Fairfax, Thomas

Fairfax, Thomas (1693–1781) British peer, landowner; born in Denton, England. He succeeded to his title (Lord Fairfax of Cameron) in 1709. He came to Virginia (1735) to defend his proprietary rights to the "Northern Neck," the area between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. His claim was upheld (1745) and he immigrated permanently (1747), the only British peer who resided in the New America. He was justice of the peace and a friend of the young George Washington (whose half-brother, Lawrence, was married to a Fairfax). During the American Revolution, he was unmolested and his estate remained intact until his death.