Farnham, Ashton, R. 1848-1930

FARNHAM, EVERETT, NORRIS

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/23/2008 at 12:11:53

From: Le Mars Sentinel, January 20, 1930

EXPERT SHOER PASSES AWAY

Ashton R. Farnham Was One of First Blacksmiths in Le Mars

HAD WIDE REPUTATION

Located Here When Town Was in Its Infancy

Last rites will be held this afternoon at the Beely undertaking rooms for A.R. Farnham, one of the pioneers of Le Mars, who died in his home in Kansas City last Thursday, at the age of 81 years.

Mr. Farnham had made his home in Kansas City in recent years, since leaving his home where he lived for long years in Le Mars. Mr. Farnham was engaged in the blacksmithing trade while a resident of Le Mars and was widely known among racehorse men and horse owners, as an expert horse shoer, before the days of the automobile. He was an able craftsman, a good judge of a horse, and in early days always owned an animal with blood and speeding qualities.

Born In Ohio

Ashton R. Farnham was born near Bellefontaine, Ohio, September 11, 1848. When he was a boy of seven years of age he moved with his parents to Iowa. The settled near Postville, Winneshiek county, where he grew up and learned his trade.

Mr. Farnham came to Plymouth county in 1871 and engaged in the blacksmith business until ten years ago when he went to Kansas City.

Soon after settling in Le Mars he was united in marriage with Edith Everett. There were six children born to this union, four sons and two daughters. His first wife passed away in 1904. He was later married to Miss Elizabeth Norris, of Le Mars, who survives him. He also leaves one son, Guy Farnham, of Kansas City, and one daughter, Mrs. Nellie Todd, of Merrill. Lloyd Farnham, of this city, is a grandson of the deceased.

The services will be held at 2 o’clock this afternoon and internment made in the city cemetery beside his first wife and children.

Mr. Farnham was widely known and liked, especially among the older settlers, many of whom will regret to hear of his passing.
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FORMER PIONEER SUCCUMBS AT K. C.
Ashton R. Farnham Funeral Here Tuesday Afternoon, 2 o’clock

Ashton R. Farnham, former pioneer of this city, passed away at the home of
his son, Guy Farnham, at Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, January 16. The remains
were shipped to LeMars this afternoon and burial will be held Tuesday
afternoon at 2 from Beely’s funeral parlors.

Mr. Farnham was born near Bell Fountain, Ohio, September 11, 1848. When he
was seven years of age, he moved with his parents to Iowa, living near
Postville, Winneshiek county until 1871, when he came to Plymouth County.
Here he was united in marriage with Edith Everett. They settled in LeMars,
where he engaged in his trade as blacksmith for a number of years. There
were six children born to this union, four sons and two daughters.

Deceased’s first wife passed away in 1904. Mr. Farnham was later married to
Elizabeth Norris at LeMars, who with one son, Guy, of Kansas City and a
daughter, Mrs. Nellie Todd of Merrill, survive him.

Deceased made his home in Kansas City for the last 10 years. Burial will be
made beside his first wife and four children.

Mr. Farnham enjoyed the acquaintances of many friends, who join with the
relatives in mourning his loss, which is keenly felt by the old pioneers who
helped build this community.

~Source: LeMars Globe-Post, Jan. 20, 1930