Prior to the Civil War he worked in banking, first as a clerk, then as a teller and bookkeeper.  Later, he was a private banker, and in 1854 he was the president of the New Rochester Bank.  About the same time he built a home in Rochester.  In 1856 he was an Alderman for the city from the twelfth ward. 
     Harrison Fairchild was a Captain of the Rochester Light Guard and for nearly ten years before the Civil War was the Colonel of the 54th New York Militia.  He also held the posts of Secretary and Treasurer of the New York State Military Association.
     Harrison Stiles Fairchild was born in Cazenovia, Madison County, New York, on August fourth, 1820, the first son of Philo and his wife Nancy (Stiles) Fairchild.  His father was a well to do farmer in Madison County.  In 1838, shortly after his father died, Harrison moved to Rochester, New York.  He married Electa Jane Williams, a daughter of Harry B. Williams, on March 14, 1844.  Harrison and Electa eventually had at least four children. Electa died before 1880, when daughters Harriet and Isabella were still with Harrison. Daughter Mary and son Henry B. were not in the household. In 1892, Harrison, in the NYS Census, was 71, and daughters Harriet 40 and Isabella 33 were living with him.
     After the Civil War, he worked even until his hospitalization as a stocks and bonds broker, a real estate agent, and a United States Pension Claims Agent.  He may have assisted men formerly under his command in this latter position.  He was respected by his men during war time and recalled fondly by men after the war.  In 1894 he attended a general reunion of the Regiment held in Norwich, New York, where he was warmly applauded.
     Harrison Stiles Fairchild died in a Rochester hospital on January 25th, 1901.  An obituary appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle on the following day, naming him as the ranking general officer of the city at the time of his death.  He is buried in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester.