Hi Judith,
I checked a few places and found John Phair in the 1870 Bristol County RI Census. Page 064, #RI53716215.
Also a John J. Phair who died at age 12 on 8-8-1873. Kin 1 was William Phair, and Kin 2 was Mary Phair.
Also a John J. Phair 1904-1970,who was listed in the Who Was Who in America Vol 5. 1969-1973.
A John Phair of NY served in the Civil War in 1862 age 25.
And the wildest one was John P. Phair who was hung as a murderer in 1879 in Vermont! I also came across a William John Phair of Ballina Mallard Ireland, living in Benewah Idaho 8-20-1889. Hope one of these will give you a tidbit of information.
Regards,
Liz Fair Chadwick