John I. Farley (1852-1904)

FARLEY, CARTER, COOK, HEADLEE, LANE

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 1/4/2018 at 05:05:00

John I Farley was born at the old Farley homestead two miles north of Osceola, Iowa April 10, 1852, and died at the home of his wife’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Casper Carter, in Osceola, April 28, 1904, aged fifty-two years and eighteen days.

Mr. Farley was the fifth child of Mr. and Mrs. William Farley. There were nine brothers and sisters of the family of whom two brothers and one sister are deceased, together with his father and mother. Two brothers, J.H. of Osceola and William I of Aurora, Neb., with three sisters Mrs. Cook of Lincoln Neb., Mrs. Headlee, of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Mrs. George Lane, of Osceola, survive him.

Mr. Farley was reared and educated in this county. He resided here until about twenty-two years ago when he moved to Hamilton county, Nebraska where he engaged in the real estate and loan business which he followed until some fifteen years ago when he and his brother organized the Farley bank, of Marquette, Neb. He continued in his business until the first of April, when he closed his interest in the bank because of his declining health and in view of his death when he realized was soon to call him hence. He has been a sufferer for seven years with diabetes, that terrible malady which pursues its victims with relentless certainty. By sheer determination he was able to beat back the issue through all these years.

Mr. Farley was not only successful in business enterprises but was a born leader of men and filled many offices and positions of trust in his home city, county and state. He was elected to the Nebraska state legislature on the Republican ticket in 1888, serving his constituency faithfully and honoring that body by his clear judgment and open convictions of duty. He closed his term to take up the arduous duties of his business interest. Many men sought his advice in business circles and municipal affairs. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. order of Osceola for many years and finally transferred his membership to Aurora, of which lodge he was an honored member at his death.

He was married to Miss Elizabeth Carter at Osceola March 24, 1892, which union is broken by his death. One child, a son, Master William Casper, was given to bless this home, who with his mother mourns for a husband and father today. Mr. Farley was a true husband and father who amid all his other duties took the keenest interest and joy in the welfare and happiness of his family. His demon seemed to gain more rapidly upon his strength after the sudden death of his brother, George, which occurred in January of this year. Together with his family he came to Osceola April 17th, to visit her parents and since coming has failed very rapidly, the end coming earlier than anticipated by the family and physicians.

Mr. Farley had never identified himself with the church but was a strong believer in the mission of the church and in the fundamental principles of the Christian religion. He was quite a regular attendant upon the services of the church and supported it in all its work with great liberality. He was a lover of song and often spoke of its influence for good upon the souls of men. While we could wish that he had openly confessed faith in the Master, we honor him for his moral life, sturdy character and useful citizenship.

He knew that his death was imminent and arranged all his business affairs in view of its approach. Short funeral services where held at the home of Mr. Carter, by the writer, the music being furnished by the Osceola male quartette and the order of Odd Fellows having charge of the burial. His body will rest in the Maple Hill cemetery, where they will be held as a sacred altar of love and communion by his loved ones. May the Father of all blessings keep his loved ones in our prayers.

H.E. Van Horn
May 5, 1904 The Osceola Sentinel