In the morning, he would go out on his porch and look at the farm then he would give a great yell to let the world know he was alive. Samuel Farr was born the fourth child to William and Azuba Farr on August 7, 1849 in Anderson Township, Hamilton County, Ohio. His family moved to Fulton County, Illinois in 1853 when he was four years old. His formal education was minimal but he did know how to read and write. He was five feet seven inches tall and on the heavy side according to his grandchildren. Samuel married Sarah Elizabeth Lindsey on October 17, 1872 in Fulton County, Illinois. The Lindsey and Farr families had lived near each other in Ohio and migrated together to Illinois. Elizabeth was the daughter of James and Hiley Ann (Parvin) Lindsey and was born on August 20, 1845. She was five years older than Samuel. Sarah who went by her middle name Elizabeth had a good education and had beautiful penmanship.
Samuel was a farmer by occupation. His descendants all referred to him as “Sammy Dad” Farr. “Now I’ve no idea why we all called him Sammy Dad but we did. I expect that was the way he wanted it. He was different as day and night from William Henry (his son). When he got up in the morning he would go out on the front porch and yell at the top of his voice. He was an outgoing man. He was a farmer also, until he got where he couldn’t work. He married twice. He had several brothers but they drifted apart and I don’t know where all they went to.” Goldie Farr Predmore, (Granddaughter, age 92).
“To me, he was a great guy. A jolly man, with funny stories and belly-laughs. He married Elizabeth Lindsey. Had three children William Henry, Iva Farr Long, May Farr Gray. Married a second time to Emma Smith. His occupation was that of a farmer. He had a white horse named Peanuts, also a Model-T Ford that “ran like a Packard”. He had three brothers, Jim Farr, John Farr, Ben Farr and a sister Sadie Farr Lovell. There has been a Bill, Sam or John in our Farr Family for generations.” Effie Mae Farr Case, (Granddaughter, age 89).
According to his grandchildren, a favorite subject of Sammy Dad’s was to talk about “going to Havany” Havana, Illinois as a young man. Sammy Dad’s wife Sarah Elizabeth died on September 6, 1905 in Industry, Illinois. Two years later in 1907, Samuel married Mrs. Emma Strawmatt Smith on February 14th, Valentine’s Day. Twenty two years later Emma died in 1929 and Samuel passed away one year later on August 28, 1930 in Industry, Illinois. He died of a stroke in his son William’s home. Samuel was buried in the Industry Cemetery between his two wives.
“Death Comes Suddenly to Aged Industry Resident – Samuel Farr Found Dead on the Floor Early Friday Morning.” Samuel Farr, one of our old and well know residents, was found dead on the floor in his room at the home of his son, W.H. Farr. Friday morning between 4:30 and 5 o’clock. Death was caused from a cerebral hemorrhage, according to the corner’s statement and must have occurred instantly as there was no evidence of a struggle. The body was first discovered by his daughter-in-law who arose shortly after her husband had left the house to go to the Johnson Oil station of which he has charge. Deceased had been in his usual health the day before and was up town during the day and evening, going home about 9:30 o’clock. He was sitting on the porch when Mrs. Farr came home a little later from the band concert and as he complained of nausea in his stomach she gave him a home remedy which he said relieved him and had retired when his son came home. It was not know just when he was stricken but from the condition of the body death must have occurred several hours before he was found. From his position it was evident he had risen from the bed to leave the foon, his feet being just at the door of the adjoining living room.
The body was taken to the Hainline Funeral Home in Macomb where it was prepared for burial and brought back to the Farr home that evening. Funeral services were held at the M.E. church Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock with Rev. John H. Clark in charge. Mrs. H.L. Mummert and Mrs. Helen Kemper with Miss Ethel Nelling at the piano sang “Under His Wing,” “Whispering Hope,” and “The End of the Long Road”… Mr. Farr had lived in this community about thirty five years and was well liked and highly respected by all who knew him.” Industry Press 1930
Farr's of Fulton County, Illinois 