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 W. FARRAR, one of the prominent citizens of Hum bolt, is the owner of a fine estate, containing 420 acres of valuable land, located on sections 20, 28 and 29, in this township. He was born March 4, 1827, near Charleston, S. C., and is the son of Franklin and Mary (Steele) Farrar. Franklin Farrar was a native of South Carolina, and was there engaged both at the carpenter’s trade and farming. He moved to Perry County, Mo., in about the year 1830, where he purchased land and built a warehouse, at the point where the Iron Mountain Range crosses the river; his residence was situated nine miles from town. He carried on a successful business and made his permanent home there. His death occurred at Lebanon, Ill., while on a business trip to that State. His wife was the daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Crabtree) Steele, natives of Scotland, where Mrs. Farrar was born. The family emigrated to America and settled in South Carolina. Samuel Steele had been a State Physician in his native country, and was engaged in the practice of medicine in South Carolina. J. W. Farrar had the misfortune to be deprived of his mother by death, when only a few weeks old. His maternal grandparents took him to their home and cared for him during his infancy and childhood, but when he was about twelve years of age his grandfather died, and he was then thrown upon the world to begin life for himself, when scarcely more than a child. It was difficult for so young a boy to procure employment, but he finally succeeded in obtaining a situation on a farm near Mt. Vernon, Ind., whither his grandmother had taken him. After remaining there two years, he passed three years with an uncle residing near New Harmony, and then went to Stewartsville, where he apprenticed himself to the tanner’s trade. He applied himself to that occupation three years and a half, and was then summoned to Perry County, Mo., to assist in settling his father’s estate, whose death had occurred a short time previous. Upon completing this business, he went to St. Louis and spent one winter working at his trade in that city. After passing four years in this desultory fashion, working at his trade in different localities, he engaged in buying fowls in the country along the river, and shipping them to the New Orleans market. Four years later he went to Posey County, Ind., near Poseyville, and was occupied in farming there until 1861. This experience developing a taste for agriculture, our subject came to Coles County, Ill., taking charge of section 26, in this township, in the interest of Jaques & Walker, extensive land-owners of Evansville, Ind. The land was wholly unimproved, and the only neighbors were a few scattered families residing on the outskirts of Mattoon, seven miles distant. He immediately purchased a third interest in the land, and began the work of improvement with renewed courage and energy, being fairly successful in his first crops, which were of wheat. In 1 862 he decided to enter the service of his country in the Civil War, and organized a company for that purpose, but his home interests compelled him to relinquish the plan. In 1864, together with his partners, he sold out his farm, and determined on returning either to Indiana or Missouri, but having to some extent already established himself in this State, and gained a favorable foothold in the community, he reconsidered the matter, and finally decided to make his permanent home here. With this aim in view, he purchased 240 acres of land located on section 28, in Humbolt Township, and erected a commodious residence. He has in the meantime added to his estate 120 acres located on section 29, and sixty on section 20, and also owns a tract of timber near by. Mr. Farrar was married, Oct. 12, 1851, to Miss Ann M. Talbot. Mrs. Farrar is the daughter of Preston and Nancy (Sharpe) Talbot, natives of Shelby County, Ky., of which State her paternal grandfather, Ezekiel Talbot, was likewise a native. Her maternal grandfather, Benjamin Sharpe, was a native of Maryland. Mrs. Farrar’s mother died when she was an infant, and she was cared for by her older brothers and sisters, with whom she made her home until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Farrar had a family of eight children born to them, only two of whom are now living. Their first born, Mary Roxana, died at the age of one year and six days; five others also died in infancy; Joseph F. and Lizzie A. are living. Joseph married Miss Mary Grissom, and resides in this township; his farm is situated two miles from the homestead. Lizzie became the wife of Oscar Kinsel, a grain dealer and merchant, residing in Piatt County, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Farrar have also given a place in their hearts and home to six of their brothers’ children. Their names are as follows: Frederick Marstella, Chauncy E., Anna L., John P., Kitty T. and Emma L. Mr. Farrar and his wife have given both to their own and their adopted children, the best educational advantages attainable. It was Mr. Farrar’s aim to fit his son for professional life, but his inclinations led him so strongly to prefer agricultural pursuits, that he decided not to interfere. Four of the children still remain under the fostering care of their adopted parents. Mr. Farrar has conducted his farm successfully and has given considerable attention to raising Short-horn cattle, Clydesdale and Norman horses, and Poland-China hogs, the latter being his heaviest product in stock. He does not take a very active interest in politics, but always votes with the Republican party. He has served as Road Commissioner, School Director and Trustee for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Farrar have always been active among the foremost workers in all the philanthropic movements of the neighborhood. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were among the earliest supporters of the cause of Christ in this community, having organized the first successful measure toward building a church in the township. Their influence, both in public and private life, has ever been exerted to promote the best interests of society. |
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