 |
- JAMES P. FARNSWORTH, a retired farmer and prominent citizen
- of Beloit, was born in New England, in the State of Maine,
his birth occurring in Surry, Hancock County, May 10, 1810. His
parents were John and Sally (PATTEN) FARNSWORTH, the former a
native of Stoddard, N.H., the latter of Hancock County, Maine.
The family on both sides was probably of Scottish origin, with
the exception of the great-grandmother WASSON, who came from
the north of Ireland. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject
was a soldier in the French and Indian War, and was captured
by the Indians, but made his escape, traveling by night and many
times without food until death was threatened by starvation.
Samuel FARNSWORTH, the paternal grandfather, served as a soldier
in the Revolutionary War.
|
- In the winter of 1811 the FARNSWORTH family removed from
their home in Maine to Eaton,
- in the Province of Quebec, then called Lower Canada, and
their five children were born, our subject, who was the oldest
of the family, having been born in Maine the year previous. Mary
A., the second child is the widow of Dr. Moses C. KELLOGG, who
at one time was a prominent physician of Thompson, N.Y., and
served as surgeon during the late war. Charlotte P. is the deceased
wife of Joseph M. HOLDEN, of Green Oak, Mich.; Sarah E. died
in Michigan, in 1840; Eunice wedded Dr. Nichols HARD, of Aurora,
Ill., and both are now deceased; John F., who is a prominent
attorney of the city of Washington, and for fourteen years served
as a member of Congress from the Fourth District of Illinois.
He was also employed at the National Capital in various departments,
and during the War of the Rebellion served with distinction.
He first held the rank of Colonel of the 8th Illinois Cavalry,
but his bravery and meritorious conduct on the field of battle
led to his promotion to Brevet Brigadier General. In 1834 the
father of these children removed with the family to Livingston
County, Mich. locating in Green Oak, where he engaged in surveying
for several years. He laid out and platted the village, and became
a prominent citizen in that community. He was noted for his fine
penmanship, and was frequently called upon to write petitions
and other public documents to be sent to the Government of Canada.
His death occurred while on a visit to his daughter in Wisconsin,
though his home at that time was in Michigan and his remains
were laid to rest in the cemetery at St. Charles, Ill. His wife
died in 1854, and was interred in the same burial place. Both
were members of the Congregational Church, and were held in the
highest esteem by their many friends.
- The early education of our subject was received in Lower
Canada, and during his younger years
- he had charge of his father's farm in that country. In 1834
he came with the family to Michigan, where he again turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits, making his home in that State
until 1854, when he removed to Rockton, Winnebago Co., Ill. Purchasing
a farm of eighty acres he engaged in its cultivation, in connection
with sheep raising, until 1868, when he exchanged that land for
400 acres in the town of Newark, Rock Co., Wis. The same year
he removed to this county, and settled on section 27, Newark
Township, where he engaged in farming and in stock raising.
- Mr. FARNSWORTH has been twice married, his first union being
with Miss Achsah
- HUDSON, a native of Lower Canada, and a daughter of Robert
and Achsah (CHADDWICK) HUDSON. Two children were born unto them;
Robert J., who died in Michigan at an early age, his death occurring
Dec. 25, 1852. The other child, Elon J., enlisted in the 8th
Illinois Cavalry, as Quartermaster, with the rank of Major, and
in a short time was elected Captain of Company K. His history
appears on another page of this work. The mother of this gallant
soldier died in Rockton, in 1854. She was a devoted member of
the Episcopal Church, and a lady highly esteemed for her many
excellencies of character.
- On the 29th day of March, 1855, in Ann Arbor, Mich., Mr.
FARNSWORTH was united in
- marriage with Mrs. Amelia M. HALLOCK. Her maiden name was
CLOUGH, and she was the widow of James M. HALLOCK, who died in
Northfield, Mich., in 1850. He was a farmer by occupation, and
his father was one of the electors who elected James MADISON.
By her former marriage Mrs. FARNSWORTH was the mother of three
children: William H., of Brighton, Mich.; James M., of Holly,
Oakland Co., Mich.; and Eli, of Chicago; all of whom are holding
responsible positions. By the second union was born one son,
Julius M., who was born April 20, 1856, and is now a resident
of Chicago. In 1882, wishing to retire from the more active duties
of life, Mr. and Mrs. FARNSWORTH decided to leave their old home
and removed to the city of Beloit, where they have since resided.
By their labors in former years they have gained a competency,
which will enable them to pass the remainder of their lives in
ease and quiet. Beloit contains no citizens more highly respected,
for they have gained the confidence, love and esteem of all who
know them. Mrs. FARNSWORTH is a member of the Baptist Church.
For the past few years she has been an invalid, but she bears
her afflictions with true Christian fortitude, never complaining
of her trouble, but resting in the assurance that all will yet
be well. Some of the noted physicians of the country have been
called upon to attend her, while from her devoted husband from
many friends she receives the most watchful care and kind attention.
- A portrait of Mr. FARNSWORTH is shown upon another page.
|
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 314-315; lithograph from
same book.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|
