The Mason County Journal of Friday, April 24, 1908
Shelton, Mason, Washington

ROBERT FAIRBAIRN DROPS DEAD

Announcement of the sudden death of Robert FAIRBAIRN came as a surprise to the community on Wednesday afternoon, although to several friends he had complained of a pain in his side during the forenoon. He was seen to fall in the rear of his saloon and those near rushed to his assistance, but found that his heart had ceased beating and life was gone. The remains were taken to the morgue, but no inquest was held as the fact of his dying a natural death was unquestioned. Deceased was a member of Union City Masonic Lodge and of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Port Gamble, both of which were notified of his death. The funeral will take place from the Commercial hotel on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, under auspices of the Masonic lodges of Union City and Shelton, and joined by Odd Fellows. The remains will be buried in the Shelton Masonic Cemetery.

Robert FAIRBAIRN was one of the older pioneers of this region, having come to Hood Canal in a sailing vessel about 1865. From the time of his coming until about twelve years ago deceased was engaged in logging along the shores of the Canal and owned a farm near Clifton. Since coming to Shelton he has engaged in the saloon business; always observing the law and conducting his business in as quiet and unobstrusive manner as possible, following his own characteristics. He served both as County Commissioner and as Assessor in early nineties, but took little interest in political or public affairs. He leaves a wide circle of friends, especially among the older residents of Mason County, and those with whom he was associated,. The funeral promises to be largely attended from Canal points.

Deceased was about 67 years old and a native of New York. His family moved to Canada many years ago, and his mother died some fifteen years ago. He has no relatives in this section, and it is understood to be his wish that his estate, about $15,000 accumulated during the past fifteen years, is to go to the Masonic Grand Lodge