 6 The paper was bought on terms friends helped the two men to find the deposit and on 8 February 1841 they took control as proprietors It was good combination for each had qualities that supplemented the other s they worked in harmony for 12 years and firmly established the paper as the leading Australian newspaper of the day It was given the fuller title of the Sydney Morning Herald in 1842 and in spite of a period of depression both partners by 1853 were in prosperous positions Kemp then decided to retire The partnership was dissolved in September 1853 and Charles John s eldest son became a partner In the previous year his father had visited England and seeking out his old creditors repaid every man in full with interest added Under Fairfax and his sons the paper continually increased in public favour and the great increase of population in the 1850s added much to its prosperity It was always conservative G B Barton in his Literature in New South Wales said in 1866 that its Toryism had increased in a direct ratio to the Radicalism of the constitution and its prosperity in a direct ratio to its Toryism But this is an overstatement citation needed The Herald was moved to its present site in 1856 and at that date claimed to have the largest circulation in the colonial empire A weekly journal The Sydney Mail was established its first number was published on 7 July 1860 and it continued to appear until 1938 5 6 In 1851 John Fairfax was a foundation director of the Australian Mutual Provident Society and in the 1860s a director of the Sydney Insurance Co the New South Wales Marine Insurance Co the Australian Joint Stock Bank and The Australian Gaslight Co and a trustee of the Savings Bank of New South Wales 5 In his latter years Fairfax served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council from 1874 until his death in 1877 but never took an active part in politics 6 Fairfax and his wife Sarah nee Reading had four children Emily Charles John James Reading and Edward Ross Second generation edit Of John and Sarah Fairfax s four children Emily Fairfax the eldest born in Leamington Spa Warwickshire married Joseph Grafton Ross and together they had one child a son Elsey Fairfax Ross who studied medicine at University College Hospital London and practised in London and Brussels before returning to Sydney where he was an honorary physician at St Vincent s Hospital 7 Aged 39 years Emily leaped from a horse carriage after her father John Fairfax fell from the carriage following the driver dropping the reins Emily sustained serious damage to her head and died shortly after 8 Charles John Fairfax the eldest son and also born in Leamington Spa was also subject to a horse accident as he thrown from his horse and killed aged 35 Prior to his death Charles was an apprentice in the Herald and became a member of the firm named John Fairfax and Sons Charles and his wife Anne nee Fairfax had three children John A Jack Amy Sarah Elizabeth and Caroline Elizabeth Carrie Jack died of typhoid fever aged 25 Amy and Carrie never married and followed their mother s philanthropic passions The Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children now based at Westmead and Boy Scouts NSW 9 10 11 12 13 Aged 18 years James Reading Fairfax began working for his father and in December 1856 with his elder brother Charles became a partner in the firm John Fairfax and Sons Following the death of Charles in 1863 James Reading became the principal partner in the development of the Herald The same year he married Lucy nee Armstrong and together they had seven children Mary Elizabeth Charles Burton Geoffrey Evan James Oswald Harold Walter John Hubert Fraser and Edward Wilfred James Reading was prominent in both business and philanthropy Like his father James Reading was a director of the Australian Mutual Provident Society and he was a founder of the Perpetual Trustee Company and a director of the Bank of New South Wales the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney and Burns Philp amp Co Limited His philanthropic interests were numerous and included Young Men s Christian Association the Boys Brigade in Sydney the Sydney Ragged Schools Royal Prince Alfred Hospital the New South Wales Bush Nursing Association the Mission to Seamen Goodenough Royal Naval House and the Volunteer Rifles the No 3 Company Sydney Battalion where he served as captain the New South Wales Academy of Art the National Art Gallery of New South Wales the Royal Philharmonic Society of Sydney the Sydney Amateur Orchestral Society the Sydney Symphony Orchestra the Royal Society of New South Wales the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron the Union Club and the Royal Sydney Golf Club James Reading Fairfax was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1898 and died in 1919 aged 85 years 14 15 Edward Ross Fairfax the youngest child of John and Sarah Fairfax was born in Sydney and like his two brothers entered the family business was appointed a partner of John Fairfax and Sons publishers of the Sydney Morning Herald and the Sydney Mail He married Catherine nee Mackenzie After retiring from the firm Edward Ross and Catherine lived in England Edward died in 1915 aged 72 years His wife died a year later 16 17 Third generation edit Mary Elizabeth Fairfax a philanthropist community worker and spinster was the eldest child of James Reading Fairfax and Lucy Fairfax Miss Mary s 18 philanthropic and community interests included The Women s College University of Sydney Girl Guides Association the Boys Brigade the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals the Young Women s Christian Association the Kindergarten Union the Sydney District Nursing Association the Bush Book Club the Australian Comforts Fund the British Australian Red Cross Society the Victoria League the Society of Arts and Crafts of New South Wales and the Sydney Symphony Orchestral Ladies Committee 18 Charles Burton Fairfax the second eldest child married Florence Marie nee Frazer and they had one child a son later known as Captain J Griffyth Fairfax Charles entered the family business John Fairfax and Sons as a partner in 1888 until his retirement 16 years later in 1904 Upon his retirement he lived in London where he died in 1941 His philanthropic and military service interests included the NSW South Wales Lancers the Queen Victoria Homes and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital 19 His wife Florence was granted a divorce decree nisi in 1919 on the grounds of misconduct by Charles 20 Geoffrey Evan Fairfax was for over forty years a proprietor of John Fairfax and Sons where he became chairman of the listed company John Fairfax and Sons Ltd publishers of the Sydney Morning Herald and the Sunday Mail Educated at Sydney Grammar School and Oxford University Geoffrey married Anne Madeleine Lena a daughter of Francis Hixson and they had no children His philanthropic and community interests included the New South Wales Rowing Association the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron the Sailors Home the Navy League the Boys Brigade the Bush Nursing Association and the Australian Trained Nurses Association 21 Upon his death proceeds of his estate were distributed to his family 22 James Oswald Fairfax was born in Sydney and educated at the Sydney Grammar School and Balliol College Oxford and he was called to the Bar of the Inner Temple and admitted to the Colonial Bar in Sydney in 1887 Two years later he became a partner in the family firm John Fairfax and Sons and in 1892 married Mabel Alice Emmeline also a daughter of Francis Hixson They had one child a son Warwick Oswald Fairfax In late 1900 the family purchased Fairwater and made significant renovations in 1910 11 23 James became a director of the listed company John Fairfax and Sons Limited in 1916 and a director of the Perpetual Trustee Co the United Insurance Co and the AMP Society His philanthropic interests included the New South Wales branch of the Red Cross Society the Boys Brigade and the Sydney Grammar School Old Boys Union 14 Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in March 1918 in recognition of service as the Chairman of the NSW Red Cross Society 24 and a Commander of the Order in May of the same year 25 Fairfax was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order in July 1926 in recognition of service as the Chairman of the Empire Press Union 26 Harold Walter Fairfax also born in Sydney followed the same path as his elder brother James and was educated at the Sydney Grammar School and Balliol College and he was called to the Bar of the Inner Temple and admitted to the Bar of New South Wales in 1893 He married Elsie nee Cape and they were childless He purchased a property near Young and successfully grew wheat and farmed sheep His philanthropic interests included the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children He died aged 42 years from acute tetanus 27 John Hubert Fraser Fairfax commonly known as Hubert Fairfax was born in Sydney and also educated at the Sydney Grammar School and Bath College England On his return to Australia Hubert commenced work with Dalgety amp Co Ltd and married Ruth Beatrice Fairfax OBE nee Dowling a founder of the Country Women s Association The federal electorate of Fairfax is named in honour of Ruth Fairfax 28 They had one child Hubert and Ruth spent much of their life in Queensland where they bred Ayrshire cattle and Corriedale sheep acquiring properties at Longreach Marinya near Cambooya on the Darling Downs and in Sydney in Double Bay and Castle Hill Hubert s business interests included directorships of John Fairfax and Sons Limited the Bank of New South Wales the AMP Society and the Royal Insurance Co His philanthropic interests included the Walter and Eliza Hall Trust the Young Men s Christian Association the Boys Brigade the Australian Air League the British Empire Society the Legacy Club of Sydney the Ayrshire Association of Queensland the Australian Corriedale Sheepbreeders Association the New South Wales Sheepbreeders Association and the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales 29 Edward Wilfred Fairfax was the youngest child of James Reading Fairfax and Lucy Fairfax He was born in Sydney and also educated at the Sydney Grammar School and Bath College England He studied medicine and graduated from the University of Sydney and commenced employment as a resident medical officer at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and undertook further studies in England Dr Fairfax lectured at Sydney University was a visiting medical officer at the Royal Hospital for Women an honorary medical officer of the Red Cross Society NSW and was a founding member of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians He served with the Australian Army Medical Corps in World War I and consulted to the Army after the war His philanthropic interests included the Australian Aerial Medical Service Dr Barnardo s Homes the Bush Nursing Association and the Boys Brigade As well as serving as a director of the unlisted John Fairfax and Sons Pty Ltd Dr Fairfax was a director of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company and a director of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Dr Fairfax and his wife Mary Marguerite raised three children 30 Fourth generation edit Main articles J Griffyth Fairfax and Warwick Oswald Fairfax J Griffyth Fairfax a British poet translator and politician was born in Sydney the only child of Charles Burton Fairfax and Florence Marie nee Frazer 19 Educated at Winchester School and New College Oxford Fairfax served in the 15th Indian Division for the duration of the First World War and rose to the rank of Captain in the Army Service Corps Fairfax was a Member of the UK House of Commons representing the borough constituency of Norwich for the Conservative and Unionist Party from the 1924 election until the 1929 election 19 His first volume of poetry was published in 1908 He was also active in literary circles and had an influence on and was influenced by his friend Ezra Pound 31 nbsp Fairwater the home of Sir Warwick Fairfax and his family in Double BayWarwick Oswald Fairfax was an Australian businessman prominent in the arts as both a philanthropist and a playwright The only child of Sir James Oswald Fairfax and Mabel Alice nee Hixson he was born in Sydney and educated at Geelong Grammar School the University of Sydney where he was resident at St Paul s College and at Balliol College Oxford Fairfax s first marriage was to Marcie Elizabeth Betty nee Wilson in 1921 until their divorce 24 years later They had two children Fairfax s second marriage was to Hanne nee Anderson in 1948 until their divorce 11 years later He had one child with his second wife His third and final marriage was to Mary nee Wein now known as Lady Fairfax AC OBE a Polish born Australian philanthropist With his third wife Sir Warwick had three children Sir Warwick joined the family firm John Fairfax and Sons in 1925 was appointed a director in 1927 and managing director in 1930 During his time as managing director and subsequently chairman Fairfax was instrumental in floating the then privately held John Fairfax amp Sons Pty Ltd as John Fairfax Limited 32 later John Fairfax Holdings Limited and subsequently Fairfax Media Sir Warwick s contribution to the Fairfax company which expanded so markedly in his lifetime was perhaps the greatest of any of the Fairfaxes since the company s founder Sir Warwick s guidance of the Herald coincided with the expansion of John Fairfax into one of the great public companies of Australia with interests in television radio and newsprint as well as newspapers and magazines James Fairfax Chairman of John Fairfax Limited in 1987 and a son of Sir Warwick 33 He owned extensive property holdings south west of Sydney where he bred cattle This area was subsequently developed into outer residential developments in the suburb of Harrington Park His philanthropic interests included the acquisition of publications that supported contemporary Australian artists the acquisition of works by leading Australian painters the financial backing of the Kirsova ballet company the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust and service on the governing council of the Australian National University 32 He was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1967 in recognition of his service to the community 34 nbsp Elaine the home of Sir Vincent Fairfax and his family in Point PiperVincent Charles Fairfax the only child of Hubert Fairfax and Ruth Beatrice nee Dowling was born in Cambooya Queensland He was educated at Cranbrook School Geelong Grammar School and Brasenose College Oxford He joined the family firm in 1936 and became the manager of the London office in 1938 He served in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force in World War II and saw active duty in the 1945 Borneo Campaign After the war he became a proprietor of John Fairfax and Sons a director of the publicly listed John Fairfax Holdings Limited and served as a director of both the AMP Society and the Bank of New South Wales His philanthropic interests were widespread and included the Art Gallery of NSW the Boy Scout Association Outward Bound the Royal Flying Doctor Service The Salvation Army the Sydney City Mission and the University of Western Sydney During his lifetime he facilitated the establishment of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation a major Australian philanthropic organisation 35 Sir Vincent was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1960 for public services 36 and appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1971 in recognition of service to youth finance and the press 37 With his wife Lady Nancy nee Heald they had two sons and two daughters 35 He died in 1993 after a long illness 38 Sir Vincent was posthumously inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame in 2014 39 Fifth generation edit Main articles James Fairfax Warwick Fairfax and Timothy Vincent Fairfax There are fourteen known members of the fifth generation of the Fairfax family Those detailed below are the most prominent in Australian society and business James Fairfax the eldest son of Warwick Oswald Fairfax and Marcie Elizabeth Betty nee Wilson was born in Sydney and educated at Cranbrook School Geelong Grammar School and Balliol College Oxford He became a director of John Fairfax amp Sons Ltd in 1957 and took over from his father in 1977 He became Chairman of the company and resigned in 1987 and sold his shares to his half brother Warwick Fairfax during young Warwick s ultimately disastrous takeover bid of the publicly listed company A prominent art collector initially of Australian art and from the 1960s increasingly of European old masters He is a generous supporter of the Art Gallery of New South Wales AGNSW and the National Gallery of Australia A catalogue of his collection of art was published to accompany an exhibition held at the AGNSW in 2003 He was appointed an Officer AO of the Order of Australia in 1993 in recognition of service to the arts and to the community 40 and a Companion of the Order AC in 2010 for eminent service to the community through support and philanthropy for the visual arts conservation organisations and building programs for medical research and educational facilities 41 Fairfax published My regards to Broadway a memoir in 1991 and died at his property Retford Park Bowral which he bequeathed to the National Trust in January 2017 aged 83 years 42 Warwick Fairfax is the eldest son from the third marriage of Warwick Oswald Fairfax to Mary nee Wein later known as Lady Mary Young Warwick as he came to be known graduated from Oxford University with an undergraduate degree in politics and economics and was awarded his MBA from Harvard Business School In 1987 following the death of his father the 26 year old Young Warwick took over control of the publicly listed John Fairfax Holdings Limited by purchasing shares that were held by various members of the extended Fairfax family and others On 10 December 1990 the newly privatised company collapsed and a receiver was appointed 43 44 45 Fairfax subsequently relocated to the United States where he founded a business consultancy and executive coach business 44 Notable children of Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax and Lady Nancy nee Heald include John Brehmer Fairfax commonly called John B 43 and Timothy Vincent Tim Fairfax After selling out of John Fairfax Holdings in 1997 John B and Tim Fairfax invested in Rural Press Courier Newspapers now known as NewsLocal and a range of property and diversified investments 46 47 John B and Tim Fairfax and family regained partial control of the listed Fairfax Media through a friendly merger in 2007 between Rural Press and Fairfax Media 48 that by 2011 had collapsed and the Fairfax family sold all controlling interests in the eponymous company 1 2 3 4 John B s philanthropic interests include the Girls and Boys Brigade and the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia AM in 1994 in recognition of service to the community and to the media 49 and an Officer of the Order AO in 2009 for service to the print media industry particularly the development of news services in rural and remote areas and to the community through executive roles with agricultural youth and charitable organisations 50 Tim Fairfax is a businessman pastoralist and philanthropist In addition to his business interests his philanthropic interests include the Queensland University of Technology the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation The Salvation Army the National Gallery of Australia Queensland Art Gallery Foundation the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal Australian Philanthropic Services Philanthropy Australia the Royal National Association Queensland the AMA Queensland Foundation The University of Sunshine Coast Foundation and Volunteers for Isolated Students Education 51 Tim was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia AM in 2004 for service to business and commerce particularly through agricultural transport and communications enterprises and to the community through education and arts organisations 52 and a Companion of the Order AC in 2014 for eminent service to business and to the community as an advocate for philanthropy and as a major supporter of the visual arts to the promotion of higher education opportunities and to rural and regional development programs 53 In 2017 the Fairfax family sold its long held Sydney harbourside home Elaine for approximately A 75 million The home in Point Piper set on 6 986 square metres 75 200 sq ft had been in the ownership of the Fairfax family since 1891 but had not been lived in by a family member for nearly twenty years prior to the sale 54 55 Family tree editWilliam Fairfax m Elizabeth nee Jesson John Fairfax 5 m Sarah nee Reading Emily nee Fairfax 8 m Joseph Grafton Ross Dr Elsey Fairfax Ross 7 m Edith nee 56 John Grafton Fairfax Ross 56 Brigadier Captain Basil Edward Fairfax Ross m Doris Riverstone nee McCulloch Basil Edward Fairfax Ross Junior 57 m Jessie Agnes nee Dalton Thomas Fairfax Ross 56 m Rene nee Murray Charles John Fairfax 9 m Anne nee Fairfax 10 John A Jack Fairfax 11 Amy Sarah Elizabeth Fairfax 12 Caroline Elizabeth Carrie Fairfax 13 Sir James Reading Fairfax 14 m Lucy nee Armstrong Mary Elizabeth Fairfax 18 Charles Burton Fairfax 19 m Florence Marie nee Frazer div 1919 20 Captain J Griffyth Fairfax Geoffrey Evan Fairfax 21 m Anne Madeleine Lena nee Hixson Sir James Oswald Fairfax 14 m Mabel Alice nee Hixson Warwick Oswald Fairfax 32 m 1921 Marcie Elizabeth Betty nee Wilson div 1945 James Fairfax Caroline nee Fairfax m Edward Phillip Simpson Warwick Oswald Fairfax 32 m 1948 Hanne nee Anderson div 1959 Annalise Fairfax Sir Warwick Oswald Fairfax 32 m 1959 Lady Mary nee Wein Warwick Fairfax m Gail nee Anna nee Fairfax m David Cleary Charles Fairfax Harold Walter Fairfax 27 m Elsie nee Cape John Hubert Fraser Fairfax 29 m Ruth Beatrice Fairfax OBE nee Dowling Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax 35 m Lady Nancy nee Heald Sally nee Fairfax m Geoffrey White 58 Angus White Christopher White John Brehmer Fairfax 46 m Libby nee Nicholas John Nick Fairfax 47 Timothy Vincent Fairfax 46 m Gina nee Sarah nee Fairfax 59 m Joseph O Brien Lucy nee Fairfax 59 m Jose Coulson Fiona nee Fairfax 59 m Ben Poschelk Prue nee Fairfax 60 m James Pateras 59 Ruth nee Fairfax m Armytage Emilia Fairfax Armytage Dr Edward Wilfred Fairfax 30 m Mary Marguerite nee John Fitzgerald Fairfax 61 m Valerie nee Herbert Desmond Mick Fairfax 62 m Suzanne nee Dymphna nee Fairfax Diana nee Fairfax Prudence nee Fairfax E nee Fairfax m Chauvel Edward Ross Fairfax 16 m Catherine nee Mackenzie 17 See also edit nbsp Australia portal nbsp Biography portal Fairwater Double Bay Fairfax Media Ginahgulla Bellevue Hill Harrington Park homestead Harrington Park OrieltonReferences edit a b Bartholomeusz Stephen 10 November 2011 Fairfax ends the romance Business Spectator Archived from the original on 12 November 2011 Retrieved 12 November 2011 a b Dick Tim 11 November 2011 End of an era as Fairfax family calls it quits Sydney Morning Herald Archived from the original on 11 November 2011 Retrieved 12 November 2011 a b Marinya Media divests ownership of Fairfax Media PDF Australian Financial Review Press release 10 November 2011 Archived PDF from the original on 5 April 2012 Retrieved 12 November 2011 a b Jackson Sally Kitney Damon 12 November 2011 Questions over timing of Fairfax s volatile farewell The Australian Archived from the original on 11 November 2011 Retrieved 12 November 2011 a b c d e f g Fairfax James 1972 Fairfax John 1804 1877 Australian Dictionary of Biography National Centre of Biography Australian National University ISSN 1833 7538 Retrieved 25 March 2016 a b c d e Serle Percival 1949 Fairfax John Dictionary of Australian Biography Sydney Angus amp Robertson Retrieved 25 March 2016 a b Ross Elsey Fairfax 1855 1902 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 27 December 1902 Archived from the original on 8 April 2016 Retrieved 2 April 2016 a b Ross Emily 1832 1871 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 3 November 1871 Archived from the original on 14 April 2016 Retrieved 2 April 2016 a b Fairfax Charles John 1829 1864 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 2 January 1864 Archived from the original on 8 April 2016 Retrieved 2 April 2016 a b Fairfax Anne 1832 1911 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 16 December 1911 Archived from the original on 8 April 2016 Retrieved 2 April 2016 a b Fairfax John A Jack 1857 1882 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 8 July 1882 Archived from the original on 8 April 2016 Retrieved 2 April 2016 a b Fairfax Amy Sarah 1859 1918 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 26 November 1918 Archived from the original on 16 April 2016 Retrieved 2 April 2016 a b Fairfax Caroline Elizabeth Carrie 1860 1936 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University June 1936 Archived from the original on 9 April 2016 Retrieved 2 April 2016 a b c d Simpson Caroline 1981 Fairfax Sir James Reading 1834 1919 hardcopy Australian Dictionary of Biography National Centre of Biography Australian National University Archived from the original on 13 April 2016 Retrieved 30 March 2016 Fairfax Sir James Reading 1834 1919 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 29 March 1919 Archived from the original on 17 April 2016 Retrieved 3 April 2016 a b Fairfax Edward Ross 1843 1915 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 3 August 1915 Archived from the original on 8 April 2016 Retrieved 3 April 2016 a b Fairfax Catherine 1916 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University Archived from the original on 8 April 2016 Retrieved 31 March 2016 a b c Simpson Caroline 1981 Fairfax Mary Elizabeth 1858 1945 hardcopy Australian Dictionary of Biography National Centre of Biography Australian National University Archived from the original on 28 March 2016 Retrieved 30 March 2016 a b c d Fairfax Charles Burton 1859 1941 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 13 November 1941 Archived from the original on 18 April 2016 Retrieved 2 April 2016 a b An unhappy marriage The Advertiser Adelaide 15 August 1919 p 9 Archived from the original on 22 April 2016 Retrieved 4 April 2016 via National Library of Australia a b Fairfax Geoffrey Evan 1861 1930 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 28 April 1930 Archived from the original on 19 April 2016 Retrieved 2 April 2016 Mr G Fairfax Probate of Will granted The Brisbane Courier 27 August 1930 p 9 Archived from the original on 22 April 2016 Retrieved 4 April 2016 via National Library of Australia Fairwater New South Wales State Heritage Register Department of Planning amp Environment H01381 Retrieved 2 June 2018 nbsp Text is licensed by State of New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment under CC BY 4 0 licence FAIRFAX James Oswald The Order of the British Empire Officer Civil It s an Honour Australian Government 15 March 1918 Archived from the original on 15 August 2016 Retrieved 6 April 2016 FAIRFAX James Oswald The Order of the British Empire Commander Civil It s an Honour Australian Government 24 May 1918 Archived from the original on 20 January 2022 Retrieved 6 April 2016 FAIRFAX James Oswald The Order of the British Empire Knights Commander Civil It s an Honour Australian Government 3 July 1926 Archived from the original on 16 August 2016 Retrieved 6 April 2016 a b Fairfax Harold Walter 1871 1913 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 16 January 1913 Archived from the original on 19 April 2016 Retrieved 5 April 2016 Commonwealth Electoral Division of Fairfax Qld Current federal electoral divisions Australian Electoral Commission 1 November 2013 Archived from the original on 9 March 2011 Retrieved 6 April 2016 a b Rutledge Martha 2007 Fairfax John Hubert 1872 1950 hardcopy Australian Dictionary of Biography National Centre of Biography Australian National University Archived from the original on 28 March 2016 Retrieved 30 March 2016 a b Fairfax Edward Wilfred 1874 1952 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 31 October 1952 Archived from the original on 13 April 2016 Retrieved 30 March 2016 J Griffyth Fairfax AustLit The University of Queensland Archived from the original on 5 April 2016 Retrieved 25 March 2016 a b c d e Griffen Foley Bridget 2007 Fairfax Sir Warwick Oswald 1901 1987 hardcopy Australian Dictionary of Biography National Centre of Biography Australian National University Archived from the original on 13 April 2016 Retrieved 30 March 2016 Fairfax Sir Warwick Oswald 1901 1987 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 15 January 1987 Archived from the original on 5 April 2016 Retrieved 25 March 2016 Search Australian Honours FAIRFAX Warwick Oswald Knight Bachelor It s an Honour Australian Government 1 January 1967 Archived from the original on 6 May 2016 Retrieved 25 March 2016 a b c Cameron Deborah Fairfax Sir Vincent Charles 1909 1993 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University Archived from the original on 13 April 2016 Retrieved 30 March 2016 Search Australian Honours FAIRFAX Vincent Charles The Order of St Michael and St George Companion It s an Honour Australian Government 1 January 1960 Archived from the original on 8 July 2019 Retrieved 6 April 2016 Search Australian Honours FAIRFAX Vincent Charles Knight Bachelor It s an Honour Australian Government 12 June 1971 Archived from the original on 8 July 2019 Retrieved 6 April 2016 Obituary Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax Obituaries Australia Australian National University Archived from the original on 28 February 2017 Retrieved 3 March 2017 Sir Vincent Fairfax CMG 1909 1993 Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame State Library of Queensland Archived from the original on 3 March 2017 Retrieved 3 March 2017 Search Australian Honours FAIRFAX James Oswald Officer of the Order of Australia It s an Honour Australian Government 13 June 1993 Archived from the original on 3 March 2016 Retrieved 25 March 2016 Search Australian Honours FAIRFAX James Oswald Companion of the Order of Australia It s an Honour Australian Government 26 January 2010 Archived from the original on 29 January 2019 Retrieved 25 March 2016 Lawson Valerie 12 January 2017 Prominent philanthropist and arts patron James Fairfax dies smh com au Archived from the original on 12 January 2017 Retrieved 12 January 2017 a b Ricketson Matthew 7 December 2006 Family affair again after days of young Warwick The Age Archived from the original on 4 March 2016 Retrieved 21 May 2015 a b Smyth Terry 2 November 2008 Rising after the fall Sydney Morning Herald Archived from the original on 26 January 2016 Retrieved 21 May 2015 The story of The Age newspaper The Age 22 September 2007 Archived from the original on 21 September 2007 Retrieved 11 April 2016 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint unfit URL link a b c Robins Brian 6 July 2002 Fairfax brothers eyes on The Paper Sydney Morning Herald Archived from the original on 4 June 2016 Retrieved 11 April 2016 a b Verrender Ian 7 December 2006 What a price to reclaim family destiny The Age Archived from the original on 20 September 2017 Retrieved 11 April 2016 Verrender Ian 19 September 2009 Stakes are high in the Fairfax Media scrum Sydney Morning Herald Archived from the original on 16 August 2016 Retrieved 11 April 2016 Search Australian Honours FAIRFAX John Brehmer Member of the Order of Australia It s an Honour Australian Government 10 June 1994 Archived from the original on 15 September 2016 Retrieved 11 April 2016 Search Australian Honours FAIRFAX John Brehmer Officer of the Order of Australia It s an Honour Australian Government 26 January 2009 Archived from the original on 15 September 2016 Retrieved 11 April 2016 Chancellor Queensland University of Technology 11 February 2014 Archived from the original on 14 March 2012 Retrieved 11 April 2016 Search Australian Honours FAIRFAX Timothy Vincent Member of the Order of Australia It s an Honour Australian Government 26 January 2004 Archived from the original on 15 September 2016 Retrieved 11 April 2016 Search Australian Honours FAIRFAX Timothy Vincent Companion of the Order of Australia It s an Honour Australian Government 26 January 2014 Archived from the original on 29 January 2019 Retrieved 11 April 2016 Tan Su Lin 30 April 2017 Fairfax family sold Elaine for circa 75m with a sentimental discount The Australian Financial Review Archived from the original on 3 May 2017 Retrieved 5 May 2017 Macken Lucy 29 April 2017 Point Piper estate Elaine sold for more than 70 million sets national price record Domain Archived from the original on 6 May 2017 Retrieved 5 May 2017 a b c The Late Dr Elsey Fairfax Ross Sydney Morning Herald 29 December 1902 Archived from the original on 28 April 2016 Retrieved 12 April 2016 via Trove National Library of Australia Lewis D C 2007 Fairfax Ross Basil Edward 1910 1984 hardcopy Australian Dictionary of Biography National Centre of Biography Australian National University Archived from the original on 22 April 2016 Retrieved 3 April 2016 Wedding at St Mark s Australian Women s Weekly 7 August 1963 Archived from the original on 15 April 2016 Retrieved 30 March 2016 via National Library of Australia a b c d Investiture Ceremony and Dinner Office of the Governor General of Australia Australian Government 19 February 2014 Archived from the original on 25 April 2016 Retrieved 11 April 2016 Young rich listers aim for philanthropic goals Australian Financial Review 1 May 2015 Archived from the original on 22 April 2016 Retrieved 11 April 2016 Fairfax John Fitzgerald 1904 1951 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University 1 November 1951 Archived from the original on 2 April 2016 Retrieved 30 March 2016 Fairfax Hubert Desmond Mick 1906 1990 Obituaries Australia National Centre of Biography Australian National University Archived from the original on 8 April 2016 Retrieved 30 March 2016 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fairfax family Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Fairfax family amp oldid 1171953007, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.