Always around horses a teamster’s life was difficult work hauling goods in a wagon from one place to another, jobs were insecure, and poverty was commonplace. In 1900, the typical teamster worked a long day from 12 to 18 hours, often seven days a week for an average wage of $2 per day. Benjamin Farr was a teamster. He was the sixth child of William and Azuba Predmore Farr. Born on May 15, 1857 near Vermont Township, Fulton County, Illinois. Benjamin married Jennie Phippen on September 27, 1877 in Fulton County. She was born about 1851. On the marriage application, it was necessary for William Farr to give his consent for his son to marry, as Benjamin was 20 years old at the time. Benjamin and Jennie had one child a son named Jesse Farr who was born in 1877 and who died of cholera in August 1879. Perhaps, Jennie died of cholera as well because three years after his marriage Benjamin is living on the farm of Isaac Young alone and listed as a laborer in the 1880 U.S. Census.
On August 4, 1885, Benjamin marries again this time to Ettie “Metta” Derry. The wedding was in Fulton County. Ettie was born in April 1866 to William H. and Martha J. Deniston Derry. Ettie was a heavy set woman. She died in April 1924 in Carthage, Illinois and was buried there in Moss Ridge Cemetery. During his life Benjamin lived in Fulton County, Illinois; Fort Madison, Iowa and Carthage, Illinois. He died in Fort Madison, Iowa November 29, 1939 and is buried beside his wife in Moss Ridge Cemetery.
Benjamin and Ettie Farr had five children: Zubia E. Farr born April 1887, Clyde Roy Farr born September 20, 1887, Zelma Pearl Farr born October 12, 1889, Lena Gladys Farr born May 12, 1899, and Hazel A. Farr.
Farr's of Fulton County, Illinois 