Maria Yates Fairlie

by


Maria Yates was was born in October 1768. She was the daughter of Albany leader Robert Yates and his wife, Jannetje Van Ness Yates. She grew up in the homes of a rising attorney and local surveyor located up the hill in Albany.

"Mary" was not yet eighteen in August 1786 when she married newcomer James Fairlie at the Albany Presbyterian church. A number of children were christened at St. Peter's Episcopal church where Maria was confirmed in September 1791.

These Fairlies made their home on State Street where James made his way as a governmental placeman - no doubt aided by the fact that he was a Revolutionary War officer and the son-in-law of jurist Robert Yates. In 1790, their substantial home included five family members.

However, even before Robert Yates's death in 1801, Fairlie had re-located his family to New York where he served as a judicial clerk and alderman. James Fairlie died in New York in 1830.

Her daughter, Mary, occasioned notice in New York social circles.

Perhaps, her portrait was painted in 1807. In 1824, the Fairlies sold a parcel of land in New York City. Maria Yates Fairlie died sometime thereafter. We seek information on her later life and passing.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Maria Yates Fairlie is CAP biography number 4428. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted: 7/25/07