Farnham, Miss Edith (1898- 1917)

FARNHAM, TODD

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 6/16/2025 at 12:54:42

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
June 19, 1917 — Page One.

COMES TO SAD END.
NINETEEN YEAR OLD GIRL TAKES HER OWN LIFE.
MOTIVE FOR ACT IS NOT KNOWN.

Edith Farnham Shoots Herself in the Head With Bullet From a Revolver.
Had Complained of Eye Trouble and Severe Headaches.

Edith Farnham, a young girl, took her own life yesterday morning by shooting herself through the head with a bullet from a revolver. The tragedy occurred at her home, 522 Eagle street, about nine o’clock.

Miss Farnham had arisen as usual in the morning, and had helped to get breakfast for the family. She said she was suffering from a headache, and after breakfast went upstairs to her room and a few minutes later shot herself.

Her father was out in the garden mowing the lawn, and her mother was in the rear of the house speaking to a neighbor who had called. Mrs. Farnham heard the report of the revolver but did not connect the noise of the discharge of the weapon with anything serious, thinking it was boys firing cannon crackers nearby.

Miss Mable Symonds, a friend of Miss Edith Farnham, called a few minutes later and asked for Edith, and Mrs. Farnham told her Edith was upstairs lying down with a sick headache. Miss Symonds went up stairs and found her friend stretched on a bed with blood pouring from a wound in her head.

She gave an alarm and two physicians promptly responded. After an examination of the wound, they pronounced there was no hope of recovery. The unfortunate young woman never regained consciousness and died a few minutes after one o’clock. She had taken a 44 caliber revolver from a drawer in a bureau in her father’s bedroom. From appearances she had placed the pistol at the right side of her head and sent the bullet crashing through her brain, the bullet coming out through the top of her head.

Her family and friends are at a loss to account for the rash act. Miss Farnham had suffered from eye trouble and severe headaches for some time and was probably despondent over her condition. It is said that recently she stated to a friend that she wished she were strong and healthy like other girls.

On Sunday it is said that while visiting with a friend she asked her friend to take a kodak picture of her and laughingly remarked that perhaps it was the last time her friend would have a chance to take a photograph of her.

Edith Farnham was only nineteen years of age and was born in LeMars on January 1, 1898, and received her education in the city schools. After leaving school she assisted in the work at home. For a time she was employed as cashier in the Blackburn store.

She was a daughter of A. R. Farnham, a pioneer resident of this city. Her mother died about thirteen years ago. She is survived by her father and stepmother; one brother, Guy Farnham, of this city; and a sister Mrs. Frank Todd, of Merrill.

Miss Farnham was a young woman of quiet and lovable disposition, happy in her home life, and with a large circle of young friends and associates, who grieve over her tragic death. Up to last night the funeral arrangements had not been completed.
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LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, Friday, June 22, 1917

FUNERAL OF MISS FARNHAM
Girl Friends Dressed in White Acted as Pallbearers.

The funeral of Miss Edith Farnham was held on Wednesday afternoon from the house, Rev. J. K. Hawkins, pastor of the Methodist church officiating, and gave an Impressive talk. Hymns were sung by girl friends of the dead young woman, Esther Koch, Marvel Stockberger, Mabel Simeons, Lucille Schuler, Bernice Harker and Clara Jewell.

The flowers sent by many friends were beautiful and covered the casket. A large number attended the services.