Patent model for Thaddeus Fairbanks, “Steelyard,” U.S. Patent 4,761 (September 15, 1846). An inscription reads "THADDEUS FAIRBANKS ST. JOHNSBURY, VT." Thaddeus Fairbanks (1796-1886) was a founder and proprietor of E. & T. Fairbanks, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. This steelyard was designed for very heavy loads.