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Cornelia Cole Fairbanks was considered a powerful, progressive operative behind the political scenes who helped pave the way for women leaders in the United States.

Born in Marysville, Ohio in 1852, "Nellie" graduated as an outstanding student from Ohio Wesleyan College in the same class as her future husband, Charles Warren Fairbanks.  After moving to Indianapolis, Mrs. Fairbanks became a member of the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter in 1895.  She was elected Vice President General and later President General.  Her greatest achievement was spearheading the building of Memorial Continental Hall, used for the first time at the 1905 Continental Congress. Her husband served as a US Senator and later Vice President of the United States under President Teddy Roosevelt.  

 

 

The Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Chapter NSDAR was organized in 1907. Daughters meet monthly on Saturdays, except for January, July, and August, in various locations across Indianapolis.  Members are active in committees that support volunteerism, veterans, historic preservation, education, and other causes in the greater Indianapolis community. 

2022-2023 Chapter Officers

Regent ...................................Diane Day

Vice Regent...........................Sherri Branaman

Chaplain ................................Pamelia Kemper

Recording Secretary.............Katie Patterson

Corresponding Secretary....Louise Knight

Treasurer...............................Holly Lee

Registrar...............................Barbara Smithey

Historian/Librarian..............Leanne Frownfelter

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The Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Chapter NSDAR dedicated this obelisk in 1916 as part of Indiana's bicentennial celebration. The obelisk stood at the National Road (now US 40 and Washington Street) and Michigan Road, an important Indianapolis crossroad.  At some point the obelisk was moved from its original site and now sits on the corner of Washington Street and Southeastern Avenue.  The chapter completed a restoration project in time for Indiana's bicentennial in 2016 with a special ceremony attended by President General Lynn Forney Young.

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