At about 8:30 o'clock on the evening of June 4, 1884, Mr. James F. Farrand died at his residence in the City of Davenport, of consump tion, after a long illness. He was one of the best known citizens perhaps in the entire city, and among the business men had been for years a particularly conspicuous figure. For twenty-seven years or more he had been in business in Davenport, and during that time had become, not only thoroughly established in mercantile pursuits, but had endeared himself to a remarkable degree to a large circle of friends.
Mr. Farrand was born in New York City, August 2, 1837, and at the time of his death was in his forty-seventh year. His father was a prominent merchant in Philadelphia, and the son was trained for the same calling after receiving a good education in one of the best colleges of Philadelphia. He held a position in the City of Philadelphia for a time, and in 1857 came to Davenport, where he soon afterward established a wholesale hat, cap and fur store. He had come to this city at the request of his uncle, J. M. D. Burrows, and his father, who always resided in the East, erected what was long known as the Farrand Block, on the northeast corner of Second and Brady Streets.
Mr. Farrand was among the most prominent and enterprising of the business men of Davenport, and one of those who take hold of every project that promises to advance the city in its growth and prosperity. It is difficult to estimate what might have been the possibilities in store for him had it not been that his health failed while he was in the prime of life and in the midst of his greatest prosperity. During the years in which he was engaged in mercantile pursuits he achieved a reputation among business men here for fairness, courtesy and honesty, which he never in any manner gave any one reason to believe was not justly deserved.
During the latter years of his life he had been employed in the postoffice, wherein his faultless industry, careful zeal, ready tact and courteous attention to the interests of such of the public as he could serve, won the highest respect of all who knew him . He had taken a position under the Government owing to the fact that his health was very poor, and he believed that the out-door exercise which he would thus obtain would greatly benefit him. As an employé in the postoffice Mr. Farrand occupied a position in which his labors were especially valued. For years he had been a severe sufferer, and during the last fifteen years of his life one lung had been to him entirely useless. Resolutely, however, with an intelligent consciousness of what was inevitably near, he discharged his duties and evinced that Christian fortitude which can calmly face death and welcome the joys of the hereafter to which it opens wide the portals. He passed away from earth on Wednesday, and it was only the Friday evening previous that he ceased to discharge his wonted labors. After he was confined to his bed, it was not until almost the last hour that his family gave up hope of at least a temporary recovery.
Mr. Farrand left a widow and three children, the latter being Mrs. Lulu Will, wife of E. Will, residing in Davenport, and James and George who are in business in this city. Mrs. Farrand, who now belongs to the corps of teachers in the public schools of this city, has held that position for a number of years, having taken upon herself the task of assisting in the support of the family during her husband's serious illness. During her husband's lifetime she was all to him that it is ever possible for courageous and self-sacrificing womanhood to be to any man.
Mr. Farrand was not a public man, but he was one of the influential citizens of Davenport while in the enjoyment of health and prosperity. He cared little for politics, only to the extent of being interested in helping to secure good government, but was always willing to give what assistance he could to any movement having for its end the advance ment of the city.
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