A Life Sketch written by an Intimate Friend.
John W. Farthing, son of Hamilton and Elizabeth Farthing was born near Salem, the county seat of Marion County, Illinois, March 24, 1844, and departed this life at his home In Farina, Illinois, January 22, 1917, aged 72 years 9 months and 29 days. He grew to manhood in the community where he was born and was united in marriage to Miss Parthenia Huff October 19, 1868 and to this union were born three boys and three girls, two girls and one boy passing away in infancy. Those surviving him are his grief stricken wife, two sons, Dr. E. W. Farthing of Ramsey, and D. J. Farthing of Effingham and one daughter, Mrs. Leta Blythe of Farina, three brothers, R.C. Farthing of Farina, Wm. and Casey Farthing of Odin, two grandchildren and many friends who mourn his departure. In his early life, he was converted and united with the Antioch Methodist, Episcopal church at his old home, and his talent for vocal music and his close attendance gave him opportunity for helping to build up the Kingdom of God. His ability as a musical instructor and organizer was known far and near and for many years he taught vocal culture and was well known and loved by all who came in contact with him.
When he was 17 years of age, the Civil war broke out, and when the flag of this country was fired upon at Fort Sumpter, he was among the first to offer his service to his country, but owing to an affliction of one of his limbs, which occurred a short time prior to this, he was not accepted on account of disability, and this was regretted by him all the more for the reason that two of his brothers, R. C. and Wm., were later accepted and served in the 48th Illinois regiment which was the service of his choice. But J. w. Farthing was always noted for his patriotic sentiments and was always ready to lend his assistance in any political campaign that would advance the interests of his country and the party of his choice, he having cast his lot with the Republicans and defenders of the country from the hand of treason. In 1877 he removed with his family to Fayette county, residing on a farm near Farina, and in 1883 he moved to this city where he has since resided.
It is here that his family have been raised and here that he has met with success as a business man and in this and surrounding counties, he is probably better and more favorable known than any other citizen. He has been largely identified with the interests of Farina, investing his means in various enterprises, buying and selling real and personal property, making investments in building and loan stock and many other ways, and most of the time his success was marked with a high degree of business foresight. Twenty years ago, when the local lodge of Modern Woodmen of America was organized in Farina, Mr. Farthing became a charter member of that honorable institution, and he remained a faithful member to the day of his death, always praising the Institution and helping to make it what it is a prosperous and influential society. When the new Methodist church building was erected, he was one of the helpers, and on it's completion, he was placed at the head of the vocal music and met with remarkable success, doing much for the church and the community. He was a lover of music and delighted in the choir work to which he seemed especially adapted. He was a firm believer in God and stood for the best interests of the community, the church and especially these things that tend to unite the people socially and morally. He was a devoted husband and father, and perhaps no man ever loved his home and it's environments more than did Mr. Farthing. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, his estimable children, his numerous friends, the Woodman Lodge and the community in general. October 19, 1915, Mr. and Mrs. Farthing celebrated the 50th anniversary of their wedding, and the event was attended by a large gathering of friends, neighbors and relatives from far and near, and the occasion was one that remained a pleasing memory to Mr. and Mrs. Farthing to his departing time. The funeral service was held in the Methodist church of this city, January 24, 1917. Rev. Clarke Yost, pastor of the M. E. church delivered the funeral sermon which was largely attended by the citizens of the town and vicinity and the remains were laid to rest in the Farina cemetery to await the resurrection of the dead. Thus has another of our neighbors and friends gone on before to fathom the depths of the great beyond and friends and relatives are left to mourn his departure.
A friend.
Submitted 20 Oct 1997 by Carol Huesgen