FARROW, James R.
Source: Indianapolis Journal Wed 20 April 1887 p 2
Greencastle, April 19 – James R. Farrow, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Putnam County died this morning at his home 9 miles north of Greencastle. Mr. Farrow was one of the earliest settlers of Putnam having moved here with his parents in 1827 from Kentucky, his native state. Mr. Farrow leaves a widow, who at present, is in a precarious state, the result of a long and severe sickness, and five daughters, three of whom are wives of Methodist ministers. - kz
Source: Greencastle Banner, 21 April 1887 p 1
James R. Farrow died Monday evening at his home in Monroe Township, nine miles north of this city after two months illness with diabetes. His age was 69 years. The funeral took place yesterday morning from the family residence, conducted by Rev. Joseph Harris, pastor of Morton circuit, assisted by Rev. Wesley Prettyman of Plainfield, the interment being in the family cemetery on the farm. The attendance was very large. Mr. Farrow was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky. Feb 15, 1818. He was the second son of the late Col. AS Farrow, and came to this county with his father 60 years ago. They settled on the farm where James resided until his death. In August 1840, he married Miss Catharine Nelson, daughter of the late James I. Nelson. She survives him but has been sick for months and her condition is now critical. Seven children were born to them, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Amanda, widow of the late Isaiah Ratcliff, living at old homestead; Mary E, wife of Dr. AA Gee, Presiding Elder of Greencastle District; Emma, wife of Rev. DM Wood of Delphi; Joan wife of Felix G. Albin of Monroe Township; Kate, wife of Rev. WN Hall of Kosauqua, Iowa. Mr. Farrow often jocularly remarked that he never felt called to the ministry but it seemed that his daughters did. His father was a local Methodist preacher; an uncle was an itinerant in Kentucky and Missouri; his brother Parker is a local preacher and one grandson, Rev Frank Gee, recently entered the ministry. It is a preaching family. Three of Mr. Farrow’s brothers till live – Rev. Parker Farrow and Dr. AC Farrow of this county and J. Harvey Farrow who removed to Missouri a few years since. His sisters are – Mrs. AM Lockridge and Mrs. Alexander Bryan of Greencastle; Mrs. JH Crow of Bird City, Kansas and Mrs. Alonzo Roberts of Iowa – all living. His living grandchildren number eight. Mr. Farrow was a man of the most sterling character and he possessed a clear and discriminating mind. He had a fine sense of honor and his good fellowship was such that he would concede more than was due rather than be a party to a difficulty. This trait made him very popular with his neighbors. His kindness and hospitality were proverbial. His table was always spread with the best productions of his fine farm and he was never more happy than when playing the part of host to his friends. Generous to a fault, no one ever sought his aid in vain. He was especially devoted to the ME Church of which he had so long been a member and his pastors never had any better friend than he. Conservative, but firm in his convictions; consisted in his actions; considerate of his friends and possessing rare good sense, he was a man whose death is a real loss to his community. Quiet and unassuming, he never sought position, but was content with a plain farm life, and his industry and close attention to business brought its due reward. Unwavering in his devotion to his principles, it was a matter of pride with him to proclaim, always that he was a Republican. He was one of the noblest men of the county, although one of the least pretentious, and we announce his death with the sincerest regret. - kz