was a "conductor" of the Underground Railroad who was extensively involved in operations in present-day West Virginia prior to the American Civil War.
Suggesting they split up to search the surrounding area, he arranged to rendezvous with the group but instead rode off in the opposite direction to catch up with the escaped slaves which he eventually led to Canada.
Some argue that Fairfield often went to sometimes excessive lengths, often living in a community for months at a time in order to gain the confidence of local residents.
Although many conductors often disagreed with his methods including arming his passengers and resorting to violence when necessary, he was greatly admired in the Underground Railroad.
Levi Coffin, a Quaker and fellow abolitionist, said of Fairfield, With all his faults and misguided impulses, and wicked ways, he was a brave man; he never betrayed a trust that was reposed in him, and he was a true friend to the oppressed and suffering slave.
[3] He was portrayed by Robert Carradine in a 1987 Disney Sunday Movie titled The Liberators, written and directed by Kenneth Johnson.