[3] In 1874, she married Charles Fairbanks, whom she had met at Ohio Wesleyan while working for the school paper.

[4] They had four sons and one daughter:[5][6] Cornelia and Charles Fairbanks moved to Indiana where he began practicing law,[when?]

Cornelia was elected President General of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 1901, and she served two terms in that capacity.

During her tenure she helped raise funds to construct the society's Memorial Continental Hall in Washington.

[3] After her husband left office, they traveled the world in 1910,[7] including an appearance in King Edward VII's court.

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